bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unveiling Sexsomnia: An In-Depth Exploration
Authors: Suharyani Sally , William
Published: December 2023

Sexsomnia is one type of parasomnia that can negatively impact the quality of life for individuals affected and potentially lead to legal complications. The growing prevalence of sexsomnia demands attention due to the widespread misinformation and the misconception that it is not a medical issue. This review will delve deeper into sexsomnia, including its diagnosis and management. Parasomnia refers to undesired physical events or experiences that occur during various stages of sleep. Sexsomnia, a form of parasomnia associated with non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep, is characterized by unconscious, abnormal sexual behavior. Sexsomnia can manifest during any sleep phase but is most frequently observed during NREM sleep. Clinical manifestations of sexsomnia include vocalizations, fondling, kissing, masturbation, and even engaging in sexual intercourse without recollection upon waking. A comprehensive evaluation, including a thorough medical history and additional investigations such as polysomnography with electroencephalography, aids in establishing a diagnosis of sexsomnia. Presently, there is no definitive treatment for sexsomnia. Management approaches involve non-pharmacological and pharmacological. Sexsomnia, if not recognized as early as possible, can have detrimental effects on both the affected individual and the surrounding environment. Lack of awareness about sexsomnia and hesitation to seek treatment contribute to the lack of information about its prevalence. In-depth knowledge is crucial for accurate diagnosis and determining the appropriate management strategies for this condition. Further research is needed to determine sexsomnia and its management.
Tanggung Gugat Penyelenggara Jasa Pembayaran Sektor Perbankan Dalam Transaksi Menggunakan QR Code Indonesian Standard (QRIS)
Authors: Rahmadhani Vina , Yuniarti
Published: December 2023

Abstract
QR Code is a payment channel in Indonesia. Bank Indonesia launched the QR Code Indonesian Standard (QRIS) as a standard QR Code as a payment channel. To support the use of QRIS, Bank Indonesia also issued QRIS implementation guidelines through the Peraturan Anggota Dewan Gubernur Nomor 21/18/PADG/2019 about Implementation of the National Standard Quick Response Code for Payments. While using QRIS, failures are often encountered. To request compensation, it is necessary to know the legal relationship of the parties in order to determine the party responsibility. The legal relationship between the parties in the QRIS transaction is a civil law relationship that arises from various kinds of agreements. To resolve disputes arising from QRIS transaction failures, the most appropriate dispute resolution is a complaint to a Payment Service Provider or a complaint to Bank Indonesia because it is free of charge. Considering that the QRIS transaction limit is IDR 10,000,000 (ten million rupiah) per transaction.
Keywords: QRIS, Payment Systems, Liability, Payment Service Provider, Banking Law
 
Abstrak
QR Code merupakan salah satu kanal pembayaran yang ada di Indonesia. Pada tahun 2019 Bank Indonesia meluncurkan QR Code Indonesian Standard (QRIS). Untuk mendukung penggunaan QRIS, Bank Indonesia juga mengeluarkan pedoman implementasi QRIS melalui Peraturan Anggota Dewan Gubernur Nomor 21/18/PADG/2019 tentang Implementasi Standar Nasional Quick Response Code untuk Pembayaran. Dalam penggunaan QRIS sering dijumpai kegagalan transaksi. Untuk meminta ganti rugi, perlu diketahui hubungan hukum para pihak guna menentukan pihak yang bertanggung gugat. Hubungan hukum para pihak dalam transaksi QRIS merupakan hubungan hukum keperdataan yang timbul dari berbagai macam perjanjian. Penyelesaian sengketa yang timbul dari kegagalan transaksi QRIS yang paling sesuai adalah pengaduan kepada Penyelenggara Jasa Pembayaran atau pengaduan kepada Bank Indonesia karena tidak dipungut biaya mengingat batas maksimal transaksi QRIS adalah Rp 10.000.000 (sepuluh juta rupiah) per transaksi.
Kata Kunci: QRIS, Sistem Pembayaran, Tanggung Gugat, Penyelenggara Jasa Pembayaran, Hukum Perbankan
Pendekatan Restorative Justice atas Kerugian Negara Dibawah 50 Juta dalam Tindak Pidana Korupsi
Authors: Melenia Fitri Nur Handayani
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The restorative justice approach is considered an alternative to handling corruption in Indonesia, but restorative justice in handling corruption cases has not been regulated in the law on eradicating corruption. This study aims to examine restorative justice arrangements and their application in the handling of corruption cases with financial losses below 50 million (small). This research is a normative legal research using a conceptual approach, statutory approach, and comparative approach. In enforcing the law against criminal acts of corruption with a state loss of less than 50 million (small loss) it should take into account the principles of legal expediency, the principles of simple justice, fast, low cost, the principle of eligibility, and the principle of proportionality so that law enforcement does not become in vain, namely by using a restorative justice approach that requires corruptors to return state financial losses.
Keywords: restorative justice, the principle of expediency, corruption, small state financial losses.
 
