bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Penerapan Aplikasi E-Samsat Dan Sipolin Kantor Cabang Pelayanan Pendapatan Daerah Kota Banjar
Authors: Salama Timoty Yusuf , Tahir Irwan
Published: October 2023

Penelitian ini memfokuskan untuk mendeskripsikan dan menganalisa Penerapan Aplikasi E-Samsat Dan Sipolin Kantor Cabang Pelayanan Pendapatan Daerah Kota Banjar. Dengan beberapa permasalahan minimnya kesadaran masyarakat Kota Banjar dalm membayar pajak kendraan bermotor, belum jelasnya mekanisme E-Samsat dan Sipolin dan kurangnya pengetahuan masyarakat tentang E-Samsat dan Sipolin.  Tujuan dari penelitian ini ialah untuk menganalisis penerapan aplikasi E-Samsat dan Sipolin Kantor Cabang Pelayanan Pendapatan Daerah Kota Banjar. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan deskriptif berdasarkan metode kualitatif. Dalam proses pengumpulan informasi, peneliti melakukan observasi, wawancara, dan menghimpun dokumen terkait penerapan aplikasi E-Samsat dan Sipolin di Kantor Cabang Pelayanan Pendapatan Daerah Kota Banjar. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa IT Principles berfungsi secara optimal sebagai pendorong dan pengarah (guiding principles) dalam berbagai usaha  pemanfaatan IT di organisasi secara umum, khususnya E-Samsat dan Sipolin. Integrasi dan standarisasi dari Sistem aplikasi E-Samsat dan Sipolin Kota Banjar sudah sesuai dengan IT architecture decisions. IT infrastructure meliputi Prasarana dan fasilitas teknologi informasi yang berkaitan dengan jaringan, komputer, perangkat lain, dan perangkat lunak merupakan sekumpulan komponen yang diharapkan dapat mempercepat proses komputasi dan transmisi dalam waktu singkat dalam berbagai media. Proses pendaftaran efisien, aplikasi busseness needs pada  sistem E-Samsat dan Sipolin yang dilaksanakan CPDPDP Wilayah Kota Banjar, dalam  penerapannya memang membutuhkan kreativitas dan disiplin guna mewujudkan  nilai baru bagi organisasi yang berdampak pada pelayanan prima pada masyarakat serta berkaitan dengan IT Investment and prioritization diketahui bahwa dalam penerapan E-Samsat dan Sipolin  di CPDPDP Wilayah  Kota Banjar, pelaksanaannya sudah menjalankan inisiatif yang perlu diprioritaskan. Kesimpulannya bahwa penerapan aplikasi E-Samsat dan Sipolin Kantor Cabang Pelayanan Pendapatan Daerah Kota Banjar sudah sesuai dengan aturan dan kebijakan dari pusat, namun masih memiliki kendala dalam ketersediaan anggaran.

Kata kunci: E-Samsat, Sipolin, Pelayanan Pendapatan Daerah.
Penerapan Integrasi Data Pegawai Negeri Sipil di Pemerintah Kota Padang
Authors: Setiawan Irfan , Aditia Ragil , Hidayat Muh Ryan Rahmatul
Published: October 2023

Fenomena tata kelola pemerintahan saat ini sering dihadapkan pada kendala yang signifikan, yaitu ketidaksesuaian informasi dan data kepegawaian yang mempengaruhi upaya mewujudkan tata pemerintahan yang baik. Salah satu peran kunci organisasi pemerintahan adalah menerapkan kebijakan terbaik dalam manajemen kepegawaian, dengan tujuan mengembangkan pegawai sesuai dengan informasi dan data yang akurat dan relevan yang tersedia. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis penerapan integrasi data pegawai Kota Padang Provinsi Sumatera Barat. Dalam menganalisis penelitian ini, penulis menggunakan metode penelitian deskriptif kualitatif yang mengambil data dengan melalui wawancara dengan para Pegawai Negeri Sipil yang terkait dalam bidang kepegawaian pada Badan Pengembangan Sumber Daya Manusia Kota Padang. Data dikumpulkan melalui observasi dan pendataan di Badan Pengembangan Sumber Daya Manusia Kota Padang. Hasil penelitian menggambarkan bahwa penerapan integrasi data PNS dengan data kepegawaian yang bersumber pada pusat Badan Kepegawaian Negara secara prosedur sudah cukup jelas dan sudah disesuaikan dengan standar. Badan Pengembangan Sumber Daya Manusia masih kekurangan pegawai yang mengerjakan proses integrasi data PNS termasuk dalam hal pelayanan informasi. Dari segi teknologi, proses integrasi data PNS menggunakan proses aplikasi Sistem Informasi Manajemen Kepegawaian yang sesuai arahan Badan Kepegawaian negara sehingga lebih memudahkan proses penyatuan data pegawai serta menghasilkan informasi yang membantu pengambilan keputusan manajemen kepegawaian disetiap perangkat daerah terkait. Kata kunci: Integrasi Data, Kepegawaian, Sistem Informasi.
The Influence of Health Education About Breast Feeding On The Motivation of Breastfeeding Mothers
Authors: Pratiwi Fitri Dwi
Published: October 2023

