bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Employee Performance Improvement Model at The Sumatra VI Regional Office, Indonesia
Authors: Fauzan Muhammad Oceano
Published: December 2022

The variables considered in this study were work facilities, self-control, work discipline, and employee’s performance. Meanwhile, this study aims to contribute to the Sumatra River Region VI Office and provide insight to each reader. Questionnaires marked by the Likert's Scale ranging from 1 – 5 were provided and were meant to be filled out by the employees. The results showed that work facilities (X1) and self-control (X2) partially have a positive and significant effect on work discipline (Y). Furthermore, work facilities (X1) and self-control (X2) simultaneously have a positive and significant effect on performance (Z). The positive impact occurring partially and simultaneously indicated that work facilities and self-control through work discipline can improve employee’s performance at the Sumatra River Region VI Office.

Key word: Work Facilities; Self-Control; Work Discipline; Performance

 

Abstrak

Pada penelitian ini variabel yang digunakan adalah fasilitas kerja, kontrol diri, disiplin kerja dan kinerja pada pegawai Kantor Balai Wilayah Sungai Sumatra VI. Tujuan penelitian ini untuk memberikan masukan kepada Kantor Balai Wilayah Sungai Sumatra VI serta memberikan wawasan kepada setiap pembaca. Metode penelitian menggunakan kuisioner untuk diisi oleh pegawai Kantor Balai Wilayah Sungai Sumatra VI, ketika menjawab kuisioner setiap responden memberikan tanda pada kolom yang yang ditandai oleh Skala Likert’s (1 – 5). Temuan pada penelitian ini, secara parsial fasilitas kerja (X1) dan kontrol diri (X2) terhadap disiplin kerja (Y) memiliki pengaruh positif dan signifikan, selanjutnya secara parsial fasilitas kerja (X1) dan kontrol diri (X2) terhadap kinerja (Z) memiliki pengaruh yang positif dan signifikan, dan secara simultan terdapat pengaruh antara variabel.

Kata kunci: Fasilitas Kerja; Kontrol Diri; Disiplin Kerja; Kinerja
Analysis of The Sustainable Development Policies of Local Communities in Indonesia
Authors: Sugandi Iqra , Abdoellah Oekan S , Gunawan Budhi
Published: December 2022

Historically, development has been viewed as an economic process that generates many social difficulties, ranging from increased environmental degradation and inequality to social fragility within the local community’s culture. The problems require a new strategy by applying the principles of human and ecological-based development. This study takes a qualitative approach to analyze the sustainable development policies of local communities and resolve environmental problems. Meanwhile, SDGs are localized through the Minister of Villages, Development of Disadvantaged Regions, and Transmigration’s Regulation No. 21 of 2020 on General Guidelines for Village Development and Empowerment of Village Communities. SDGs Desa lists the 18 objectives as a policy direction for rural community development and empowerment. The integration of sustainable development into village planning can increase success in designing a policy focused on the effectiveness of implementing, evaluating, reporting, and achieving goals. By adopting these strategies, the village can build awareness of the importance of tackling environmental degradation.

Keywords: Development; Government; Policy; Sustainability

                                                                                                                      

 Abstrak

Pembangunan selalu dilihat sebagai fenomena ekonomi. Banyaknya permasalahan sosial yang diakibatkan oleh proses pembangunan yang hanya berorientasi pada ekonomi, mulai dari kerusakan lingkungan yang semakin meningkat, ketimpangan sosial, hingga kerawanan sosial dalam budaya masyarakat setempat. Permasalahan tersebut memerlukan strategi pembangunan baru, dengan menerapkan prinsip-prinsip pembangunan yang berbasis manusia, dan berbasis ekologi. Penelitian ini bertujuan menganalisa penerapan SDGs pada tingkat lokal desa, untuk mengetahui tantangan serta solusi agar penerapannya menjadi maksimal. Penelitian ini merupakan studi lapangan menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif dengan mempelajari berbagai literatur tentang keterlibatan pemerintah lokal dalam melaksanakan kebijakan pembangunan berkelanjutan, permasalahan kerusakan lingkungan, dan pendekatan solusi yang tepat. Lokalisasi SDGs diwujudkan melalui Peraturan Menteri Desa, Pembangunan Daerah Tertinggal, dan Transmigrasi Nomor 21 Tahun 2020 tentang Pedoman Umum Pembangunan Desa dan Pemberdayaan Masyarakat Desa, dengan mencantumkan 18 tujuan SDGs Desa sebagai arah kebijakan pembangunan dan pemberdayaan masyarakat desa. Mengintegrasikan pembangunan berkelanjutan ke dalam perencanaan pembangunan desa dapat meningkatkan keberhasilan dalam merancang kebijakan yang lebih menitikberatkan pada efektivitas perencanaan, pelaksanaan, evaluasi, pelaporan, dan pencapaian tujuan pembangunan desa. Dengan mengadopsi hal tersebut, desa akan mampu membangun kesadaran akan pentingnya menanggulangi kerusakan lingkungan yang ada.