Abstrak
Pendekatan restorative justice dianggap sebagai alternatif penanganan korupsi di Indonesia namun restorative justice dalam penanganan kasus tindak pidana korupsi belum diatur dalam undang-undang pemberantasan tindak pidana korupsi. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menelaah pengaturan restorative justice serta penerapannya dalam penangnan perkara tipikor dengan nilai kerugian keuangan dibawah 50 juta (kecil). Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian hukum normatif dengan menggunakan pendekatan konseptual, pendekatan perundang-undangan, dan pendekatan perbandingan. Dalam penegakkan hukum terhadap tindak pidana korupsi dengan nilai kerugian negara dibawah 50 juta (kerugian kecil) seyogyanya mempertimbangkan asas kemanfaatan hukum, asas peradilan sederhana, cepat,  biaya ringan, asas kelayakan, dan asas proporsionalitas agar penegakkan hukum tidak menjadi sia-sia, yaitu dengan menggunakan pendekatan restorative justice yang mengharuskan koruptor mengembalikan kerugian keuangan negra.
Kata Kunci: keadilan restoratif, asas kemanfaatan, tindak pidana korupsi, kerugian keuangan negara kecil.
Information Theory: Critical Analysis and Theory Construction
Authors: Liew Anthony Chor-Beng , Chen Yu-Shen
Published: December 2023

This paper covers a review of theory construction, a critical analysis of prior ‘information theory’, and an attempt in information theory construction. The outcome includes a theoretical statement and supporting propositions.
Source-sink manipulation does not mitigate the effects of grapevine red blotch virus (GRBV) infection on fruit sugar and flavonoid accumulation in Cabernet-Sauvignon
Authors: Kurtural Sahap , Tanner Justin D. , Mainos Dimitirios , Yu Runze , Torres Nazareth , Martínez-Luscher Johann
Published: December 2023

Grapevine red blotch virus (GRBV) negatively affects the composition of grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) berries by reducing total soluble solids and anthocyanins, leading to economic losses for grape producers. Negative effects of GRBV were suspected to be due to impeded carbon translocation from leaves to fruit which limits sugar and flavonoid accumulation in berries. A two-year trial was conducted to determine whether an increase in source: sink ratio may affect sugar allocation and mitigate the effects of GRBV on Cabernet-Sauvignon plants. Experimental design was factorial (2 by 2) with healthy plants that did not have the virus (GRBV (-)) and plants having GRBV (GRBV (+)) and plants were subjected either untreated (UNT) or cluster thinned down to 10 clusters (CT). Effects of cluster thinning and virus status on leaf and shoot total soluble sugars (TSS), plant water status, leaf gas exchange, berry primary and secondary metabolites, and yield components were measured. The TSS in leaves began to accumulate around véraison. In shoot sap, GRBV(-) plants had greater concentration in TSS than GRBV(+) plants. The presence of disease improved plant water status increasing the stem water potential and increasing berry mass. However, juice total soluble solids were consistently lower in GRBV(+) plants despite increasing source: sink ratio by 3× with cluster removal. Likewise, GRBV(+) plants produced berries with lower anthocyanin content at harvest regardless of CT in both years. Our results suggest that GRBV infection severally impeded carbohydrate translocation out of the leaves, and in contrast to healthy plants reducing the number of clusters does not induce a reconcentration of sugars in the remaining clusters.
Deities and spirits in the ideas of the Khanty of the Surgut Ob region (based on materials from 2002 to 2017)
Authors: Rud’ A.A.
Published: December 2023