Breastfeeding is a way of giving food to babies. Achieving breastfeeding requires strong knowledge and motivation from a mother. Mothers who know and understand the benefits they will receive if they are breastfed can encourage motivation. While in the hospital, health education about breastfeeding is needed to meet the information needs of mothers. Health education that is less than optimal in hospitals has an effect on the motivation of breastfeeding mothers. The purpose of this study was to analyze the differences in mothers' motivation in breastfeeding after being given health education about breastfeeding in the treatment group and the control group at Aminah Hospital Blitar. The research design was a quasi-experimental study with a pre-post test approach with control group design with a study population of 80-90 new mothers. Sampling by purposive sampling, 10 people in the control group and 10 in the treatment group. Data collection was carried out using a questionnaire that was carried out before and after the provision of health education. Data were analyzed using the Mann Whitney. The results showed that there were differences in the motivation of mothers in breastfeeding after being given health education about breastfeeding in the treatment group and the control group (p value= 0.004). Based on the research results, the provision of health education about breastfeeding has an effect on the motivation of mothers in breastfeeding. So it is suggested that the provision of health education about breastfeeding should be increased in order to achieve exclusive breastfeeding behavior
The Effect of Dysmenorrhea Gymnastics on the Pain Scale of Dysmenorrhea in Young Women in Youth Development Social Services (PSBR)
Authors: Ekapuspitasari Dita Yanuar , Sari Yeni Kartika , Widigdo Trio
Published: October 2023

Teenager women experience growth and development, one of which is characterized by the occurrence of haid. Dysmenorrhoea is often found at the beginning of menstruation young women experience menstrual pain. Exercise in this case gymnastics dysmenorrhea is shown to increase b-endorphin 4 to 5 times in the blood. Data obtained from the youth poly of UPT Puskesmas Kec. Sananwetan in September 2020 showed that 2 out of 5 PSBR teenagers who came to the UPT Puskesmas Kec. Sananwetan experienced complaints of dysmenorrhea every month. Research aims to determine the effect of giving Dysmenorrhea gymnastics on young women in PSBR Blitar City. This study included a quasi-experimental study with a population of 35 young women and samplingusing Purposive Sampling. Based on the results of a study conducted using a dependent T-test statistical test (dependent T-test), the time of  dysmenorrhea pain before dysmenorrhea gymnastics in young women was 4 (16%) adolescents experiencing mild dysmenorrhea pain, 12 (48%) adolescents experiencing moderate pain, and 9 (36%) adolescents experiencing severe pain scale, dysmenorrhea pain scale after dysmenorrhea gymnastics in young women is 3 (12%) adolescents do not experience dysmenorrhea pain,  22 (88%) adolescents experience moderate pain. This study proves that dysmenorrheagymnastics has a significant influence on the scale of dysmenorrhea pain in adolescents in the Social Service of Youth Development (PSBR) of Blitar City.
Knowledge of School-Age Children About Mitigation of Mount Kelud Disaster in Disaster-Prone Areas (KRB-III) Ring 1
Authors: Umairoh Silvia Anida , Mujito Mujito , Rachmawati Dewi
Published: October 2023

The impact of disasters is considered more concerning for elementary school-age children, as they are unable to rescue themselves at such a young age. It is highly meaningful for elementary school-age children to have an understanding of disaster mitigation. This study aims to determine the knowledge of school children regarding the mitigation of Mount Kelud's disaster in a highly prone disaster zone. The research method used is descriptive quantitative with a population of 112 students and a sample size of 60 respondents selected through purposive sampling. Data collection was done using a questionnaire consisting of 15 questions that were validated, with a calculated value of r > r table, which is 0.602, and the reliability test result of Cronbach's alpha greater than 0.600. This research was conducted in March 2023 at SDN 02 Penataran. The research results show that the respondents' knowledge of disaster mitigation is 33.3% categorized as good, 45% as sufficient, and 21.6% as lacking. Meanwhile, knowledge in the pre-disaster phase is 31.6% good, 46.7% sufficient, and 21.6% lacking. Knowledge during a disaster is 33.3% good, 48.3% sufficient, and 18.3% lacking, while knowledge after a disaster is 26.6% good, 31.6% sufficient, and 41.6% lacking. It can be concluded that the majority of knowledge regarding disaster mitigation falls under the sufficient category, accounting for 45% with an age range of 10-13 years, and children obtain information about disaster mitigation from their families and social media. It is recommended that educational institutions incorporate disaster mitigation learning into the school curriculum to deepen students' understanding of this matter
Transform hate speech in education from gender perspectives. Conceptions of Chilean teachers through a case study
Authors: Marolla-Gajardo Jesús , Castellví-Mata Jordi
Published: October 2023

The research presented is positioned under the issue of hate speech prevalent in society, particularly its emergence in schools. In recent years, we have witnessed the presence of a phenomenon that is not new; however, it poses challenges to the teaching and learning processes for educators. Specifically, feminist movements and those advocating for diversity and nonconformity have triggered a strong response filled with violent and discriminatory messages and actions. To obtain some answers to this challenge, a case study was conducted with 6 teachers from various schools in Chile. Semi-structured interviews were carried out to explore, from their perspectives, aspects such as the origins of hate speech, the possibilities and proposals that teachers have for creating counter-narratives against hate, the effects of hate messages from gender perspectives in their teaching practices, and finally, the processes carried out with students. Among the main conclusions, it can be mentioned that there is a violent disruption that deepens gender inequalities, a situation that is becoming normalized and is of great concern for educators. Teachers express that they lack the tools and competencies to address these problems, other than continuing with the treatment of official content.
Association between weight-adjusted-waist index and the risk of hyperuricemia in adults: a population-based investigation
Authors: Ding Yunyi , Xu Zhuohan , Zhou Xue , Luo Yichen , Xie Ruijie , Li Yayu
Published: October 2023

Objective

This investigation sought to elucidate the potential correlation between a recently characterized adiposity metric, termed the Weight-Adjusted-Waist Index (WWI) and hyperuricemia.