Kata kunci: Keberlanjutan; Pemerintah Lokal; Pembangunan
Bibliometric Analysis: Trends in Innovative Government Research
Authors: Adhania Dini , Nurdin Ismail
Published: December 2022

This research presents the results of a bibliometric analysis of research trends related to innovative government from the Scopus database from 2018 to 2022. The literature study employed Publish or Perish by Harzing for citations in metric form, Microsoft Office for data frequency analysis, and Vosviewer for visualizing data. The results showed that the innovative research publications of the government have increased from 2018 to 2021, although there was a non-significant decrease in 2019. These occurred due to advances in information technology that accompany government administration, which have become a significant topic in research. Furthermore, between January and October 2022, there have been no publications regarding innovative government, but it is expected that more studies will be published in 2022. From the 25 types of documents found, 21 articles were the most widely published. The most popular keywords include innovation, collaboration, government support, and innovative work behavior.

Keywords: Innovative Government; Bibliometric Analysis; Scopus; Research Trend

 

 

Abstrak

Penelitian ini menyajikan hasil analisis bibliometrik terhadap tren penelitian terkait innovative government dari database Scopus dalam rentang tahun 2018 – 2022. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode penelitian melalui Publish or Perish by Harzing terhadap kutipan dalam bentuk metrik, Microsoft Office untuk analisis frekuensi data dan Vosviewer untuk visualisasi data. Temuan: Berdasarkan hasil penelitian, publikasi penelitian innovative government sejak tahun 2018 mengalami kenaikan hingga tahun 2021 meskipun terjadi penurunan yang tidak signifikan pada tahun 2019. Hal ini terjadi karena kemajuan teknologi informasi yang membarengi penyelenggaraan pemerintah semakin menjadi perhatian dan diminati oleh peneliti. Hingga Oktober tahun 2022 belum ada ditemukan publikasi mengenai innovative government. Penulis meyakini ada penelitian mendatang yang akan dipublikasi pada tahun 2022. Dari 25 literatur innovative government yang ditemukan, jenis dokumen yang paling banyak dipublikasi adalah artikel berjumlah 21 artikel. Kata kunci yang paling populer antara lain innovation, collaboration, government support, dan innovative work behavior. Hal ini berarti yang paling menjadi perhatian dalam pembaruan dalam penyelenggaraan pemerintahan adalah inovasi, kolaboriasi, dukungan pemerintah dan perilaku kerja yang inovatif.

Kata kunci: Innovative Government, Analisis Bibliometrik; Scopus; Tren Penelitian
Social and Political Concerns of Lata Mangeshkar: An Ambedkarite Perspective
Authors: Ranjan Pramod
Published: December 2022

Playback singer Lata Mangeshkar was the uncrowned queen of Indian music for over seven decades. Her songs were heard and admired not only in India but also in many other countries including Pakistan and Bangladesh. This article is about her social concerns and political leanings. At the level of thought, she was close to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), which is infamous for its Nazi-like ideology. Many incidents of her life show that she preferred communal politics over secularism. She also kept away from the Dalit issues.
Analysis of Instagram User Reception Against the Use of Korean Actors as Local Skincare Brand Ambassadors @somethincofficial
Authors: Nurjanah Anna , Tiara Indah
Published: December 2022

The Korean wave phenomenon in Indonesia is marked by the increasing number of people adapting Korean cultures such as food, fashion, and language. Until more and more local Indonesian products use BA K-pop, one of which is skincare brand Somethinc. When examined further, there is a contradiction between the skin color characteristics of Korean actors and the skin color of the majority of Indonesians. This study aims to find out how Instagram users interpret advertisements featuring Han So Hee promoting brightening series products. By using qualitative methods and interpretive paradigms through a reception analysis method approach. This study use interview as data collection techniques. The results of interviews with informants were then grouped into 3 (three) categories, namely Dominant Hegemonic, Negotiated, or Oppositional Position. This study shows the results from 6 sources that there are 2 people included in the Dominant Hegemonic category, then 1 person in the Negotiated category, and 3 people in the Oppositional Position category.
An integrated approach utilizing raman spectroscopy and chemometrics for authentication and detection of adulteration of agarwood essential oils
Authors: Huang Xiaoying , Li Huiting , Ruan Yinlan , Li Zhen , Yang Huda , Xie Guixin , Yang Yi , Du Qing , Ji Kaidi , Yang Ming
Published: December 2022

Agarwood is a precious aromatic plant which has good pharmacological effects such as antidepressant and sedation. It also has good ornamental and collection value. However, due to it is long and complex production process, the output of agarwood essential oils (AEOs) is scarce, so the price is expensive, the quality is uneven, and the adulteration events is endless. From the commercial and pharmaceutical point of view, the authenticity and quality of the commercial products labeled as AEOs is very important. This paper tested the applicability of Raman spectroscopy combined with chemometrics in classification and authenticity identification of AEOs. In this study, Raman spectroscopy and principal component analysis (PCA) combined with partial least square discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) were used to comprehensively evaluate AEOs from different geographical origins and/or extracted by different methods which showed different characteristic bands. The characteristic component of AEOs, chromone derivatives, and two commonly used adulterants were also detected. These characteristic bands provide spectrum information of AEO samples and reference materials, which can be used as Raman spectral markers for the qualitative identification of AEOs. This study can provide a novel, fast and convenient method for identification of AEOs.
The correlation between dysfunctional intestinal flora and pathology feature of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis
Authors: Ye Shiqing , Wang Liang , Li Shengkai , Ding Qingyong , Wang Yu , Wan Xinxin , Ji Xiaoyun , Lou Yongliang , Li Xiang
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Recent studies have provided insights into the important contribution of gut microbiota in the development of Pulmonary Tuberculosis (PTB). As a chronic consumptive infectious disease, PTB involves many pathological characteristics. At present, research on intestinal flora and clinical pathological Index of PTB is still rare.