The research is aimed at the characteristics of deities and spirits in the traditional beliefs of the Khanty of the Surgut Ob basin (the territory of Surgut, Nizhnevartovsk, and Nefteyugansk Districts of KMAO — Yugra and Uvatsky District of the Tyumen Oblast). The common traits are identified and differences between the categories of deities and spirits clarified; the transition of personified spirits to the category of deities is shown, as well as the transfer of the forgotten deities to the category of spirits. The sources for the research are represented by publications of the scientists of the late 19th — early 21st c., as well as by the author’s field materials collected in 2002–2017 amongst the Surgut Khanty on the rivers of Lyamin, Pim, Tromyogan, Agan, Bolshoy and Malyy Yugan, as well as on the Demyanka River (the right-bank tributary of the Irtysh River). The comparative-historical approach is employed in this work. Concerning the study of the communicative nature of the relationships between the man and supernatural beings, the concept of M. Salinz (1999) on reciprocal relations and the theory of gift-exchange of M. Moss (2011) are used. Also used are the theoretical and practical exploratory work of E.S. Novik (2004) and E.P. Martynova (2021, 2022), who observed a close link between the traditional perceptions of the peoples of Siberia and the reciprocal and gift-exchange relationships between the human world and the characters of traditional beliefs. Traditional beliefs of the Surgut Khanty include the narratives of a series of supernatural beings who influence all aspects of human life and environment. The author proposes the revision of the intension of the term ‘spirits’ frequently used by the majority of researchers to denote the whole variety of the characters of the traditional beliefs of the Khanty of the Surgut Ob basin. Taking into account the social significance, characteristics, functions, as well as the terminology of the Surgut Khanty, the author proposes to return to the division of their traditional characters into two categories — the łungx (“deities”) and the spirits (“demons” “the evil spirit”), inclu-ding kułet, yelek-kanlekh otet, kaltet, potchek, por ne, mengk, yuli, ves etc. Despite the difference of the characteristics of the personages of both categories, the landscape-geographical and morphological characteristics of the places of living of the dei-ties (yimung togi) may have features similar with places of living of the spirits (atym togi). In the study, specifics of the reciprocal and gift-exchange relationships between humans and characters of the categories of deities and spirits are recorded.
Main characteristics of burial complexes of Central Kazakhstan in the Late Bronze Age
Authors: Kukushkin I.A.
Published: December 2023

The main factual basis of the research comprised the materials of 25 necropoleis of the Late Bronze Age examined in the Karaganda and Ulytau regions of Central Kazakhstan. The total number of the investigated burials amounts to 167 individual structures. There were 190 burials recorded. Since the 2000s, nine cemeteries belonging to the Late Bronze Age have been investigated. There were 72 burial structures studied, including one of the eight largest mausoleums in the region — Karazhar-tas, excavated in 2016–2017. All known burial structures were divided into three groups: surface stone boxes, boxes imbedded in the bedrock, and ground graves, which, according to the characteristic above-ground structures, were divided into ten types of burial structures. It has been noted that for the first group of the burials, the most characteristic are quadrangular funeral structures erected using the masonry technique. The second group is dominated by quadrangular fences built from vertically set slabs, less often from stone laid on flat. The third group is clearly dominated by a ring-shaped layout in the form of the stones selected according to their dimensions, laid in a circle. The most numerous appeared to be the first group, for which the charac-teristic feature is the arrangement of the burial chambers in the form of stone boxes raised above the ground. The less repre-sentative was the second group with subsurface burials, including those that had a form of composite stone boxes. The third group comprised the burials in ground graves. It is assumed that in the first two groups, the westward orientation of the interred is predominant, with a certain role of the northeastern sector. The third group is characterised by the invariable orientation of the deceased in a southward direction with the sleeping position of the skeleton laid on the right side.
Quantification of the Post-Fire Strength Retention Factors for Selected Standard Duplex and Lean Duplex Stainless Steel Grades
Authors: Maslak Mariusz , Pancikiewicz Krzysztof , Pazdanowski Michal , Stankiewicz Marek , Wozniczka Piotr , Zajdel Paulina
Published: December 2023