Methods

A cross-sectional design was employed in this study, featuring both hyperuricemic and non-hyperuricemic subjects with complete WWI data, sourced from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) spanning 2017 to March 2020. WWI was calculated utilizing the formula which involves the division of waist circumference (WC) by the square root of the body weight. In order to determine the relationship between WWI and hyperuricemia, both univariate and multivariate logistic regression models, appropriately weighted, were employed in the analysis. The linearity of relationships was validated using smooth curve fitting. Additionally, subgroup evaluations and interaction assessments were conducted.

Results

The study sample comprised 7437 subjects, yielding a hyperuricemia prevalence of 18.22%. Stratifying WWI into tertiles, a progressive rise in hyperuricemia prevalence was evident with increasing WWI (Tertile 1: 11.62%, Tertile 2: 17.91%, Tertile 3: 25.13%). The odds ratio (OR) demonstrated that individuals within the highest WWI tertile were significantly more prone to hyperuricemia than those in the lowest tertile (OR = 2.41, 95% CI: 1.88-3.08).

Conclusion

This study provides evidence that an elevated WWI is correlated with an increased risk of hyperuricemia in the adult population of the United States. These results suggest that WWI may serve as a viable anthropometric indicator for predicting hyperuricemia.
Tipping points in freshwater ecosystems: an evidence map
Authors: Hernández Martínez de la Riva Ana , Harper Meagan , Rytwinski Trina , Sahdra Angeli , Taylor Jessica J. , Bard Brittany , Bennett Joseph R. , Burton Declan , Creed Irena F. , Haniford Laura S. E. , Hanna Dalal E. , Harmsen Evaline J. , Robichaud Courtney D. , Smol John P. , Thapar Myra , Cooke Steven J.
Published: October 2023

Freshwater ecosystems face numerous threats, including habitat alteration, invasive species, pollution, over extraction of resources, fragmentation, and climate change. When these threats intensify and/or combine with each other, their impacts can shift the ecosystem past a tipping point, producing a major and potentially irreversible shift in state, called a regime shift. We generated an evidence map to assess the current state of knowledge on tipping points in freshwater ecosystems. Our evidence mapping exercise revealed large knowledge gaps. Specifically, there are relatively few studies that explore the effects of tipping points in relation to (1) lotic systems (i.e., rivers, streams), (2) amphibians, mammals, or reptiles, and (3) the interactive impacts of multiple threats. In addition, most studies tended to have short study durations (<1 year), and few studies explored the reversibility of an ecosystem change after a tipping point was crossed. Concentrating future research on these gaps to improve understanding of tipping points in freshwater ecosystems in a holistic manner is important to help develop tools to forecast (and thus mitigate) the emergence and effects of tipping points, as well as to guide restoration actions.
Causal effects of walking pace on osteoarthritis: a two-sample mendelian randomization study
Authors: Qiu Peng , Wu Junyu , Kui Lihong , Chen Mingxian , Lv Shuaibing , Zhang Zhongkai
Published: October 2023

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common joint diseases worldwide, imposing a substantial burden on individuals and society. Numerous pieces of evidence suggest that walking pace (WP) can serve as a predictive indicator for the risk of various diseases, and observational studies have also found a potential link between WP and the risk of OA. However, the causal relationship between WP and the risk of OA remains unclear.

Methods: We conducted a mendelian randomization (MR) study using data from the European Genome-wide Association Study, which included WP (including 459,915 participants), OA (including 10,083 cases and 40,425 controls), knee OA (including 24,955 cases and 378,169 controls), and hip OA (including 15,704 cases and 378,169 controls). Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with WP were utilized to infer causal associations with OA and its subtypes. The Inverse Variance Weighted (IVW) technique served as the primary causal analysis method. Three auxiliary MR methods - MR-Egger, weighted median, and maximum likelihood - were used to substantiate the IVW results. Sensitivity analyses were performed to examine heterogeneity and pleiotropy. In addition, multivariate MR (MVMR) analysis was used to assess causality after adjustment for three potential confounders.

Results: According to the results of the IVW method, every 1 standard deviation increased in genetic WP corresponds to an 89% reduction in the risk of OA (odds ratio (OR) = 0.11; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0. 06–0.19; p = 1.57 × 10−13), an 83% reduction in the risk of knee OA (OR = 0.17; 95% CI, 0.11–0.28; p = 2.78 × 10−13), and a 76% reduction in the risk of hip OA (OR = 0.24; 95% CI, 0.14–0.43; p = 1.51 × 10−6). These results were confirmed by the three additional MR methods and validated by the sensitivity analysis. Ultimately, the MVMR analysis confirmed that the role of WP in reducing the risk of OA and its subtypes remains consistent regardless of potential confounders.

Conclusion: The results of our MR study highlight a significant causal association between WP and the susceptibility to OA, including its knee and hip subtypes. These findings propose that WP could be utilized as a potential prognostic factor for OA risk.
Fc-mediated functions of nirsevimab complement direct respiratory syncytial virus neutralization but are not required for optimal prophylactic protection
Authors: Brady Tyler , Cayatte Corinne , Roe Tiffany L. , Speer Scott D. , Ji Hong , Machiesky LeeAnn , Zhang Tianhui , Wilkins Deidre , Tuffy Kevin M. , Kelly Elizabeth J.
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Nirsevimab is an extended half-life (M252Y/S254T/T256E [YTE]-modified) monoclonal antibody to the pre-fusion conformation of the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) Fusion protein, with established efficacy in preventing RSV-associated lower respiratory tract infection in infants for the duration of a typical RSV season. Previous studies suggest that nirsevimab confers protection via direct virus neutralization. Here we use preclinical models to explore whether fragment crystallizable (Fc)-mediated effector functions contribute to nirsevimab-mediated protection.