Methods

We performed a cross-sectional study in 63 healthy controls (HCs) and 69 patients with untreated active PTB to assess the differences in their microbiota in feces via 16S rRNA gene sequencing.

Results

Significant alteration of microbial taxonomic and functional capacity was observed in PTB as compared to the HCs. The results showed that the alpha diversity indexes of the PTB patients were lower than the HCs (P<0.05). Beta diversity showed differences between the two groups (P<0.05). At the genus level, the relative abundance of Bacteroides, Parabacteroides and Veillonella increased, while Faecalibacterium, Bifidobacterium, Agathobacter and CAG-352 decreased significantly in the PTB group, when compared with the HCs. The six combined genera, including Lactobacillus, Faecalibacterium, Roseburia, Dorea, Monnoglobus and [Eubacterium]_ventriosum_group might be a set of diagnostic biomarkers for PTB (AUC=0.90). Besides, the predicted bacterial functional pathway had a significant difference between the two groups (P<0.05), which was mainly related to the nutrient metabolism pathway. Significant alterations in the biochemical index were associated with changes in the relative abundance of specific bacteria, the short chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing bacteria enriched in HCs had a positively correlated with most of the biochemical indexes.

Discussion

Our study indicated that the gut microbiota in PTB patients was significantly different from HCs as characterized by the composition and metabolic pathway, which related to the change of biochemical indexes in the PTB group. It was hypothesized that the abovementioned changes in the gut microbiota could exert an impact on the clinical characteristics of PTB through the regulation of the nutrient utilization pathway of the host by way of the gut-lung axis.
Climate mobilities, rights and justice: Complexities and particularities
Authors: Farbotko Carol , Thornton Fanny , Mayrhofer Monika , Hermann Elfriede
Published: December 2022

Climate mobility revolves around issues of justice and human rights, whether this be concerning its causes, expression or handling. This paper examines the justice-rights nexus as it relates to climate mobility, highlighting how the two spheres converge and diverge. It works with four case studies exploring the complexity of rights and justice in the climate mobility context. Our case studies are diverse, in terms of the mobility types concerned and the rights and justice-based issues involved. We show that conceptualizing or achieving just or righteous outcomes is neither certain nor a uniform pursuit when it comes to climate mobility. Rather, there are many divergences–by those who claim rights or justice, and those asked to respond. We present a complex and contested space, highlight the importance of approaching justice and rights matters contextually, and with special attention to particularities when climate mobility is at issue.
Outcomes of transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral valve repair with percutaneous coronary intervention vs. surgical mitral valve repair with coronary artery bypass grafting
Authors: Wang Xiqiang , Ma Yanpeng , Liu Jing , Wang Ting , Zhu Ling , Fan Xiude , Cui Qianwei , Liu Chengfeng , Guan Gongchang , Wang Junkui , Pan Shuo , Liu Zhongwei , Zhang Yong
Published: December 2022

Aims

Patients with severe ischemic mitral regurgitation (IMR) may receive concurrent coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) with surgical mitral valve repair (SMVr) or percutaneous coronary stent implantation (PCI) with transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral valve repair (TMVr). However, there is no consensus on the management of severe IMR in this setting. We aimed to compare the outcomes of combined SMVr with CABG to concurrent TMVr with PCI among patients with IMR in the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database.

Methods and results

The National Inpatient Sample was queried for all patients diagnosed with IMR who underwent SMVr with CABG or TMVr with PCI during the years 2016–2018. Study outcomes included all-cause in-hospital mortality, periprocedural complications, and resources used. A total of 1,360 potentially eligible patients were included in the study. After 1:5 propensity score matching, 133 patients were classified in the SMVr + CABG group and 29 patients in the TMVr + PCI group. Adjusted mortality was higher in the TMVr + PCI group compared with the SMVr + CABG group (13.8% vs. 4.5%, P = 0.034). Perioperative complications were higher among patients who underwent SMVr + CABG including blood transfusions (29.3% vs. 6.9%, P = 0.01) and post-procedural cardiogenic shock (11.3% vs. 0%, P = 0.044). The cost of care was higher (USD$783548.80 vs. USD$331846.523, P = 0.001) and the length of stay was longer (17.9 vs. 15.44 days, P < 0.001) in the TMVr + PCI group. On multivariable analysis, age (OR, 1.039 [95% CI, 1.006–1.072]; P = 0.032), renal failure (OR, 3.465 [95% CI, 1.867–6.433]; P < 0.001), and liver disease (OR, 5.012 [95% CI, 2.578–9.686]; P < 0.001) were associated with in-hospital mortality.

