bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lung Response to Prone Positioning in Mechanically-ventilated Patients With COVID-19
Authors: Protti Alessandro , Santini Alessandro , Pennati Francesca , Chiurazzi Chiara , Ferrari Michele , Iapichino Giacomo E. , Carenzo Luca , Corte Francesca Dalla , Lanza Ezio , Martinetti Nicolò , Aliverti Andrea , Cecconi Maurizio
Published: January 2022

BackgroundProne positioning improves survival in moderate-to-severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) unrelated to the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-2019). This benefit is probably mediated by a decrease in alveolar collapse and hyperinflation and a more homogeneous distribution of lung aeration, with fewer harms of mechanical ventilation. Herein we aimed to verify whether prone positioning causes analogue changes in lung aeration in COVID-2019. A positive result would support prone positioning even in this other population. MethodsFifteen mechanically-ventilated patients with COVID-19 underwent a lung computed tomography in the supine and prone position within three days of endotracheal intubation and with a constant positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP). Using quantitative analysis, we measured the volume of the non-aerated, poorly-aerated, well-aerated, and over-aerated compartments and the gas-to-tissue ratio of the ten vertical levels of the lung. In addition, we expressed the heterogeneity of lung aeration with the standardized median absolute deviation of the ten vertical gas-to-tissue ratios, with lower values indicating less heterogeneity. ResultsBy the time of the study, PEEP was 12 (10-14) cmH2O and the PaO2:FiO2 107 (84-173) mmHg in the supine position. With prone positioning, the volume of the non-aerated compartment decreased by 82 (26-147) ml, of the poorly-aerated compartment increased by 82 (53-174) ml, of the normally-aerated compartment did not significantly change, and of the over-aerated compartment decreased by 28 (11-186) ml. In eight (53%) patients, the volume of the over-aerated compartment decreased more than the volume of the non-aerated compartment. The gas-to-tissue ratio of the ten vertical levels of the lung decreased by 0.34 (0.25-0.49) ml/g per level in the supine position and by 0.03 (-0.11-0.14) ml/g in the prone position (p<0.001). The standardized median absolute deviation of the gas-to-tissue ratios of those ten levels decreased in all patients, from 0.55 (0.50-0.71) to 0.20 (0.14-0.27) (p<0.001).ConclusionsIn fifteen patients with COVID-19, prone positioning decreased alveolar collapse and hyperinflation, and homogenized lung aeration. A similar response has been observed in other ARDS, where prone positioning improves outcome. Therefore, our data provide a pathophysiological rationale to support prone positioning even in COVID-19.
Qualitative phytochemical exploration guided in vitro antibacterial activity studies on crude stem bark extract of stereospermum kunthainum (Bignoniaceae)
Authors: Ameja Lamessa Bekele , Ayana Misganew Tegegne , Derese Zelalem Bitew , Tariku Yinebeb , Yihun Fantahun Aklog , Kassa Mulugeta Tesemma , Bahiru Legesse Adane
Published: January 2022

Background: Stereospermum kunthianum plant is known by local name Botoro, in Ethiopia and widely used by traditional medical practitioners for the treatment of venereal diseases, dysentery and to treat toothache in different regions of the country. Objective: The study was designed to evaluate in vitro antibacterial activity of the crude stem bark extracts of S.kunthianum based on the result obtained from phytochemical exploration test. Methods: The plant part was collected from Wayu Tuka district, and air dried. The powdered plant material was subjected to gradient extraction with solvent system using maceration technique and the constituent matter was concentrated, separated and collected for further investigation. Preliminary phytochemical screening test was made using the dried extract. Results: Qualitative phytochemical exploration results showed that, the presence of alkaloid, flavonoids, terpenoids, saponins, Phenolics and tannins. The crude extract of the respected solvent containing relatively many phytochemicals was subjected to in vitro antibacterial evaluation using disc diffusion method against clinically isolated bacterial strains. In this study a promising results were recorded at higher concentration (500 ppm) of methanol extract against gram positive bacteria S. progens and S. aurous with zone of inhibition of 23± 1.46 and 21 ± 0.71, respectively and against gram negative strain, E.coli with zone of inhibition of 20 ± 1.63 showing close comparable antibacterial result with the antibiotics used as standard. Conclusion: in vitro antibacterial result of this study depicts that, antibacterial effect of methanol stem bark extracts of S.kunthianum was positively associated due to the presence tannins and phenolic phytochemicals.
Microstructured Optical Fiber Based on Surface Plasmon Resonance for Dual-Optofluidic-Channel Sensing
Authors: Wu Jixuan , Li Ye , Song Binbin , Zhang Cheng , Wang Qian , Gao Xinliang , Huang Kaixing
Published: January 2022