Methods

Nirsevimab, MEDI8897* (i.e., nirsevimab without the YTE modification), and MEDI8897*-TM (i.e., MEDI8897* without Fc effector functions) binding to Fc γ receptors (FcγRs) was evaluated using surface plasmon resonance. Antibody-dependent neutrophil phagocytosis (ADNP), antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis (ADCP), antibody-dependent complement deposition (ADCD), and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) were assessed through in vitro and ex vivo serological analyses. A cotton rat challenge study was performed with MEDI8897* and MEDI8897*-TM to explore whether Fc effector functions contribute to protection from RSV.

Results

Nirsevimab and MEDI8897* exhibited binding to a range of FcγRs, with expected reductions in FcγR binding affinities observed for MEDI8897*-TM. Nirsevimab exhibited in vitro ADNP, ADCP, ADCD, and ADCC activity above background levels, and similar ADNP, ADCP, and ADCD activity to palivizumab. Nirsevimab administration increased ex vivo ADNP, ADCP, and ADCD activity in participant serum from the MELODY study (NCT03979313). However, ADCC levels remained similar between nirsevimab and placebo. MEDI8897* and MEDI8897*-TM exhibited similar dose-dependent reduction in lung and nasal turbinate RSV titers in the cotton rat model.

Conclusion

Nirsevimab possesses Fc effector activity comparable with the current standard of care, palivizumab. However, despite possessing the capacity for Fc effector activity, data from RSV challenge experiments illustrate that nirsevimab-mediated protection is primarily dependent on direct virus neutralization.
Case report: Genotype-phenotype characteristics of nine novel PKD1 mutations in eight Chinese patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease
Authors: Zhuang Jing , Aierken Ailima , Yalikun Dilina , Zhang Jun , Wang Xiaoqin , Ren Yongfang , Tian Xuefei , Jiang Hong
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is a common genetic disorder. The PKD1 gene is responsible for the majority of ADPKD cases, and the mutations in this gene exhibit high genetic diversity. This study aimed to investigate the association between genotype and phenotype in ADPKD patients with PKD1 gene mutations through pedigree analysis.

Methods

Eight Chinese pedigrees affected by ADPKD were analyzed using whole-exome sequencing (WES) on peripheral blood DNA. The identified variants were validated using Sanger sequencing, and clinical data from the patients and their families were collected and analyzed.

Results

Nine novel mutation sites in PKD1 were discovered across the pedigrees, including c.4247T > G, c.3298_3301delGAGT, c.4798A > G, c.7567G > A, c.11717G > C, c.7703 + 5G > C, c.3296G > A, c.8515_8516insG, and c.5524C > A. These mutations were found to be associated with a range of clinical phenotypes, including chronic kidney disease, hypertension, and polycystic liver. The age of onset and disease progression displayed significant heterogeneity among the pedigrees, with some individuals exhibiting early onset and rapid disease progression, while others remained asymptomatic or had milder disease symptoms. Inheritance patterns supported autosomal dominant inheritance, as affected individuals inherited the mutations from affected parents. However, there were instances of individuals carrying the mutations who remained asymptomatic or exhibited milder disease phenotypes.

Conclusion

This study highlights the importance of comprehensive genotype analysis in understanding the progression and prognosis of ADPKD. The identification of novel mutation sites expands our knowledge of PKD1 gene mutations. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the disease and may have implications for personalized therapeutic strategies.
Relationship between rumen bacterial community and milk fat in dairy cows
Authors: Si Boxue , Liu Kaizhen , Huang Guoxin , Chen Meiqing , Yang Jiyong , Wu Xufang , Li Ning , Tang Wenhao , Zhao Shengguo , Zheng Nan , Zhang Yangdong , Wang Jiaqi
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Milk fat is the most variable nutrient in milk, and recent studies have shown that rumen bacteria are closely related to milk fat. However, there is limited research on the relationship between rumen bacteria and milk fatty. Fatty acids (FAs) are an important component of milk fat and are associated with various potential benefits and risks to human health.

Methods

In this experiment, forty-five healthy Holstein dairy cows with alike physiological and productive conditions were selected from medium-sized dairy farms and raised under the same feeding and management conditions. The experimental period was two weeks. During the experiment, raw milk and rumen fluid were collected, and milk components were determined. In this study, 8 high milk fat percentage (HF) dairy cows and 8 low milk fat percentage (LF) dairy cows were selected for analysis.

Results

Results showed that the milk fat percentage in HF group was significantly greater than that of the dairy cows in the LF group. 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed that the rumen bacterial abundance of HF dairy cows was significantly higher than that in LF dairy cows; at the genus level, the bacterial abundances of Prevotellaceae_UCG-001, Candidatus_Saccharimonas, Prevotellaceae_UCG-003, Ruminococcus_1, Lachnospiraceae_XPB1014_group, Lachnospiraceae_AC2044_group, probable_genus_10 and U29-B03 in HF group were significantly higher than those in the LF group. Spearman rank correlation analysis indicated that milk fat percentage was positively related to Prevotellaceae_UCG-001, Candidatus_Saccharimonas, Prevotellaceae_UCG-003, Ruminococcus_1, Lachnospiraceae_XPB1014_group, Lachnospiraceae_AC2044_group, probable_genus_10 and U29-B03. Furthermore, Prevotellaceae_UCG-001 was positively related to C14:0 iso, C15:0 iso, C18:0, Ruminococcus_1 with C18:1 t9, Lachnospiraceae_AC2044_group with C18:1 t9 and C18:1 t11, U29-B03 with C15:0 iso.