Conclusion

TMVr + PCI was associated with higher resource use and in-hospital mortality but with improved perioperative complications compared with SMVr + CABG.
Geochemical characteristics of shale gas formation and the potential for carbon storage in Thailand: An example from the Triassic Huai Hin Lat Formation
Authors: Chenrai Piyaphong , Assawincharoenkij Thitiphan , Jitmahantakul Sukonmeth , Chaiseanwang Patthapong
Published: December 2022

An evaluation of the potential shale gas play and geological carbon dioxide (CO2) storage from the Triassic Huai Hin Lat Formation in Thailand was performed based on field observations and mineralogical and geochemical data. This study was mainly focused on mudstone samples in some parts of the Huai Hin Lat Formation. The samples can be divided into three groups based on their mineral compositions as follows: coaly mudstone, carbonate-siliceous mudstone, and carbonate mudstone. The brittleness index based on their mineral compositions indicates that the samples show ultra-high carbonate and quartz contents, which suggests a good hydraulic fracture candidate. Total organic carbon and extractable organic matter of the samples represents poor to excellent generation potential for hydrocarbon source rock with type III kerogen. The depositional environment shows that the Huai Hin Lat Formation occurs in anoxic to suboxic conditions in an aquatic depositional environment. The formation is suitable for geological CO2 storage, which may reduce CO2 during petroleum production and increase the production rate. Consequently, results from this study are useful for unconventional shale reservoir exploration and carbon storage technology in Thailand and adjacent countries.
Association between the RETN -420C/G polymorphism and type 2 diabetes mellitus susceptibility: A meta-analysis of 23 studies
Authors: Luo Fei , Shi Mingjie , Guo Junhao , Cheng Yisen , Xu Xusan , Zeng Jieqing , Huang Si , Huang Weijun , Wei Wenfeng , Wang Yajun , Chen Riling , Ma Guoda
Published: December 2022

Background

The published findings on the link between the resistin (RETN) gene polymorphism and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) risk are still contradictory. Here, through a meta-analysis, we summarized a more precise evaluation of their connection by synthesizing existing research.

Methods

PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science were electronically searched, and all cited sources were manually searched. The heterogeneity of effects was tested and all statistical analyses were performed in Stata 12.0.

Results

A total of 23 studies with 10,651 cases and 14,366 controls on RETN -420C/G polymorphism were included. The overall results showed that the association of RETN -420C/G polymorphism and T2DM susceptibility was not significant [for the allelic model: odds ratio (OR) = 0.98, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.87–1.10, pheterogeneity <.001; I2 = 84.6%; for the dominant model: OR = 0.96, 95% CI = 0.80–1.15, pheterogeneity <.001; I2 = 87.1%; and for the recessive model: OR = 0.96, 95% CI = 0.82–1.12, pheterogeneity <.001; I2 = 56.9%] but with high heterogeneity across studies (p <.0001). Meta-regression found that the median age of T2DM participants (using age 50 as the cutoff) could be a factor in the observed variation. The RETN -420C/G polymorphism seems to be linked to an increased risk of T2DM in younger individuals [for dominant: OR = 0.84 (95% CI, 0.72–0.98; pheterogeneity <.001; I2 = 80.9%)] and decreased risk in older people [for dominant: OR = 3.14 (95% CI, 2.35–4.19; pheterogeneity = .98; I2 = 0.0%)].

Conclusions

Current results found no evidence that the RETN -420C/G variant was linked to T2DM susceptibility, but the patient’s age appears to be a potential factor that contributed to high heterogeneity across studies. Additional high-quality and well-designed investigations are required to confirm these results.
Complex sexual-social environments produce high boldness and low aggression behavioral syndromes
Authors: Queller Philip S. , Shirali Yasmin , Wallace Kelly J. , DeAngelis Ross S. , Yurt Vural , Reding Luke P. , Cummings Molly E.
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Evidence of animal personality and behavioral syndromes is widespread across animals, yet the development of these traits remains poorly understood. Previous research has shown that exposure to predators, heterospecifics, and urbanized environments can influence personality and behavioral syndromes. Yet, to date, the influence of early social experiences with conspecifics on the development of adult behavioral traits is far less known. We use swordtail fish (Xiphophorus nigrensis), a species with three genetically-determined male mating strategies (courtship display, coercion, or mixed strategy) to assess how different early-life social experiences shape adult behavioral development.

Methods

We raised female swordtails from birth to adulthood in density-controlled sexual-social treatments that varied in the presence of the type of male mating tactics (coercers only, displayers only, coercers and displayers, and mixed-strategists only). At adulthood, we tested females’ boldness, shyness, aggression, sociality, and activity.

Results

We found that the number of different mating strategies females were raised with (social complexity) shaped behavioral development more than any individual mating strategy. Females reared in complex environments with two male mating tactics were bolder, less shy, and less aggressive than females reared with a single male mating tactic (either courtship only or coercion only). Complex sexual-social environments produced females with behavioral syndromes (correlations between aggression and activity, shyness and aggression, and social interaction and activity), whereas simple environments did not.

Discussion

Importantly, the characteristics of these socially-induced behavioral syndromes differ from those driven by predation, but converge on characteristics emerging from animals found in urban environments. Our findings suggest that complexity of the sexual-social environment shapes the development of personality and behavioral syndromes to facilitate social information gathering. Furthermore, our research highlights the previously overlooked influence of sexual selection as a significant contributing factor to diverse behavioral development.
Micro-fractionation shows microbial community changes in soil particles below 20 μm
Authors: Keuschnig Christoph , Martins Jean M. F. , Navel Aline , Simonet Pascal , Larose Catherine
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Micro-scale analysis of microbes in soil is essential to the overall understanding of microbial organization, interactions, and ecosystem functioning. Soil fractionation according to its aggregated structure has been used to access microbial habitats. While bacterial communities have been extensively described, little is known about the fungal communities at scales relevant to microbial interactions.

Methods

We applied a gentle soil fractionation method to preserve stable aggregated structures within the range of micro-aggregates and studied fungal and bacterial communities as well as nitrogen cycling potentials in the pristine Rothamsted Park Grass soil (bulk soil) as well as in its particle size fractions (PSFs; >250 μm, 250–63 μm, 63–20 μm, 20–2 μm, <2 μm, and supernatant).