Experimental quantification of retention factors related to post-fire strength as well as post-fire ductility of intentionally selected stainless steel grades applied in construction is the objective of research presented here. These steel grades are characterized by a two-phase austenitic-ferritic microstructure of the duplex type. In this context two mutually corresponding chromium-nickel-molybdenum steel grades have been subjected to analysis, namely X2CrNiMoN22-5-3 steel belonging to the standard duplex group (DSS 22% Cr) and X2CrMnNiN21-5-1 steel belonging to the lean duplex group (LDSS). The similarities and differences in the mechanical properties exhibited by these steel grades after effective cooling, following more or less prolonged simulated fire action conforming to several development scenarios, have been identified and indicated. The resistance of given steel grade to permanent structural changes induced by the heating program proved to be the critical factor determining these properties and resulting in many cases in increased susceptibility to brittle fracture.
The Effect of Environment on Case Hardening Characteristics of AISI 1018 Steel during Cassava Leaf Pack Cyaniding
Authors: Gordon Renee Erica , Kalu Egwu Eric , Adetunji Adelana Rasak , Campbell Dorr , Kalu Peter N
Published: December 2023

As part of a comprehensive research on eco-friendly processing techniques, the influence of heat treatment environment on the case-hardening of AISI 1018 steel using pulverized cassava leaf was studied. The process was carried out at two different temperatures (850˚C and 950˚C) and under three environmental conditions: (Process 1) the control experiment, was carried out in air only, (Process 2) the medium comprised of pulverized cassava leaves, and (Process 3) the combination of pulverized cassava leaves plus barium carbonate (BaCO3) as an energizer (CBC mixture). Vickers microhardness testing and scanning electron microscopy were used to evaluate the effect of processing environment on case hardening of the steel.

As expected, regardless of the processing temperature, Process 1 resulted in little or no hardening of the steel surface. However, notable case hardening occurred when steel specimens were subjected to either Process 2 or Process 3. Furthermore, the inclusion of barium carbonate in Process 3 significantly enhanced the case hardening effectiveness of the cassava leaf as it pertains to rate and maximum hardness achieved. Maximum enhancement was observed at 950oC. After 1 hour, the increase in hardness were 160% and 280%, for Process 2 and Process 3, respectively. Upon increasing the processing time to 5 hours, the increase in hardness due to Process 2 was raised to 254%, while that of Process 3 remained at approximately 280%. Diffusivity of AISI 1018 was calculated using the microhardness data. Diffusivity was highest in Process 2 samples with values of 1.568 x 10-9 m2/s at 850°C and 1.893 x 10-9 m2/s at 950 °C.
Carta del Editor
Authors: Islas Salinas Patricia
Published: December 2023

En México el artículo 3.° constitucional garantiza a las niñas, niños y adolescentes el derecho de cursar la educación básica, que comprende los niveles de inicial, preescolar, primaria y secundaria, los cuales son de carácter obligatorio, incluyente, de calidad y útiles para asegurar la igualdad de oportunidades en la vida.
Financial Performance of Multinational Enterprises
Authors: Agudelo Aguirre Alberto Antonio , Díaz Restrepo Carlos Andrés
Published: December 2023

El propósito de esta investigación es realizar una revisión de la literatura sobre la evolución de la investigación en el desempeño financiero de las empresas multinacionales a través de un análisis bibliométrico y de redes en un intento de mapear esta área de conocimiento e identificar las tendencias emergentes de investigación. Se realizó un análisis de mapeo científico a partir de 687 registros recuperados de Web of Science y Scopus, fechados durante el período comprendido entre 2000 y 2021 con el fin de identificar los documentos, autores, revistas, instituciones y países más relevantes en el campo. Además, la principal contribución de este documento es la delineación de las tendencias y los temas de investigación emergentes sobre el desempeño financiero de las empresas multinacionales
Diffuse deformation explains the magnitude-dependent coseismic shallow slip deficit
Authors: Antoine Solene , Klinger Yann , Wang Kang , Bürgmann Roland
Published: December 2023

Continental earthquakes produce both localized slip on faults and diffuse deformation in the surrounding medium, up to 1-2 kilometers from the faults. However, the origin of the diffuse deformation and its role in the rupture process are still debated. Here, we perform a joint inversion of InSAR, GNSS, and high-resolution optical correlation data and produce a detailed rupture model for the 2019 Ridgecrest, California, earthquake sequence. We show that the decrease of coseismic slip toward the ground surface observed in earthquake rupture models, also known as shallow slip deficit (SSD), directly correlates with the occurrence of diffuse deformation at the surface. Hence, we suggest that the SSD in earthquake source models can often be interpreted as a proxy for shallow diffuse inelastic deformation around faults. Revisiting earthquake source models for 25 continental earthquakes, we show that SSD and diffuse deformation are only significant for Mw<7.5 events.
A review of UK publicly funded non-inferiority trials: Is the design more inferior than it should be?
Authors: Totton Nikki , Julious Steven , Walters Stephen , Coates Elizabeth
Published: December 2023