Discussion

To sum up, rumen bacteria in dairy cows are related to the variation of milk fat, and some rumen bacteria have potential effects on the deposition of certain fatty acids in raw milk.
Evolutionary and ecological role of extracellular contractile injection systems: from threat to weapon
Authors: Heiman Clara Margot , Vacheron Jordan , Keel Christoph
Published: October 2023

Contractile injection systems (CISs) are phage tail-related structures that are encoded in many bacterial genomes. These devices encompass the cell-based type VI secretion systems (T6SSs) as well as extracellular CISs (eCISs). The eCISs comprise the R-tailocins produced by various bacterial species as well as related phage tail-like structures such as the antifeeding prophages (Afps) of Serratia entomophila, the Photorhabdus virulence cassettes (PVCs), and the metamorphosis-associated contractile structures (MACs) of Pseudoalteromonas luteoviolacea. These contractile structures are released into the extracellular environment upon suicidal lysis of the producer cell and play important roles in bacterial ecology and evolution. In this review, we specifically portray the eCISs with a focus on the R-tailocins, sketch the history of their discovery and provide insights into their evolution within the bacterial host, their structures and how they are assembled and released. We then highlight ecological and evolutionary roles of eCISs and conceptualize how they can influence and shape bacterial communities. Finally, we point to their potential for biotechnological applications in medicine and agriculture.
A modified multiple cross displacement amplification linked with a gold nanoparticle biosensor for the detection of Epstein-Barr virus in clinical applications
Authors: Zeng Xiaoyan , Yang Xinggui , Yang Ludi , Yi Xu , Chen Xu , Huang Junfei , Wang Yu , Li Shijun
Published: October 2023

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a double-stranded DNA virus belonging to the family Herpesviridae, infects more than 95% of healthy adults by attacking the host immune system. Here, a novel detection protocol, utilizing the modified multiple cross displacement amplification (MCDA) technique combined with a gold nanoparticles-based lateral flow biosensors (AuNPs-LFB), was devised and developed to detect EBV infection (termed EBV-MCDA-LFB assay). Ten MCDA primers targeting the EBNA-LP gene were designed, including CP1* primers modified with 6-carboxyfluorescein (FAM) and D1* primers modified with biotin. Then, nucleic acid templates extracted from various pathogens and whole blood samples were used to optimize and evaluate the EBV-MCDA-LFB assay. As a result, the lowest concentration of EBNA-plasmids, which can be detected by MCDA-LFB assay with an optimal reaction condition of 67°C for 30 min, was 10 copies/reaction. Here, the MCDA-LFB assay can detect all EBV pathogens used in the study, and no cross-reactions with non-EBV organisms were observed. Meanwhile, the entire detection workflow of the EBV-MCDA-LFB assay for whole blood samples, including DNA template preparation (25 min), EBV-MCDA amplification (30 min), and AuNPs-LFB-mediated validation (2–5 min), can be completed within 1 h. Taken together, the EBV-MCDA-LFB assay established in the current study is a rapid, simplified, sensitive, specific, and easy-to-obtain technique that can be used as a screening or diagnostic tool for EBV infection in clinical applications, especially in resource-poor regions.
Femtosecond laser direct writing of pure three-dimensional fluorescent protein and its application to physiological pH sensing
Authors: Serien Daniela , Kawano Hiroyuki , Miyawaki Atsushi , Sugioka Koji , Narazaki Aiko
Published: October 2023

Femtosecond laser direct write (fs-LDW), a three-dimensional (3D) printing technology, is a promising method for creating microstructures made of proteins that retain their original function, enabling the development of complex biomimetic 3D microenvironments and versatile enhancements of medical microdevices. Fabrication using pure proteins via photoactivator-free femtosecond laser multiphoton crosslinking has recently been demonstrated This approach avoids the undesirable effects caused by the leaching of photoactivator molecules, and is thus regarded as suitable for biological applications. Here, we present the 3D fabrication of microstructures made of pure fluorescent protein variants, namely mScarlet, enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP), and enhanced blue fluorescent protein (EBFP2). Multicolor fluorescent microstructures are created using a sequential procedure with various precursors. We evaluate the dependence of fluorescence retention on fabrication parameters such as the total accumulated fluence. We demonstrate that microstructures made of EGFP can be applied to the detection of physiological pH changes. The results show that fs-LDW fabrication can broaden the application scope of fluorescent protein variants.
Ca2+-dependent rapid uncoupling of astrocytes upon brief metabolic stress
Authors: Eitelmann Sara , Everaerts Katharina , Petersilie Laura , Rose Christine R. , Stephan Jonathan
Published: October 2023