Results

Overall bacterial and fungal community structures changed in PSFs below 20 μm. The relative abundance of Basidiomycota decreased with decreasing particle size over the entire measure range, while Ascomycota showed an increase and Mucoromycota became more prominent in particles below 20 μm. Bacterial diversity was found highest in the < 2 μm fraction, but only a few taxa were washed-off during the procedure and found in supernatant samples. These taxa have been associated with exopolysaccharide production and biofilm formation (e.g., Pseudomonas, Massilia, Mucilaginibacter, Edaphobaculum, Duganella, Janthinobacterium, and Variovorax). The potential for nitrogen reduction was found elevated in bigger aggregates.

Discussion

The observed changes below 20 μm particle are in line with scales where microbes operate and interact, highlighting the potential to focus on little researched sub-fractions of micro-aggregates. The applied method shows potential for use in studies focusing on the role of microbial biofilms in soil and might also be adapted to research various other soil microbial functions. Technical advances in combination with micro-sampling methods in soil promise valuable output in soil studies when particles below 20 μm are included.
The impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on birth satisfaction and birth experiences in Russian women
Authors: Suarez Anna , Yakupova Vera
Published: December 2022

Background

Women's satisfaction with their childbirth experiences has significant impacts on their health and the health of their children. Recently, childbirth and maternity care systems have been disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to investigate the association of birth satisfaction with mode of birth, medical interventions, support during labour, type of childbirth healthcare plan and antenatal education in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic in Russia.

Methods

1,645 Russian women who gave birth during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic and 611 matched controls who gave birth in the previous year participated in an anonymous Internet survey about their childbirth experience. The survey included questions regarding women's demographic and obstetric characteristics as well as their childbirth experiences. Birth satisfaction was measured using the Birth Satisfaction Scale Revised Indicator (BSS-RI).

Results

Birth satisfaction scores did not show notable changes before and during the pandemic (Pearson Chi-square = 19.7, p = 0.22). Women had lower BSS-RI scores if they tested positive for COVID-19 during labour (F = 9.18, p = 0.002), but not during pregnancy or postpartum (p > 0.32). In both cohorts women who had vaginal births rated birth satisfaction higher than those who had caesarean births. The more medical interventions there were, the lower were the BSS-RI scores (B = −0.234, 95% CI: −0.760; −0.506, p < 0.001), but only during the pandemic. Birth satisfaction was higher if women had a support person present during labour (F > 7.44, p < 0.001), which was not possible for over 70% of participants during the pandemic. In both cohorts birth satisfaction was associated with the childbirth healthcare plan (F > 5.27, p < 0.001), but not with antenatal education (F < 0.15, p > 0.43).

Conclusions

Our study highlights the significant impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the birth experiences of Russian women. Sustaining the rights of women to informed decisions during labour, respect for their preferred childbirth healthcare plan, presence of the birth team of choice and professional support for home birth are essential for higher birth satisfaction and better health outcomes for mothers and their infants.
The invasive blue crab Callinectes sapidus thermal response: Predicting metabolic suitability maps under future warming Mediterranean scenarios
Authors: Marchessaux Guillaume , Bosch-Belmar Mar , Cilenti Lucrezia , Lago Nicola , Mangano Maria Cristina , Marsiglia Nicoletta , Sarà Gianluca
Published: December 2022

One of the consequences of climate change and globalization is the recent proliferation of the invasive blue crab Callinectes sapidus in the Mediterranean Sea. In this study, C. sapidus thermal tolerance was investigated through experiments based on species metabolic response (measuring respiration rates) to a wide temperature range. Based on metabolic rates, Thermal Habitat Suitability (THS) maps were performed on current and futures temperature conditions in the Mediterranean Sea. Thermal Performance Curve showed a CTmax at 40°C and an optimum at 24°C. Respiration rate increased between 12°C and 24°C and decreased until 30°C. At the highest temperatures (> to 30°C) a pointed increase in the respiration rate values was observed from 32°C before the organisms’ death at 40°C. Predictive maps showed that the whole basin shows suitable conditions for population maintenances of C. sapidus in all used warming scenarios. The future scenarios show a mean increase of +0.2 of the THS over the year. The present study increases the understanding of the ecological performance and potential distribution of C. sapidus. This information will contribute to the design and implementation of risk assessment and management plans of this impactful crustacean in the Mediterranean Sea.
Estimating fractional cover of saltmarsh vegetation species in coastal wetlands in the Yellow River Delta, China using ensemble learning model
Authors: Wang Zhanpeng , Ke Yinghai , Lu Dan , Zhuo Zhaojun , Zhou Qingqing , Han Yue , Sun Peiyu , Gong Zhaoning , Zhou Demin
Published: December 2022