A surface plasmon resonance (SPR) based microstructured optical fiber (MOF) is designed and theoretically investigated for dual-channel optofluidic sensing. The design of the MOF consists of a solid silica core surrounded with double air holes, and the hollow section is coated with thin Ag film to excite the surface plasmon waves on the dielectric interface. The optofluidic sensing characteristics of the individual channel have been analyzed based on mode-coupling theory between core and plasma modes. By filling the dual channel with different liquid analyte, the resonance wavelengths are adjusted away from each other to achieve dual-optofluidic-channel sensing. When the refractive index (RI) of liquid samples varies from 1.33 to 1.39 RIU, the optofluidic sensing sensitivities of channel 1 and channel 2 in MOF are 1439.29 nm/RIU and 4003.57 nm/RIU, respectively. The proposed SPR-based MOF is appropriate for multi-channel biological and chemical sensing fields.
ROS Deficiency Exacerbates Donor T Cell-mediated hyperacuteGVHD And Its Predictive Value in Allogeneic HSCT in Human Patients.
Authors: Cao Yigeng , Wang Jiali , Jiang Shan , Sakai Jiro , Zhang Shiyue , Sun Lu , Zhang Sudong , Wang Tong , Lyu Mengnan , Feng Sizhou , Feng Xiaoming , Luo Hongbo R. , Zhou Jiaxi , Han Mingzhe , Jiang Erlie , Xu Yuanfu
Published: January 2022

Background: Hyperacute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) as a severe and lethal disorder frequently occurs within 2 weeks followed by allogeneic haematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). Molecular mechanisms underlying allo-HSCT triggered hyperacute GVHD remain elusive. Method: Using a genetic NADPH-oxidase deficient CGD murine hyperacute GVHD model, we measured the proportion and related function of donor-derived T cells and recipient-derived myeloid derived suppressor cells(MDSC) by flow cytometry. Reactive oxygen species(ROS), a key molecule of immunosuppressive function, was evaluated by luminometer in murine model and cohort patients who received allo-HSCT with or without hyperacute GVHD. We also performed related interventions such as MDSC depletion and ROS agonist to discern the clinical significance of MDSC-NADPH-ROS axis on immune homeostasis. The underlying mechanism on the process of hyperacute GVHD was determined by RNA-sequence assay and cytokine profiling. Results: Here we surprisedly found that MDSC derived ROS potently prevents hyperacute GVHD by suppressing T cells activation. Moreover, in CGD mice receiving transplantation, the donor derived T cells triggered an immense allo-reactive T cell response and gained killing capacity during hyperacute GVHD. MDSCs, a main cell type for ROS production, exhibited defective suppressive effects on CD8+ and CD4+ T cells. Similarly, pharmacological depletion of MDSCs by an anti-Gr1antibody reproduced the hyperacute GVHD phenotype as seen in CGD mice. Conversely, a gain-of-function approach using a ROS agonist prevented development of hyperacute GVHD. Transcriptional analysis showed that T-cell dysregulation during hyperacute GVHD. In a cohort of 17 patients who received allo-HSCT, ROS levels were reversely correlated with hyperacute GVHD development. Together, our data provide novel mechanistic insights into the MDSC-NADPH-ROS suppressive functions in development of allo-HSCT.Conclusion: On the basis of these findings, we propose a new therapeutic paradigm by delivery of ROS agonists for effective prevention and treatment of hyperacute GVHD.
Pragmatic implementation research study for In Our DNA SC: a protocol to identify multi-level factors that support the implementation, adaptation, and sustainment of a population-wide genomic screening initiative in diverse populations
Authors: Allen Caitlin G.
Published: January 2022

BackgroundIn 2021, the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) partnered with Helix, a population genetic testing company, to offer population-wide genomic screening for CDC Tier 1 conditions to 100,000 individuals in South Carolina. We developed an implementation science protocol to study the multi-level factors that influence successful implementation of the In Our DNA SC initiative. MethodsWe will use a convergent parallel mixed-methods study design to evaluate the implementation of planned strategies and associated outcomes for In Our DNA SC. Aims focus on monitoring participation to ensure engagement of racially and ethnically diverse populations, assessing contextual factors that influence implementation in community and clinical settings, describing implementation work group facilitators and barriers, and tracking program adaptations. We report details about each data collection tool and analyses planned, including: surveys, interview guides, and tracking logs to capture and code work group meetings, adaptations, and technical assistance needs. DiscussionThe goal of In Our DNA SC is to provide population-level screening for actionable genetic conditions and to foster ongoing translational research. The use of implementation science can help better understand how to support the success of In Our DNA SC, identify barriers and opportunities associated encountered during the implementation of strategies to promote In Our DNA SC to various audiences, and can insure the sustainability of population-level genetic testing. The model-based components of our implementation science protocol can support identification of best practices to streamline the expansion of similar population genomics programs at other institutions
Robotic surgery in a 12-year-old girl to achieve Cholecystectomy and total Splenectomy indicated for complications of hereditary spherocytosis: Case report
Authors: NTSOBE TOBIE ERIC , WEI PENG , HAIJIN LIU , FENG CHEN , HAIJIN HUANG
Published: January 2022

AIM: The application of robotic-assisted laparoscopy in pediatric surgery.MATERIALS AND METHOD: We used robotic-assisted laparoscopy to perform cholecystectomy and total splenectomy in a 12-year-old girl suffering from complications of chronic anemia due to hereditary spherocytosis. This report has been approved by our hospital Ethical Committee and we got a consent statement from her mother. Patient confidentiality has been respected and the intention of this work is mainly for scientific consideration.RESULTS: We successfully removed the gallbladder and spleen with accessories using a robotic system. This intervention was safe and less risky for our patient. She improved rapidly and has been discharged after 11 days. The total length of hospital stay was 25 days. The first post-operative visit has been planned after 3 weeks. CONCLUSION: Robotic-assisted laparoscopy is giving another issue to perform major surgeries in children. Such surgeries have since been considered more invasive with conventional laparoscopy.
Fluctuating nanofluid environments induce prebiotic RNA formation in water
Authors: de Herrera A. Greiner , Markert T. , Trixler F.
Published: January 2022