Astrocytic gap junctional coupling is a major element in neuron–glia interaction. There is strong evidence that impaired coupling is involved in neurological disorders. Reduced coupling was, e.g., demonstrated for core regions of ischemic stroke that suffer from massive cell death. In the surrounding penumbra, cells may recover, but recovery is hampered by spreading depolarizations, which impose additional metabolic stress onto the tissue. Spreading depolarizations are characterized by transient breakdown of cellular ion homeostasis, including pH and Ca2+, which might directly affect gap junctional coupling. Here, we exposed acute mouse neocortical tissue slices to brief metabolic stress and examined its effects on the coupling strength between astrocytes. Changes in gap junctional coupling were assessed by recordings of the syncytial isopotentiality. Moreover, quantitative ion imaging was performed in astrocytes to analyze the mechanisms triggering the observed changes. Our experiments show that a 2-minute perfusion of tissue slices with blockers of glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation causes a rapid uncoupling in half of the recorded cells. They further indicate that uncoupling is not mediated by the accompanying (moderate) intracellular acidification. Dampening large astrocytic Ca2+ loads by removal of extracellular Ca2+ or blocking Ca2+ influx pathways as well as a pharmacological inhibition of calmodulin, however, prevent the uncoupling. Taken together, we conclude that astrocytes exposed to brief episodes of metabolic stress can undergo a rapid, Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent uncoupling. Such uncoupling may help to confine and reduce cellular damage in the ischemic penumbra in vivo.
Benefits of using digital thoracic drainage systems for post-operative treatment in pediatric populations: personal experience and review of literature
Authors: Frediani Simone , Romano Giorgia , Pardi Valerio , Aloi Ivan Pietro , Bertocchini Arianna , Accinni Antonella , Zarfati Angelo , Inserra Alessandro
Published: October 2023

Introduction

The digital chest drainage monitoring system (Medela Thopaz+), unlike analogical systems, reliably regulates the pressure applied to the patient's chest and digitally and silently monitors critical therapeutic indicators (volume of fluid and/or drained air). Its use in adulthood has been widely described, but there is still little experience in the pediatric field. The aim of this study is to test this new device in the pediatric population.

Materials and methods

We conducted a retrospective study of 160 patients undergoing chest surgery at our Hospital. These patients were divided into 82 treated with the Thopaz system in the period from January 2021 to April 2023 and 78 in whom Pleurevac, had been used in the time period from January 2020 to April 2023.

Results

The average age of patients was 10.45 years (range: 3.1–17.2) for the Thopaz Group and 10.71 years for Pleurevac Group. The groups were homogeneus also by weight and type of intervention. The device was held in place for 10.64 days (mean) for Thopaz Group, compared to 16.87 days (mean) for Pleurevac Group (p < 0.05). The median number of postoperative x-rays before the closure of the chest tube was 4.29 in the digital drainage group compared to 8.41 in the traditional draining group (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

The digital chest monitoring device provides objective measurement, allows for rapid patient mobilization (with good pain control and increased compliance). In addition, the use of Thopaz in the paediatric population seems to be safe (there is no statistically significant difference in terms of complications such as prolonged air leaks and pneumothorax after the chest tube closure) and potentially beneficial.
Tanshinone IIA alleviates atherosclerosis in LDLR−/− mice by regulating efferocytosis of macrophages
Authors: Wang Jiarou , Zhang Yifan , Feng Xiaoteng , Du Min , Li Sijin , Chang Xindi , Liu Ping
Published: October 2023

Background: Tanshinone IIA (TIIA) is the major lipid-soluble active ingredient of the traditional Chinese medicine Salvia miltiorrhiza, which slows down atherosclerosis (AS). However, it remains unclear whether TIIA has the potential to enhance macrophage efferocytosis and thereby improve atherosclerosis.

Objective: The focus of this examination was to determine if TIIA could reduce lipid accumulation and treat AS by enhancing efferocytosis.

Methods: Firstly, we conducted in vivo experiments using LDLR knockout (LDLR−/−) mice for a period of 24 weeks, using histopathological staining, immunofluorescence and Western blot experiments to validate from the efficacy and mechanism parts, respectively; in addition, we utilized cells to validate our study again in vitro. The specific experimental design scheme is as follows: In vivo, Western diet-fed LDLR−/− mice for 12 weeks were constructed as an AS model, and normal diet-fed LDLR−/− mice were taken as a blank control group. The TIIA group and positive control group (atorvastatin, ATO) were intervened for 12 weeks by intraperitoneal injection (15 mg/kg/d) and gavage (1.3 mg/kg/d), respectively. In vitro, RAW264.7 cells were cultured with ox-LDL (50 ug/mL) or ox-LDL (50 ug/mL) + TIIA (20 uM/L or 40 uM/L). Pathological changes in aortic plaques and foam cell formation in RAW264.7 cells were evaluated using Masson and Oil Red O staining, respectively. Biochemical methods were used to detect lipid levels in mice. The immunofluorescence assay was performed to detect apoptotic cells and efferocytosis-related signal expression at the plaques. RT-qPCR and Western blot were carried out to observe the trend change of efferocytosis-related molecules in both mouse aorta and RAW264.7 cells. We also used the neutral red assay to assess RAW264.7 cells’ phagocytic capacity.

Results: Compared with the model group, TIIA decreased serum TC, TG, and LDL-C levels (p < 0.01), reduced the relative lumen area of murine aortic lipid-rich plaques (p < 0.01), enhanced the stability of murine aortic plaques (p < 0.01), reduced ox-LDL-induced lipid build-up in RAW264.7 cells (p < 0.01), and upregulated efferocytosis-related molecules expression and enhance the efferocytosis rate of ox-LDL-induced RAW264.7 cells.

Conclusion: TIIA might reduce lipid accumulation by enhancing the efferocytosis of macrophages and thus treat AS.
Development of nutrition label use scale for patients of coronary heart disease and examination of its reliability and validity
Authors: Pan Lu , Xie Caixia , Liu Mengjiao
Published: October 2023

Background

A proper evaluation on the intention of using nutrition label in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) is crucial to design and formulate of behavior-based interventions. A valid and reliable instrument based on theoretical basis is needed to measure individual intention toward nutrition label use and identify underlying socio-cognitive factors.