Saltmarshes in coastal wetlands provide important ecosystem services. Satellite remote sensing has been widely used for mapping and classification of saltmarsh vegetation, however, medium-spatial-resolution satellite datasets such as Landsat-series imagery may induce mixed pixel problems over saltmarsh landscapes which are spatially heterogeneous. Sub-pixel fractional cover estimation of saltmarsh vegetation at species level are required to better understand the distribution and canopy structure of saltmarsh vegetation. In this study, we presented an approach framework for estimating and mapping the fractional cover of major saltmarsh species in the Yellow River Delta, China based on time series Landsat 8 Operational Land Imager data. To solve the problem that the coastal area is frequently covered by clouds, we adopted the recently developed virtual image-based cloud removal (VICR) algorithm to reconstruct missing image values under the cloud/cloud shadows over the time series Landsat imagery. Then, we developed an ensemble learning model (ELM), which incorporates Random Forest Regression (RFR), K-Nearest Neighbor Regression (KNNR) and Gradient Boosted Regression Tree (GBRT) based on temporal-spectral features derived from the time-series cloudless images to estimate the fractional cover of major vegetation types, i.e., Phragmites australis, Suaeda salsa and the invasive species, Spartina alterniflora. High spatial resolution imagery acquired by the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle and Gaofen-6 satellites were used for reference sample collections. The results showed that our approach successfully estimated the fractional cover of each saltmarsh species (average of R-square:0.891, RMSE: 7.48%). Through four scenarios of experiments, we found that the ELM is advantageous over each individual model. When the images during key months were absent, cloud removal for the Landsat images considerably improved the estimation accuracies. In the study area, Spartina alterniflora covers the largest area (5753.97 ha), followed by Phragmites australis with spatial extent area of 4208.4 ha and Suaeda salsa of 1984.41 ha. The average fractional cover of S. alterniflora was 58.45%, that of P. australis was 51.64% and that of S.salsa was 51.64%.
Case report: A case of corneal deposits between binocular descemet membrane and corneal endothelial layer after small-incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) followed by HPV vaccine
Authors: Zhang Hao , Deng Yingping , Ma Ke , Sun Chengshu , Tang Jing
Published: December 2022

Background

Deposits located between the Descemet memberane and the corneal endothelial layer in both eyes has not yet been reported after SMILE.

Case report

Grayish white fine deposits was found between the Descemet memberane and the corneal endothelial layer in both eyes of the patient's cornea, and no other abnormalities were observed in the anterior and posterior segments of patient's eyes with ophthalmic examination instrument. However, the visual acuity of patient remained unchanged. Significantly, the patient had a sister who had undergone the same procedure a year earlier without any complications. After careful questioning, we learned that the patient received the 9-valent human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine on the third post-operative day without any other special experiences. We performed immunological examination and genetic testing on the patient. The results of immunological examination of patient showed no obvious abnormality, which was consistent with the routine trend after vaccination. In particular, a homozygous variation of the ARSG gene was found in the patient and her sister.

Conclusion

There are two possible causes of corneal changes in patients. The first is IGA elevation caused by vaccination, deposited in the cornea. Second, the ARSG gene mutation of the patient leads to a potential congenital corneal dystrophy, and clinical manifestations occur under the stimulation of the vaccine.
The timelines for the price and reimbursement authorization in Italy 2018–2020
Authors: Gallo Valentina , Alessi Eva , Montilla Simona , Altamura Gianluca , Traversa Giuseppe , Trotta Francesco
Published: December 2022

Objective

This investigation aimed to guarantee the principles of transparency in public administration; to inform citizens about the time to patient access to reimbursed medicines; to assess the duration of the P&R process for the first time in the period 2018–2020; and to evaluate whether and how the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic affected the P&R activity. This study analyzed the timelines of pricing and reimbursement procedures submitted in Italy by the pharmaceutical marketing authorization holder (MAH) from 2018 to 2020.

Methods

The analysis was run through an AIFA web-based platform that collects data about P&R procedures for each step of the Italian Price and Reimbursement (P&R) procedure, including dates of the Technical Scientific Committee (CTS) and Price and Reimbursement Committee (CPR) meetings from January 2018 to December 2020. On this basis, four indicators were developed relating to the completion time of each stage of the P&R negotiation process and were defined in terms of days. In this regard, descriptive analyses, graphical boxplots, and survival curves (Kaplan–Meier) were carried out, studying these indicators in relation to the typology of pharmaceutical procedures.

Results

Overall, in the period 2018–2020, 57.1% of the 2,445 procedures entered were represented by the Off-patent pharmaceuticals procedures (generics, biosimilars, copies, and/or parallel trade). In 2020, the overall process duration for Off-patent pharmaceuticals procedures was equal to 129.8 average days [95% CI: (122.3–137.2)], with a median value of 108.0, whereas for In-patent pharmaceuticals procedures, it was equal to 283.1 average days [95% CI: (267.8–298.5)], with a median value of 284.0. Over time, the trend of the entire duration of the P&R process tended to decrease. In terms of estimated timing for the conclusion of each stage of the P&R negotiation process, the difference between Off-patent and In-patent pharmaceutical procedures was statistically significant by the Log-Rank test.

Discussion and conclusion

This is the first study to examine the time of the P&R process in Italy, from MAH submission to the publication of the final decision in the Italian Official Journal. The time span considered is 3 years, including the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Compared to European average times, in Italy, the time necessary for evaluation, authorization for reimbursement, and definition of the price of a medicine can be considered satisfactory.
Direct blood fluorescence signal intensity of neutrophils (NEU-SFL): A predictive marker of death in hospitalized COVID-19 patients?
Authors: Fortier Mathieu , Chea Mathias , Aïn Charlène , Loyens Maxime , Boudemaghe Thierry , Gris Jean-Christophe , Bouvier Sylvie
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory disease triggered by immunopathological mechanisms that cause excessive inflammation and leukocyte dysfunction. Neutrophils play a critical role in the innate immunity and are able to produce neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs: NETosis process) to combat infections. Some NETs markers are increased in patients who died from COVID-19. Recently, the neutrophil fluorescence variable (NEU-SFL), available on certain automated complete blood count (CBC) analyzers, has been correlated with NET formation and may reflect NETosis in patients. Here we evaluate whether NEU-SFL measured after admission of COVID-19 patients is associated with in-hospital survival or death.