A long-standing, crucial problem in the research on the chemical evolution towards the origin of life is the so-called ‘water paradox’. It states that although water is essential to life, key chemical reactions such as the synthesis of RNA are inhibited by it. Current hypotheses addressing this paradox have low prebiotic plausibility when taking the conservative nature of evolution into account. Here, we report spontaneous abiotic RNA formation in aqueous environments. The synthesis is driven by nanofluid phenomena that alter critical properties of water. Our findings provide a solution to the paradox in a multifaceted way: abiotic, temporal nanofluid confinements allow prebiotic condensation reaction pathways in water under stable, moderate conditions, emerge in aqueous particle suspensions of varied composition as a geologically ubiquitous and thus prebiotic highly plausible environment, and are consistent with the principle that evolution builds on existing pathways, as living cells also work with temporal nanoconfined water.
High-Baseline Tumor Burden–Associated Macrophages Promote Immunosuppressive Microenvironment and Restrain Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Efficacy Through the IGFBP2–STAT3–PD-L1 Pathway
Authors: Wen Zhaowei , Zhou Rui , Sun Huiying , Zhang Zhihua , Zheng Yannan , Zheng Siting , Bin Jianping , Liao Yulin , Shi Min , Liao Wangjun
Published: January 2022

Background: In recent decades, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have become a conspicuous promising treatment. However, there are still some problems such as limited effective rate and undefined suitable patients. With increasing attention to the influence of baseline tumor burden on the therapeutic efficacy of ICIs, most researchers are currently of the view that patients with high-baseline tumor burden (HTB) have shorter overall survival and poor immunotherapy efficacy; nevertheless, recent studies have been limited to clinical phenomena without deep mechanistic exploration. Methods: RNA-seq and Single-cell RNA sequencing were used to reveal the difference of microenvironment between low-baseline tumor burden (LTB) and HTB tumor. Mice model construction, flow cytometry and cytokine antibody array were used to identify the phenomenon and mechanism of HTB effects on tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) and ICIs effcacy.Results: HTB caused a significantly higher infiltration with M2-type macrophages expressing a high level of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) to block the infiltration by CD8+ T cells and impaired the therapeutic effect of ICIs. HTB-derived IGFBP2 induced the macrophages’ polarization and PD-L1 expression via signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling pathway. Moreover, these HTB–activated macrophages exerted a pro-tumor effect by inhibiting proliferation and cytotoxic function of CD8+ T cells in a PD-L1-dependent fashion. Disappointingly, total tumor burden did not affect the microenvironment or the immunotherapy efficacy of any single tumor. Moreover, macrophage inhibitor in HTB and palliative surgery were not able to increase the therapeutic efficacy in HTB. Only in the early stage of tumor with LTB, the macrophage inhibitor PLX3397 significantly improved the efficacy of ICIs on HTB. Conclusions: Our study has demonstrated that HTB induced the production of PD-L1+ M2-macrophages through the IGFBP2–STAT3 signaling pathway to generate the suppressive TIME, thereby reducing the efficacy of ICIs. These results further clarify the effects and illuminate a novel mechanism of HTB effects on ICI efficacy, and also provide functional evidence for an earlier use of macrophage inhibitors or combination treatment to reshape the tumor microenvironment.
Gravitational cells and gravitational strings as a necessary part of the gravitational field. Obtaining new physical formulas and indicators: the formula for the gravitational constant, the formula for the mass of the hydrogen atom, the formula for the vibrational velocity of a gravitational string, the minimum distance of action of gravitational forces etc.
Authors: Chernov Andrey
Published: January 2022

This study introduces scientific concepts such as gravitational cells and gravitational strings. This innovation made it possible to move from general ideas about the gravitational interaction of bodies in space to a more detailed understanding of this physical process and to obtain significant scientific results. These results include: obtaining the formula for the gravitational constant, obtaining the formula for the gravitational quantum, obtaining the formula for the electron mass, obtaining the formula for the mass of the hydrogen atom, obtaining the formula for the vibrational velocity of the gravitational string, obtaining the value of the minimum distance of gravitational interaction, obtaining a new physical formula for the speed of a body in a gravitational field, obtaining the formula for the limit of action of gravitational forces. The calculations made according to the new formulas completely coincided with the experimental data. In this work, Planck's constant was successfully applied to the gravitational interaction (with its help, the minimum distance of the gravitational interaction was determined, the mass of the hydrogen atom was calculated with an accuracy of 10−7, etc.). A distinctive feature of this study is the fact that most of the new formulas contain only fundamental physical constants.
Multi-omics analysis of the symbiotic green algae, Chlorella variabilis, revealing the genetic basis of the obligate endosymbiotic lifestyle
Authors: Ogura Atsushi , Minei Ryuhei , Hoshina Ryo , Higuchi Rina , Chen Lin , Akizuki Yuki , Terabayashi Yasunobu , Kira Satoshi , Kitagawa Masanari , Suzaki Toshinobu
Published: January 2022