Object

To develop and test validity and reliability of the theoretically based nutrition label use (NLU) scale and to promote the use of nutrition labels in CHD patients.

Methods

A questionnaire was developed based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB), empirical literatures, expert review and pilot tested. A total of 460 CHD patients in a hospital in Changsha were investigated using this questionnaire from April 2021 to August 2021. The items and dimensions in the scale were explored and confirmed using item-analysis, content validity, exploratory factor analytical (EFA), confirmatory factor analytical (CFA), internal consistency and split-half reliability tests.

Results

A total of 33 items with 4 structural factors were identified, including 10 items of attitude, 6 items of subjective norm, 12 items of perceived behavior control, and 5 items of intention. The total variance explained by the EFA model was 68.563%. The model was further tested with CFA. The measurement model fitted the data well (Ratio of chi-square minimum and degree of freedom (CMIN/DF) =1.743, goodness of fit index (GFI) =0.814, incremental fit index (IFI) =0.946, Tuker-Lewis index (TLI) =0.940, the comparative fit index (CFI) =0.945, the root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) =0.057). The content validation index (CVI) of the scale was 0.82, and the CVI of the items ranged from 0.8 to 1.00. The reliability of the scale was 0.976 (p < 0 0.001) using Cronbach’s alpha and 0.937 (p < 0.001) using the split-half coefficient.

Conclusion

The newly developed Nutrition Label Use Scale can serve as a valid and reliable tool to evaluate the nutrition label use of CHD patients.
Comparison of category and letter fluency tasks through automated analysis
Authors: Gonzalez-Recober Carmen , Nevler Naomi , Shellikeri Sanjana , Cousins Katheryn A. Q. , Rhodes Emma , Liberman Mark , Grossman Murray , Irwin David , Cho Sunghye
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Category and letter fluency tasks are commonly used neuropsychological tasks to evaluate lexical retrieval.

Methods

This study used validated automated methods, which allow for more expansive investigation, to analyze speech production of both category (“Animal”) and letter (“F”) fluency tasks produced by healthy participants (n = 36) on an online platform. Recordings were transcribed and analyzed through automated pipelines, which utilized natural language processing and automatic acoustic processing tools. Automated pipelines calculated overall performance scores, mean inter-word response time, and word start time; errors were excluded from analysis. Each word was rated for age of acquisition (AoA), ambiguity, concreteness, frequency, familiarity, word length, word duration, and phonetic and semantic distance from its previous word.

Results

Participants produced significantly more words on the category fluency task relative to the letter fluency task (p < 0.001), which is in line with previous studies. Wilcoxon tests also showed tasks differed on several mean speech measures of words, and category fluency was associated with lower mean AoA (p<0.001), lower frequency (p < 0.001), lower semantic ambiguity (p < 0.001), lower semantic distance (p < 0.001), lower mean inter-word RT (p = 0.03), higher concreteness (p < 0.001), and higher familiarity (p = 0.02), compared to letter fluency. ANOVAs significant interactions for fluency task on total score and lexical measures showed that lower category fluency scores were significantly related to lower AoA and higher prevalence, and this was not observed for letter fluency scores. Finally, word-characteristics changed over time and significant interactions were noted between the tasks, including word familiarity (p = 0.019), semantic ambiguity (p = 0.002), semantic distance (p=0.001), and word duration (p<0.001).

Discussion

These findings showed that certain lexical measures such as AoA, word familiarity, and semantic ambiguity were important for understanding how these tasks differ. Additionally, it found that acoustic measures such as inter-word RT and word duration are also imperative to analyze when comparing the two tasks. By implementing these automated techniques, which are reproducible and scalable, to analyze fluency tasks we were able to quickly detect these differences. In future clinical settings, we expect these methods to expand our knowledge on speech feature differences that impact not only total scores, but many other speech measures among clinical populations.
Risk factors for perimenopausal depression in Chinese women: a meta-analysis
Authors: Gan Qingwen , Yu Ran , Lian Zerong , Wei Lihua , Li Yuanping , Yuan Yiling , Zheng Lilan
Published: October 2023

Objective

To systematically evaluate the risk factors for perimenopausal depression in Chinese women and to provide a basis for screening perimenopausal women at high-risk for depression.

Methods

A computer search of seven databases, including SinoMed, PubMed, Web of Science, and so on, and two clinical trial registries on the risk factors for depression in Chinese women during perimenopause was conducted for meta-analysis. The search time limit was from the establishment of the database to December 2022. The included case–control and cross-sectional studies were evaluated using the Newcastle–Ottawa scale (NOS) and criteria developed by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ).

Results

A total of 15 papers with 12,168 patients and 18 risk factors were included. Meta-analysis results showed that the risk factors for depression in perimenopausal women were relationship quality [OR = 1.23, 95% confidence intervals (1.03, 1.46)], marital status [OR = 2.49, 95% CI (1.77, 3.50)], family income [OR = 1.48 95% CI (1.10, 2.00)], comorbid chronic diseases [OR = 2.39, 95% CI (1.93, 2.95)], exercise status [OR = 1.63, 95% CI (1.26, 2.11)], perimenopausal syndrome [OR = 2.36, 95% CI (2.11, 2.63)], age [OR = 1.04, 95% CI (1.01, 1.07)], and stressful events [OR = 12.14, 95% CI (6.48, 22.72)], and social support was a protective factor [OR = 0.76, 95% CI (0.63, 0.91), p < 0.05].