Patients and methods

1,852 patients admitted for severe COVID-19 at Nîmes University Hospital in 2021 were retrospectively included in the study: 1,564 who survived the hospital stay and 288 who did not. The NEU-SFL was obtained on the Sysmex™ XN-10® analyzer and values for survivors and non-survivors were compared. The intra-patient NEU-SFL variations between the hospital entry and the last day of hospitalization were also analyzed (IRB 22.06.01, NCT 05413824).

Results

Non-survivors presented higher NEU-SFL values. NEU-SFL values above the 4th quartile were independently associated with a 2.88-fold risk of death. Furthermore, the difference of NEU-SFL values between the first and the last available data during hospitalization revealed that a decrease in NEU-SFL was associated to survivors and vice versa.

Conclusion

Our study reinforces the role of neutrophils and NETosis in the pathophysiology and prognosis of COVID-19. Further studies combining NEU-SFL with other NETosis markers could improve the management of COVID-19 patients.
Disease activity indexes might not capture the same disease aspects in males and females with ankylosing spondylitis: A real-world nationwide analysis
Authors: Fernández-Carballido Cristina , Jovaní Vega , Catalán Emma Beltrán , Moreno-Ramos Manuel José , Sanz Sanz Jesús , Gallego Adela , García Vivar M. Luz , Rodríguez-Heredia José Manuel , Sanabra Cristina , Sastré Carlos
Published: December 2022

Background

To evaluate gender differences in disease activity and health status (HS) in patients with radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (r-axSpA)/ankylosing spondylitis (AS).

Methods

Ancillary analysis of the MIDAS study, an observational, non-interventional, cross-sectional and retrospective multicenter nationwide study to assess disease activity and its relationship with HS in clinical practice. Adult patients with AS diagnosis, fulfilling ASAS and modified New York criteria, treated for ≥3 months upon study inclusion according to clinical practice were included. The primary outcome was “disease control” assessed by the percentage of patients in remission and low disease activity (BASDAI and ASDAS-CRP scores). HS was evaluated using the ASAS health index (ASAS-HI). Patients' responses and characteristics were analyzed by gender.

Results

We analyzed 313 patients with AS, 237 (75.7%) males and 76 (24.3%) females. A total of 202 (64.5%) patients had adequate disease control (BASDAI < 4); 69.2% of males [mean (SD) BASDAI 2.9 (2.1)] and 50.0% of females [mean (SD) BASDAI 3.8 (2.4); p = 0.01]. According to ASDAS-CRP, 57.5% of patients were adequately controlled (ASDAS-ID +ASDAS-LDA); 138 (58.2%) males and 42 (55.3%) females. The mean (SD) ASDAS-CRP was 1.9 (1.1); being 1.9 (1.0) in males and 2.0 (1.1) in females. Overall, the impact of AS on HS was low to moderate [mean (SD) ASAS-HI 5.8 (4.4)]; being 5.5 (4.4) for males and 6.8 (4.2) for females (p = 0.02).

Conclusion

This study showed a higher proportion of females with AS and active disease using the BASDAI definition. When using the ASDAS-CRP definition these differences by gender were less pronounced. The impact of disease activity on HS appears to be higher in females than males.
Gut bacteria reflect the adaptation of Diestrammena japanica (Orthoptera: Rhaphidophoridae) to the cave
Authors: Dong Yiyi , Chen Qianquan , Fang Zheng , Wu Qingshan , Xiang Lan , Niu Xiaojuan , Liu Qiuping , Tan Leitao , Weng Qingbei
Published: December 2022

The gut microbiota is essential for the nutrition, growth, and adaptation of the host. Diestrammena japanica, a scavenger that provides energy to the cave ecosystem, is a keystone species in the karst cave in China. It inhabits every region of the cave, regardless of the amount of light. However, its morphology is dependent on the intensity of light. Whether the gut bacteria reflect its adaptation to the cave environment remains unknown. In this research, D. japanica was collected from the light region, weak light region, and dark region of three karst caves. The gut bacterial features of these individuals, including composition, diversity, potential metabolism function, and the co-occurrence network of their gut microbiota, were investigated based on 16S rRNA gene deep sequencing assay. The residues of amino acids in the ingluvies were also evaluated. In addition, we explored the contribution of gut bacteria to the cave adaptation of D. japanica from three various light zones. Findings showed that gut bacteria were made up of 245 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) from nine phyla, with Firmicutes being the most common phylum. Although the composition and diversity of the gut bacterial community of D. japanica were not significantly different among the three light regions, bacterial groups may serve different functions for D. japanica in differing light strengths. D. japanica has a lower rate of metabolism in cave habitats than in light regions. We infer that the majority of gut bacteria are likely engaged in nutrition and supplied D. japanica with essential amino acids. In addition, gut bacteria may play a role in adapting D. japanica’s body size. Unveiling the features of the gut bacterial community of D. japanica would shed light on exploring the roles of gut bacteria in adapting hosts to karst cave environments.
Rice leaf endophytic Microbacterium testaceum: Antifungal actinobacterium confers immunocompetence against rice blast disease
Authors: Patel Asharani , Sahu Kuleshwar Prasad , Mehta Sahil , Balamurugan Alexander , Kumar Mukesh , Sheoran Neelam , Kumar Shanu , Krishnappa Charishma , Ashajyothi Mushineni , Kundu Aditi , Goyal Tushar , Narayanasamy Prabhakaran , Kumar Aundy
Published: December 2022