Background: Photosynthetic eukaryotes have evolved through the acquisition of plastids by secondary endosymbiosis, a process that requires several steps. Immediately before plastid acquisition, the genome of the symbiont is known to be dramatically reduced, but few studies have focused on the genomic changes in the symbiont at the early stages of secondary endosymbiosis. Methods: To investigate the genetic basis of the transition from facultative to obligate endosymbiosis, we compared the genomes of Chlorella variabilis, a representative symbiotic alga, with that of Paramecium bursaria, to compare closely related free-living species and transcriptomes between organisms in symbiotic and non-symbiotic conditions. Results: We found that the non-reduced genome of C. variabilis and its genes play a crucial role in endosymbiosis, being involved in cell wall biogenesis and degradation, and metabolic exchanges with the host. Our results suggest that the genetic mechanism underlying the enhancement of photosynthesis under symbiosis is the increasing light absorption efficiency and carbon fixation capacity of the endosymbiont, resulting in an increase in the supply of maltose to P. bursaria.
OPTIMALISASI APLIKASI E-COMMERCE SHOPEE FOOD SEBAGAI MEDIA PEMASARAN UMKM DI MASA PANDEMI COVID 19
Authors: Dewi Adhita Maharani
Published: January 2022

ABSTRAK Dampak pandemic Covid 19 mengakibatkan banyak perusahaan gulung tikar, sehingga terpaksa melakukan pemutusan hubungan kerja terhadap karyawan. Sisi positif dari pemutusan hubungan kerja, muncul UMKM baru yang bergerak dibidang kuliner. Pemasaran yang dilakukan oleh UMKM melibatkan e-commerce. Salah satu e-commerce yang konsisten melakukan perubahan terhadap fitur – fiturnya adalah Shopee. Ditahun 2020 Shopee meluncurkan fitur baru yaitu Shopee food. Lewat fitur ini UMKM bisa mendaftar sebagai penjual. Shopee food menawarkan beberapa kemudahan bagi konsumen maupun penjual. Tujuan penelitian ini untuk mengetahui sejauh mana peran ecommerce shopee food sebagai media pemasaran bagi UMKM dimasa pandemic covid 19. Penelitian ini dilakukan dengan menyebarkan kuesiner melalui google form. Varibel X dalam penelitian ini adalah diskon, cash back dan shopee pay. Sedangkan variable Y adalah Keputusan Pembelian. Varibel X memberikan pengaruh yang positif terhadap keputusan pembelian. Hasil dari penelitian ini  variabel yang paling dominan adalah diskon. Toko yang memberikan diskon secara berkesinambungan akan menimbulkan minat beli konsumen yang lebih tinggi. Kata kunci : keputusan pembelian, diskon, cash back, shopee pay.  ABSTRACT The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in many companies going out of business, so they were forced to lay off their employees. The positive side of the termination of employment, new MSMEs are emerging that are engaged in the culinary field. Marketing carried out by MSMEs involves e-commerce. One of the e-commerce companies that consistently makes changes to its features is Shopee. In 2020 Shopee launched a new feature, namely Shopee food. Through this feature, MSMEs can register as sellers. Shopee food offers several conveniences for consumers and sellers. The purpose of this study was to determine the extent of the role of shopee food e-commerce as a marketing medium for MSMEs during the covid 19 pandemic. This research was conducted by distributing questionnaires via google form. X variables in this study are discounts, cash back and shopee pay. While the variable Y is the Purchase Decision. Variable X has a positive influence on purchasing decisions. The result of this research is the most dominant variable is discount. Stores that provide discounts on an ongoing basis will lead to higher consumer buying interest. Keywords:  buying decision, discount, cash back, shopee pay.
Brižnost nastavnika iz perspektive učenika i nastavnika
Authors: Simel Pranjić Sanja
Published: January 2022

Hrvatski odgojno-obrazovni sustav se, kao i sustavi u drugim zemljama, u
današnjem vremenu suočava s različitim izazovima – od porasta rizika u mentalnom zdravlju i vršnjačkog nasilja do nezadovoljstva učenika školom. U odgovaranju na te izazove potrebno je krenuti od kontekstualnih faktora, poput odnosa učenika i nastavnika. Budući da je brižan odnos nastavnika i učenika ključan preduvjet za cjeloviti razvoj učenika te njihov školski uspjeh, nužno je utvrditi prepreke koje mogu ugroziti razvoj takvog odnosa. U dosadašnjim istraživanjima uočeno je kako učenici i nastavnici u određenim uvjetima različito percipiraju i doživljavaju brižnost nastavnika, što može onemogućiti razvoj njihove bliskosti i povezanosti. Stoga, cilj ovoga rada je prikazati, analizirati i interpretirati razlike u viđenjima brižnog ponašanja nastavnika iz perspektive učenika i nastavnika. Dok nastavnici svoju brižnost najčešće shvaćaju u (profesionalnom) kontekstu podrške koju pružaju učenicima u procesu učenja, učenici ju pak shvaćaju u osobnijem kontekstu i osjećaju bliskosti s nastavnikom.
Deep Set Auto Encoders for Anomaly Detection in Particle Physics
Authors: Ostdiek Bryan
Published: January 2022