Background: The number of non-inferiority (NI) trials, those aiming to show a new treatment is no worse than a comparator, is increasing. However, their added complexity over superiority trials can create confusion. Most guidance and reviews to date have an industry focus with research suggesting these trials may differ to publicly funded NI trials. This gap in the literature, to understand how well the recommendations are translating to publicly funded NI trials, is the aim of this work by reviewing their design and reporting characteristics.
Methods: The International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial Number web registry and the National Institute for Health and Care Research’s Funding and Awards Library and Journals Library were searched using the term non-inferiority and logical synonyms. Inclusion requirements were a UK publicly funded NI randomised controlled trial. Characteristics of the design, analyses and results as available were recorded on a dedicated data extraction spreadsheet. Appropriate summary statistics were used to present the results.
Results: Searches completed on the 14th January 2022 identified 477 potential trials which after exclusions resulting in a database of 114 NI trials to be summarised. Non-inferiority margins were defined for most trials with a median of 8% (IQR: 3%-10%) used for risk differences (n=58) and 0.35 (IQR: 0.26-0.43) standardised mean difference for continuous outcomes (n=30). Justifications for the margin chosen (n=62) were more commonly based on the clinical importance (49/62) and less commonly using statistical considerations (13/62). The most prevalent primary analysis population was solely on an intention-to-treat basis (49/114). The superiority of the treatment was well described but not always included as an outcome and only powered for in about a third of cases.
Conclusions: Aspects of NI trial design are well described but not always in line with current recommendations. Of particular note, is the absence of statistical considerations when setting the non-inferiority margin, which eliminates the ability to confirm indirect superiority over placebo for the new treatment. Additionally, despite suggestions that it can increase the Type 1 error in NI trials, use of the intention-to-treat alone is most common analysis population.
Registration: Research on Research ID: 3171
Funding: Economic and Social Research Council (Reference Number: 205866591)
Extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae in Guangzhou, China: risk factors and economic burden among Patients with bloodstream infections
Authors: Chen Jiakang , Allel Kasim , Luo Wenwei , He Nanhao , Yang Xu , Zhuo Chuyue , Guo Yingyi , Wang Jiong , Yao Likang , Li Jiahui , Lin Yexin , Tu Ruiyang , Yakob Laith , Zhuo Chao
Published: December 2023

Background.
Extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae(ESBL-EK) are important sources of bloodstream infection (BSI), but their economic impact has not been comprehensively evaluated.
Patients and methods. A retrospective analysis of inpatients diagnosed with Escherichia coli or Klebsiella pneumoniae bacteremia in tertiary hospitals between January 2020 and December 2022 was performed. Clinical data and healthcare spending were collected through a chart review of electronic medical records. The chi-square test was used to analyze risk factors for ESBL, and then propensity score matching (PSM) was used to match patients 1:1 ratio to eliminate confounding factors and economic burden was assessed using disability-adjusted life years (DALYs).
Results. A total of 318 patients meeting study specifications were identified. Before matching, there were statistically significant differences in hospitalization time before infection, organ transplantation rate, ICU admission rate, Age-adjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index (ACCI), and SOFA score between the two groups (all p<0.05). After using PSM-adjusted estimates, the ESBL group still had a lower rate of effective empirical antimicrobial therapy than the non-ESBL group (non-ESBL=79.3% vs ESBL=59.5% p=0.001). The ESBL group had a higher hospitalization cost, but there was no significant difference in total mortality (non-ESBL=19.0% vs ESBL=20.7%, p=0.747) and mean DALYs (non-ESBL=1.84 DALYs vs ESBL=2.12 DALYs, p=0.098) between two groups. Mediation analysis identified that the relationship between ESBL and hospitalization costs is largely or fully mediated by inappropriate empirical antibiotic therapy and hospital stay.
Conclusion. The cost of patients with BSI caused by ESBL-EK is higher than that of patients with BSI caused by non-ESBL-EK. This phenomenon can be attributed to differences in effective empirical antimicrobial therapy rates and length of hospitalization. Reasonable assessment of ESBL risk，fully consider the regional epidemiological situation and precise use of antibiotics are very important to reduce the burden on patients.
Enhancing biomethanation performance through co-digestion of diverse organic wastes: a comprehensive study on substrate optimization, inoculum selection, and microbial community analysis
Authors: Choudhury Atun Roy , Singh Neha , Lalwani Jitesh , Sriniva Hemapriya , Palani Sankar Ganesh
Published: December 2023