Genetic and functional characteristics of rice leaf endophytic actinobacterial member,Microbacteriumare described. Morphotyping, multilocus sequence analysis and transmission electron microscopy indicated the species identity of the endophytic bacterium, OsEnb-ALM-D18, asMicrobacterium testaceum. The endophyticMicrobacteriumshowed probiotic solubilization of plant nutrients/minerals, produced hydrolytic enzyme/phytohormones, and showed endophytism in rice seedlings. Further, the endophytic colonization byM. testaceumOsEnb-ALM-D18 was confirmed using reporter gene coding for green fluorescence protein.MicrobacteriumOsEnb-ALM-D18 showed volatilome-mediated antibiosis (95.5% mycelial inhibition) onMagnaporthe oryzae. Chemical profiling ofM. testaceumOsEnb-ALM-D18 volatilome revealed the abundance of 9-Octadecenoic acid, Hexadecanoic acid, 4-Methyl-2-pentanol, and 2,5-Dihydro-thiophene. Upon endobacterization of rice seedlings,M. testaceumaltered shoot and root phenotype suggestive of activated defense. Over 80.0% blast disease severity reduction was observed on the susceptible rice cultivar Pusa Basmati-1 upon foliar spray withM. testaceum. qPCR-based gene expression analysis showed induction ofOsCERK1,OsPAD4,OsNPR1.3, andOsFMO1 suggestive of endophytic immunocompetence against blast disease. Moreover,M. testaceumOsEnb-ALM-D18 conferred immunocompetence, and antifungal antibiosis can be the future integrated blast management strategy.
Global transcriptional responses of pneumococcus to human blood components and cerebrospinal fluid
Authors: Pettersen Jens Sivkær , Høg Frida Fabricius , Nielsen Flemming Damgaard , Møller-Jensen Jakob , Jørgensen Mikkel Girke
Published: December 2022

Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) is a leading cause of severe invasive infectious diseases such as sepsis and meningitis. Understanding how pneumococcus adapts and survive in the human bloodstream environment and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is important for development of future treatment strategies. This study investigates the global transcriptional response of pneumococcus to human blood components and CSF acquired from discarded and anonymized patient samples. Extensive transcriptional changes to human blood components were observed during early stages of interaction. Plasma-specific responses were primarily related to metabolic components and include strong downregulation of fatty acid biosynthesis genes, and upregulation of nucleotide biosynthesis genes. No transcriptional responses specific to the active plasma proteins (e.g., complement proteins) were observed during early stages of interaction as demonstrated by a differential expression analysis between plasma and heat-inactivated plasma. The red blood cell (RBC)-specific response was far more complex, and included activation of the competence system, differential expression of several two-component systems, phosphotransferase systems and transition metal transporter genes. Interestingly, most of the changes observed for CSF were also observed for plasma. One of the few CSF-specific responses, not observed for plasma, was a strong downregulation of the iron acquisition system piuBCDA. Intriguingly, this transcriptomic analysis also uncovers significant differential expression of more than 20 small non-coding RNAs, most of them in response to RBCs, including small RNAs from uncharacterized type I toxin-antitoxin systems. In summary, this transcriptomic study identifies key pneumococcal metabolic pathways and regulatory genes involved with adaptation to human blood and CSF. Future studies should uncover the potential involvement of these factors with virulence in-vivo.
Taxonomy and phylogeny of Sanguinoderma rugosum complex with descriptions of a new species and a new combination
Authors: Sun Yi-Fei , Fang Yu-Xuan , Cui Bao-Kai
Published: December 2022

Sanguinoderma is distributed in tropical and subtropical areas as a member of Amauroderma s. lat., and the economic values of Sanguinoderma led to high attention in the taxonomic studies. Previously, 16 species have been developed into Sanguinoderma. In this study, the taxonomic system of Sanguinoderma was reconducted based on morphological and multi-gene phylogenetic analyses, especially making a distinction for Sanguinoderma rugosum complex. Morphological analysis was based on the notes of macro- and micro morphological observations. Multi-gene phylogenetic analyses were used maximum likelihood (ML) and Bayesian inference (BI) analyses inferred from combined dataset of ITS, nLSU, rpb2, tef1, mtSSU, and nSSU. Combined with morphological characters and phylogenetic evidence, the results demonstrated that S. rugosum complex consists of five taxa, in which Sanguinoderma leucomarginatum was described as a new species, and it is characterized by the orbicular pilei with white to buff margin when fresh and clavate apical cells of pileipellis with septa. In addition, Amauroderma preussii was transferred to Sanguinoderma as a new combination due to its blood-red color-changed pore surface; it is characterized by the funnel-shaped, greyish brown, and glabrous pilei with strongly incurved margin. Detailed descriptions and photographs of the two species were provided. With the extension of this study, 18 species were accepted in Sanguinoderma, and 12 species among them were distributed in China. A key to accepted species of Sanguinoderma was also provided.