There is an increased interest in model agnostic search strategies for physics beyond the standard model at the Large Hadron Collider.
We introduce a Deep Set Variational Autoencoder and present results on the Dark Machines Anomaly Score Challenge.
We find that the method attains the best anomaly detection ability when there is no decoding step for the network, and the anomaly score is based solely on the representation within the encoded latent space.
This method was one of the top-performing models in the Dark Machines Challenge, both for the open data sets as well as the blinded data sets.
Raíces y componentes esenciales del análisis pragmalingüístico de la Escritura
Authors: Jiménez Romero Juan Carlos
Published: January 2022

Este artículo de revisión descriptiva aborda las bases teóricas del método pragmalingüístico en cuanto aplicable a la exégesis de los textos bíblicos. En un primer momento explica sus raíces y marcos teóricos, presentando su fundamento desde pensadores y estudiosos de la lingüística y la filosofía del lenguaje, para luego concentrar la atención en sus tareas o competencias básicas: la influencia del contexto sobre el texto y de este sobre el contexto. Se constituye en una síntesis bastante consistente a la hora de fundamentar propuestas de investigación exegética que se realicen en este espectro interpretativo.
Comprensiones de la doble pertenencia religiosa e interacciones con la teología del pluralismo religioso Latinoamericana
Authors: Roa Quintero Luisa Fernanda
Published: January 2022

La doble pertenencia pertenencia religiosa es una emergente categoría de la teología del pluralismo religioso, que intenta aproximarse a las experiencias de fe de místicos y teólogos, que profundizan en su experiencia cristiana desde las espiritualidades orientales. Desde los límites entre las religiones, la hibridación de las creencias y el lenguaje bilingüe religioso, surgen experiencias de fe para adentrarse en el Misterio. La interacción entre los presupuestos de la doble o múltiple afiliación religiosa con las reflexiones de la teología el pluralismo religioso, tiene como intención una aproximación a la comprensión de la religiosidad de los pueblos ancestrales, que bajo otras categorías birreligiosidad, posterior Teología propia y el sincretismo teológico, ubican las religiones aborígenes y afrodescendientes en relación con el cristianismo, como experiencias de fe y tradición considerando la Revelación como esencia de su identidad religiosa, ancestral y cultural. Las aproximaciones teológicas a partir del pluralismo religioso y la doble creencia religiosa, podrán generar la comprensión de la afiliación religiosa en creencias religiosas propias para el contexto tomando como referencia la fe del pueblo discernida.
El talante de los líderes presbiterianos en Colombia
Authors: Ramírez Suárez Luis Eduardo
Published: January 2022

El presente artículo explora cómo la Iglesia Presbiteriana en Colombia forjó su propia identidad como iglesia reformada, manteniendo características y adoptando cambios en su identidad y misión. Esta presentación se da mediante una investigación bibliográfica, documental y un análisis en la formación de los actores y las comunidades, sus prácticas, imaginarios y representaciones. Pone especial énfasis en el papel que jugaron los misioneros, la formación del liderazgo local, el talante de la mujer presbiteriana y la expresión regional del presbiterianismo, en la identidad que forjó el presbiterianismo colombiano, en un ambiente de confrontación religiosa y resistencia.
Impact of Human Resources Budgeting on Human Resource Management Accountability in Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies in the Ashanti Region
Authors: Laar David Diam
Published: January 2022

The Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies in Ghana have adopted, have been practicing Human Resource Budgeting for effective accounting of human resources. However, little is done to determine its impact on Human Resource Management Accountability. This study, therefore, focused on the impact of Human Resource Budgeting on Human Resource Management Accountability in Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. The study purposively sampled Heads of Departments since they have the responsibility of supervising, directing, coordinating the activities of other employees within the MMDAs. The study collected primary data from 387 Heads of Departments in 43 MMDAs in the region. The study employed mean and standard deviation for descriptive analysis. The study employed a structural equation model for the estimation of the impact of Human Resource Budgeting on Human Resource Management Accountability. The sex, educational level, and years of experience of the respondents were controlled for in the model estimation. Human Resource Budgeting in the MMDAs was occasionally done. Human Resource Budgeting had a significant positive impact on Human Resource Management Accountability in the MMDAs. Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development should see Human Resource Budgeting as a strategic tool for enhancing Human Resource Management Accountability in MMDAs. For this reason, Human Resource budgeting practices should be enforced to the latter.
Sustainable and Reusable Sulfonic Acid-Functionalized Task-Specific Ionic Liquid Catalysts for Multicomponent Reactions. A Review
Authors: dos Anjos Nicolas , Longo Jr. Luiz
Published: January 2022