Conclusion

Based on the exploration of risk factors for perimenopausal depression in Chinese women, we aimed to provide guidance for the screening of risk factors for depression in perimenopausal women and thereby reduce the incidence of depression.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/#myprospero, CRD42023403972.
Efficient human 3D localization and free space segmentation for human-aware mobile robots in warehouse facilities
Authors: Arapis Dimitrios , Jami Milad , Nalpantidis Lazaros
Published: October 2023

Real-time prediction of human location combined with the capability to perceive obstacles is crucial for socially-aware navigation in robotics. Our work focuses on localizing humans in the world and predicting the free space around them by incorporating other static and dynamic obstacles. We propose a multi-task learning strategy to handle both tasks, achieving this goal with minimal computational demands. We use a dataset captured in a typical warehouse environment by mounting a perception module consisting of a Jetson Xavier AGX and an Intel L515 LiDAR camera on a MiR100 mobile robot. Our method, which is built upon prior works in the field of human detection and localization demonstrates improved results in difficult cases that are not tackled in other works, such as human instances at a close distance or at the limits of the field of view of the capturing sensor. We further extend this work by using a lightweight network structure and integrating a free space segmentation branch that can independently segment the floor space without any prior maps or 3D data, relying instead on the characteristics of the floor. In conclusion, our method presents a lightweight and efficient solution for predicting human 3D location and segmenting the floor space for low-energy consumption platforms, tested in an industrial environment.
Trust and Psychosomatic Complaints in Adolescence: Findings From a Swedish Cohort Study
Authors: Låftman Sara Brolin , Östberg Viveca , Raninen Jonas
Published: October 2023

Objectives: To examine the cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between generalised and institutional trust and psychosomatic complaints in mid and late adolescence.

Methods: Data were derived from the Swedish cohort study Futura01, using survey information collected amongst 3,691 grade 9 students (∼15–16 years, t1) who were followed-up 2 years later (∼17–18 years, t2). Registry information on sociodemographic characteristics was linked to the data. Linear regression analyses were performed. The longitudinal analyses applied the first difference (FD) approach as well as the lagged dependent variable (LDV) approach. Covariates included gender, family type, parental education, parental country of birth, and upper secondary programme.

Results: Higher levels of generalised and institutional trust were cross-sectionally associated with lower levels of psychosomatic complaints at both time points. The FD analyses showed that increases in generalised and in institutional trust between ages 15–16 and 17–18 years were associated with corresponding decreases in psychosomatic complaints. The LDV analyses demonstrated reciprocal temporal associations between trust and psychosomatic complaints.

Conclusion: The findings indicate that trust is a social determinant of psychosomatic complaints in adolescents, but also that health may affect trust.
A new perspective on the proper timing of radiotherapy during CDK4/6 inhibitor therapy in patients with “bone-only” metastatic breast cancer
Authors: Tornyi Ilona , Árkosy Peter , Horváth Ildikó , Furka Andrea
Published: October 2023

The vast majority of hormone positive and HER2 negative advanced breast cancers can be controlled well by endocrine therapy combined with the groundbreaking use of CDK4/6 inhibitors in the metastatic first-line setting. Approximately 50%–60% of these patients have “bone-only” metastatic disease. In oligometastatic cases or if a certain number of uncontrolled lesions develop during the aforementioned therapy, ablative radiotherapy can be delivered or, in symptomatic cases, urgent irradiation is needed with palliative intent. To achieve the most effective results, parallel with good quality of life, the timing of radiotherapy must be determined precisely, taking into account that different cell cycles are involved during different treatment modalities; therefore, optimization of treatment schedules ensures longer and safer post-progression overall survival. The key question is whether the two treatment modalities are safe concurrently or whether they should be administered separately, and if so, what is the optimal sequence and why? This manuscript aims to answer this important question, with a focus on quality of life. Existing publications focus on safety and toxicity profiles, and efficacy is detailed only tangentially and minimally.
Islets-on-Chip: A Tool for Real-Time Assessment of Islet Function Prior to Transplantation
Authors: Raoux Matthieu , Lablanche Sandrine , Jaffredo Manon , Pirog Antoine , Benhamou Pierre-Yves , Lebreton Fanny , Wojtusciszyn Anne , Bosco Domenico , Berney Thierry , Renaud Sylvie , Lang Jochen , Catargi Bogdan
Published: October 2023

Islet transplantation improves metabolic control in patients with unstable type 1 diabetes. Clinical outcomes have been improving over the last decade, and the widely used beta-score allows the evaluation of transplantation results. However, predictive pre-transplantation criteria of islet quality for clinical outcomes are lacking. In this proof-of-concept study, we examined whether characterization of the electrical activity of donor islets could provide a criterion. Aliquots of 8 human donor islets from the STABILOT study, sampled from islet preparations before transplantation, were characterized for purity and split for glucose-induced insulin secretion and electrical activity using multi-electrode-arrays. The latter tests glucose concentration dependencies, biphasic activity, hormones, and drug effects (adrenalin, GLP-1, glibenclamide) and provides a ranking of CHIP-scores from 1 to 6 (best) based on electrical islet activity. The analysis was performed online in real time using a dedicated board or offline. Grouping of beta-scores and CHIP-scores with high, intermediate, and low values was observed. Further analysis indicated correlation between CHIP-score and beta-score, although significance was not attained (R = 0.51, p = 0.1). This novel approach is easily implantable in islet isolation units and might provide means for the prediction of clinical outcomes. We acknowledge the small cohort size as the limitation of this pilot study.