Improvements in Sustainable Organic Synthesis are usually related to the investigation of less hazardous, non-corrosive and renewable materials, as well as waste prevention, energy efficiency, solvent-free reactions, and the development of efficient reusable catalysts. In this context, multicomponent reactions emerged as important strategies for the rapid and more sustainable synthesis of organic molecules. In addition, the use of task-specific ionic liquids as non-conventional solvents and/or catalysts in multicomponent reactions has recently received great attention, contributing to the development of greener synthetic methodologies. This review describes the studies on the use of structurally diverse homogeneous and heterogeneous sulfonic acid-functionalized task-specific ionic liquids as acidic catalysts for multicomponent reactions applied to the synthesis of nitrogen- and oxygen-based heterocycles, as well as related compounds. The combination of the green credentials of multicomponent reactions and acidic ionic liquids are able to improve process sustainability and green metrics, contributing to sustainable chemical development and, ultimately, to economic growth and cleaner industrial production.
Egg-free low-fat mayonnaise from virgin coconut oil
Authors: Mohammed Nameer Khairullah , Ragavan Hemala , Ahmad Nurul Hawa , Hussin Anis Shobirin Meor
Published: January 2022

Introduction. Mayonnaise is a widely consumed product all over the world. Nowadays, the number of vegetarians, egg allergy cases, and heart diseases are increasing. This makes manufacturers develop alternatives. The research objective was to select the optimal concentration of emulsifiers for egg-free mayonnaise made from virgin coconut oil. Study objects and methods. We produced 20 egg-free mayonnaise samples with different amounts of emulsifiers. We also determined physicochemical properties of the samples, as well as performed proximate and statistical analyses. Results and discussion. The response surface methodology made it possible to define such parameters as viscosity, stability, and firmness as affected by the following concentrations: cashew nut protein isolates – 5–15%, xanthan gum – 0–1%, and modified starch – 0–0.5%. The optimal values of emulsifiers were obtained as follows: cashew nut protein isolates – 13 g, xanthan gum – 1.0 g, and modified starch – 0.4 g. The optimized mayonnaise had the following parameters: viscosity – 120.2 mPa·s, stability – 98.7%, and firmness – 25 g. The study revealed no significant differences (P > 0.05) between the actual and predicted data, which confirmed the efficiency of the suggested models. Conclusion. The obtained low-fat egg-free mayonnaise was relatively similar to the traditional commercial products. However, virgin coconut oil should be emulsified with a combination of cashew nut protein isolates, modified starch, and xanthan gum.
Inhibitors Element of Bumdes in Promoting Rural Resilience in Indonesia
Authors: Kusmulyono Muhammad Setiawan , Dhewanto Wawan , Famiola Melia
Published: January 2022

Rural has become a prime headline for Indonesia’s development since the enactment of the Rural Act in 2014. Since the ratification, rural governments in Indonesia have more authority to manage their village economy through the establishment of a village-owned social enterprise (VOSE). In 2019, 45,549 VOSEs were established from the total of 83,931 villages in Indonesia. Unfortunately, although several VOSEs show good performance, most have problems that hamper their growth. This article stems from the researchers’ desire to observe the contribution of entrepreneurial activities in the village to rural resilience. This research applied qualitative research by interviewing rural stakeholders in nine Bumdes. The findings of the study indicate that low commitment from village heads and Bumdes directors, low motivation from Bumdes management, inadequate business knowledge from Bumdes management, rural political dynamics, and fluctuations in community participation are all obstacles to Bumdes’ ability to promote rural resilience. This research demonstrates that in order to attain rural resilience, Bumdes requires a more holistic strategy to promote stakeholder attachment.
Outlooks from below for just energy transitions: gender, territory and sovereignty
Authors: Vargas Guevara Óscar Santiago , Corral Montoya Felipe Alberto , Cardoso Díaz Andrea , Ruiz Arroyave Javier Omar , Bonilla Camargo Óscar Giovanni , Gómez Camargo Miguel Ángel , López Orellano Lorena Marcela , Brito Bouriyu Laura Inés , Guzmán Angulo Narlis , Padilla Guzmán Naryelis , Soto Sierra María Eusebia , Ortiz Bouriyu Yaneth Patricia , Malz Nicolas
Published: January 2022

This book discusses and summarizes the revived interest in just energy transitions issues withing the general context of the extraction and commercialization of coal and of energy transition policies in Colombia and worldwide. Even more importantly, the book aims at familiarizing people from various disciplines with a better understanding about how local communities in coal-mining territories in Colombia envision just energy transitions at a local/national level, which are truly inclusive and democratic. The book is based on a pluralistic approach to discuss conceptual references and transversal axes of analysis from the epistemologies of the South, followed by a discussion of possible just and inclusive energy transitions. The methodology is explained within the framework of the pedagogical process “Community re-existence: energy transition, gender and sovereignty”, which provided for a large part of this analysis. The major task of this book is to present the findings of the collaborative research working together with the communities of Lomamato, Provincial, La Sierra and Monguí. Based on these observations, the book tries to assure unity in diversity. Unity, because it systemizes the main recommendations for public policy; diversity, because it carries out intercultural dialogues with communities involved in socio-environmental conflicts, external civil society and international cooperation actors.
Examinando um poderoso efeito de cura através de uma lente cultural, e encontrando significado
Authors: Moerman Daniel Elis , Cervo Matheus
Published: January 2022

Neste artigo, argumento que o "efeito placebo" não existe; placebos existem, mas eles são inertes, portanto não têm efeitos (é isso que "inerte" significa). No entanto, sabemos que muitas vezes acontecem coisas após a administração de placebo. Dentre as várias causas para tal mudança, atribuo alguns efeitos aos significados que os placebos transmitem aos participantes do evento médico - os médicos, enfermeiras, pacientes, família, comunidade, etc., do paciente. Chamo isso de "respostas significativas" e pesquiso aqui algumas das maneiras como elas ocorrem (com ou sem a presença de placebos). Em seguida, descrevo alguns estudos recentes que complicam dramaticamente a interpretação dos ensaios clínicos randomizados e nossos entendimentos que, talvez, sejam excessivamente simplistas acerca da natureza da eficácia médica.
Autoimmune Thyroid Disease in Primary Sjögren’s Syndrome: Real-life
Screening Practice and Clinical Outcomes
Authors: Hernández-Molina Gabriela , Girón-Pïllado Mario , Cruz-Bautista Ivette , Saavedra-González Vanessa , Atisha-Fregoso Yemil , Barraza Gustavo , Aguilar-Salinas Carlos A.
Published: January 2022

Background:

Notwithstanding the frequent coexistence of autoimmune thyroid disease
(ATD) and primary Sjögren’s Syndrome (SS), it is still unknown how often this association is
studied along with its clinical impact.

Objective:

This study aimed to describe real-world screening practices for ATD in patients with SS
and evaluate clinical outcomes of patients with both diagnoses using validated activity and chronicity
indexes.

Methods:

It is a retrospective study of 223 patients with SS attending a tertiary referral center. Patients
were under rheumatology surveillance and might have attended other clinics, including internal
medicine and/or endocrinology. We registered glandular and extraglandular features, serology
and scored the activity (ESSDAI) and the accrual damage (SSDDI) indexes. We also identified any
thyroid function tests (TFT) performed, anti-thyroid antibodies, images, and histological thyroid examinations.
A single endocrinologist reviewed all data.

Results:

One hundred forty-nine patients had at least one set of TFT. Younger age was associated
with a lack of screening (OR 0.98, 95 % CI 0.95-0.99, p=0.01). Sixty-nine patients had thyroid disease,
with the most common diagnosis being ATD (n=24). Patients with ATD had a lower prevalence
of Ro/SSA and anti-La/SSB antibodies but similar cumulative SS activity and damage
scores.

Conclusion:

At least one-third of our patients were not screened for thyroid disease, with these patients
being the youngest. Thyroid disorders were found in about 40 % of patients with SS, with
ATD being the most common. Having SS/ATD did not confer more disease activity or damage accrual.
These results highlight the importance of making treating physicians aware of screening for
thyroid disease in this population.
A Network-Based Method for the Detection of Cancer Driver Genes in
Transcriptional Regulatory Networks Using the Structural Analysis of
Weighted Regulatory Interactions
Authors: Akhavan-Safar Mostafa , Teimourpour Babak , Nowzari-Dalini Abbas
Published: January 2022

Background:

Identifying genes that instigate cell anomalies and cause cancer in humans is
an important field in oncology research. Abnormalities in these genes are transferred to other genes in
the cell, disrupting its normal functionality. Such genes are known as cancer driver genes (CDGs). Various
methods have been proposed for predicting CDGs, mostly based on genomic data and computational
methods. Some novel bioinformatic approaches have been developed.

Objective:

In this article, we propose a network-based algorithm, SalsaDriver (Stochastic approach for
link-structure analysis for driver detection), which can calculate each gene's receiving and influencing
power using the stochastic analysis of regulatory interaction structures in gene regulatory networks.

Method:

First, regulatory networks related to breast, colon, and lung cancers are constructed using
gene expression data and a list of regulatory interactions, the weights of which are then calculated using
biological and topological features of the network. After that, the weighted regulatory interactions are
used in the structural analysis of interactions, with two separate Markov chains on the bipartite graph
taken from the main graph of the gene network and the implementation of the stochastic approach for
link-structure analysis. The proposed algorithm categorizes higher-ranked genes as driver genes.

Results:

The proposed algorithm was compared with 24 other computational and network tools based
on the F-measure value and the number of detected CDGs. The results were validated using four databases.
The findings of this study show that SalsaDriver outperforms other methods and can identify
substantiallyy more driver genes than other methods.

Conclusion:

The SalsaDriver network-based approach is suitable for predicting CDGs and can be used
as a complementary method along with other computational tools.
Reperfusion Arrhythmia in Acute Myocardial Infarction: Clinical Implication and Management
Authors: Kristanto Harris , Satrijo Budi , Widito Sasmojo , Rizal Ardian
Published: January 2022

Reperfusion is a critical component of myocardium survival in acute myocardial infarction to minimize infarct size and improve clinical prognosis. Reperfusion, on the other hand, may result in increased and accelerated myocardial injury, a condition known as reperfusion injury. Following reperfusion, several arrhythmias are observed, and it is called reperfusion arrhythmia. Reperfusion arrhythmia is one manifestation of reperfusion injury. Numerous modest studies have evaluated what reperfusion arrhythmias are defined. It is described as an arrhythmia that occurs immediately or within the first minutes after coronary blood flow is restored. Traditionally, Accelerated Idioventricular Rhythm (AIVR) has been seen as a reperfusion arrhythmia. However, reperfusion may reveal any arrhythmia (or none at all); conversely, AIVR may occur in the absence of reperfusion. Calcium excess within the cells is thought to be a significant factor in the development of reperfusion arrhythmias. This may affect the significant delay following depolarization and the regional heterogeneity of regional blood flow restoration inside the ischemic zone, resulting in reperfusion arrhythmia. In some studies, it was mentioned that these arrhythmias may be due to ongoing myocardial cell damage and ischemia. Arrhythmias associated with reperfusion require special attention since hemodynamics can deteriorate quickly. In this review, clinical significance and management of reperfusion arrhythmia, as well as its link with reperfusion injury will be discussed.
Assessment of farmers’ knowledge and pesticides management in cocoa production in Ghana
Authors:   Institute for Environment and Sanitation Studies, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana, et al. Fosu-Mensah
Published: January 2022

The use of pesticides to control pests and diseases has been a measure to increase cocoa productivity in Ghana. However, regular use and indiscriminate application of pesticides have unintended environmental and health risks. This study assesses the types of pesticides used by cocoa farmers in Ghana, sources and knowledge on application rate, frequency of application and factors that could influence farmers’ choice of source of pesticides, knowledge on application rate, and frequency of application. Two hundred and forty cocoa farmers from the Dormaa West District of Ghana were interviewed from December 2014 to February 2015 using a pre-tested questionnaire. The results showed that farmers sourced pesticides from agrochemical shops and fellow farmers, with some benefiting from the government of Ghana's ‘‘free mass cocoa spraying’’ program. A majority (51.2%) of the farmers sprayed more than three times per cocoa season. In addition, 35% of the farmers dangerously mixed two or more different pesticides together when spraying. Gender, age, educational level, and income from cocoa farming significantly influenced the choice of source of pesticide while knowledge on pesticides application rate was significantly influenced by educational level of farmers, access to extension services, presence of agrochemical shop, membership of a farm-based organization, and age of a farmer. Frequency of pesticides application was significantly influenced by educational level of farmers, access to extension services, presence of agrochemical shop, membership of the farmer-based organization, knowledge of Ghana COCOBOD recommendation on pesticides application rate, income from cocoa farming, and age of farmers. The majority of the farmers mixed two or more pesticides together during spraying. The limitation of this research is the inability to carry out the survey in other cocoa-growing districts within the study region. There is a need for the training of farmers on the safe use of pesticides by the Ghana COCOBOD to effectively manage pests and diseases and reduce environmental pollution.
Intensive Care Unit–Specific Virtual Reality for Critically Ill Patients With COVID-19: Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)
Authors: Vlake Johan H , van Bommel Jasper , Wils Evert-Jan , Bienvenu Joe , Hellemons Merel E , Korevaar Tim IM , Schut Anna FC , Labout Joost AM , Schreuder Lois LH , van Bavel Marten P , Gommers Diederik , van Genderen Michel E
Published: January 2022

BACKGROUND

Although psychological sequelae after intensive care unit (ICU) treatment are considered quite intrusive, robustly effective interventions to treat or prevent these long-term sequelae are lacking. Recently, it was demonstrated that ICU-specific virtual reality (ICU-VR) is a feasible and acceptable intervention with potential mental health benefits. However, its effect on mental health and ICU aftercare in COVID-19 ICU survivors is unknown.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to explore the effects of ICU-VR on mental health and on patients’ perceived quality of, satisfaction with, and rating of ICU aftercare among COVID-19 ICU survivors.

METHODS

This was a multicenter randomized controlled trial. Patients were randomized to either the ICU-VR (intervention) or the control group. All patients were invited to an COVID-19 post-ICU follow-up clinic 3 months after hospital discharge, during which patients in the intervention group received ICU-VR. One month and 3 months later (4 and 6 months after hospital discharge), mental health, quality of life, perceived quality, satisfaction with, and rating of ICU aftercare were scored using questionnaires.

RESULTS

Eighty-nine patients (median age 58 years; 63 males, 70%) were included. The prevalence and severity of psychological distress were limited throughout follow-up, and no differences in psychological distress or quality of life were observed between the groups. ICU-VR improved satisfaction with (mean score 8.7, SD 1.6 vs 7.6, SD 1.6 [ICU-VR vs control]; t64=–2.82, P=.006) and overall rating of ICU aftercare (mean overall rating of aftercare 8.9, SD 0.9 vs 7.8, SD 1.7 [ICU-VR vs control]; t64=–3.25; P=.002) compared to controls. ICU-VR added to the quality of ICU aftercare according to 81% of the patients, and all patients would recommend ICU-VR to other ICU survivors.

CONCLUSIONS

ICU-VR is a feasible and acceptable innovative method to improve satisfaction with and rating of ICU aftercare and adds to its perceived quality. We observed a low prevalence of psychological distress after ICU treatment for COVID-19, and ICU-VR did not improve psychological recovery or quality of life. Future research is needed to confirm our results in other critical illness survivors to potentially facilitate ICU-VR’s widespread availability and application during follow-up.

CLINICALTRIAL

Netherlands Trial Register NL8835; https://www.trialregister.nl/trial/8835

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

RR2-10.1186/s13063-021-05271-z