A blend of organic municipal solid waste, slaughterhouse waste, faecal sludge, and landfill leachate opted as substrates in different mix ratios to formulate a pertinent mixture for biomethanation. Individual substrates were characterized and the mix ratio was optimized with the help of the response surface methodology tool to a value of 1:1:1:1 (against a C/N ratio of 28 ± 0.769 and VFA of 2500 ± 10.53) to improve the overall performance. The optimized blend (C/N ratio: 28.6, volatile fatty acids: 2538 mg/L) was characterized for physicochemical, biological, and microbial properties and subjected to anaerobic digestion in lab-scale reactors of 1000 ml capacity with and without the addition of inoculum. The gas yield of individual substrates and blends was ascertained separately. The observed cumulative gas yield over 21 days from the non-inoculated substrates varied between 133 to 2035 ml. While the addition of external inoculation at a 5% rate (w/w) against the substrate, uplifted the minimum and maximum cumulative gas yield values to 203 ml and 3394 ml. The inoculum procured from the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) was screened beforehand considering factors such as maximizing VFA production and consumption rate, gas yield, and quality of digestate. A similar outcome related to gas yield and digestate quality was observed for the equivalent blend. The cumulative gas yield value increased from 2627 ml to 4284 ml over 21 days post-application of a similar dosage of DRDO inoculum. Analysis of the 16S rRNA gene revealed that the predominant bacterial population belonged to the Firmicutes phylum, with the majority falling within the orders Clostridiales and Lactobacillales. Ultimately, the study advocates the potential of the aforementioned blend for anaerobic co-digestion to enhance the gas yield and digestate quality.
Bearded capuchin monkey as a model for Alzheimer’s disease research
Authors: Rodriguez Roberta Diehl , Tavares Maria Clotilde , Brucki Sonia Maria , Takada Leonel Tadao , Otaduy Maria Concepción , Martin Maria da Graça Morais , Suemoto Cláudia , Grinberg Lea , Leite Cláudia , Tomaz Carlos , Nitrini Ricardo
Published: December 2023

The absence of a natural animal model is one of the main challenges in Alzheimer’s disease research. Despite the challenges of using non-human primates in studies, they can bridge mouse models and humans, as non-human primates are phylogenetically close to humans and can spontaneously develop AD-type pathology. The capuchin monkey, a New World primate, has recently attracted attention due to its skill in creating and using instruments. We analyzed three capuchin brains using structural 7T MRI and neuropathological evaluation. Alzheimer-type pathology was found in one case. Widespread β-amyloid pathology mainly in the form of focal deposits with variable morphology and high density of mature plaques. Noteworthy, plaque-associated dystrophic neurites, associated with disrupted of axonal transport and early cytoskeletal alteration, were frequently found. Unlike other species of New World monkeys, cerebral arterial angiopathy was not the predominant form of β-amyloid pathology. Additionally, abnormal aggregates of hyperphosphorylated tau, resembling neurofibrillary pathology, were observed in the temporal and frontal cortex. Besides, astrocyte hypertrophy surrounding plaques was found, suggesting a neuroinflammatory response. Aged capuchin monkeys can spontaneously develop Alzheimer-type pathology, indicating that they may be an advantageous animal model for research in Alzheimer’s disease. One-Sentence Summary: Capuchin monkeys can spontaneously develop Alzheimer-type pathology.
Local evidence is key to assessing biodiversity vulnerability to climate change
Authors: Lu Muyang , Jetz Walter
Published: December 2023

Gaging the effects of impending climate change on biodiversity is one of the most pressing scientific challenges1,2. Recent studies have indicated the risk of widespread range contraction3 and community collapse4 globally, but their specific interpretation and decision-relevance is constrained by the coarse-grain nature of their underlying evidence5. Here, we demonstrate for 1,804 Western Hemisphere bird species that coarse-grain estimates of climate change vulnerability show limited correspondence with those derived from biologically more appropriate local data. Coarse-grain data used widely in recent assessments miss up to half of the most vulnerable species due to significant errors of omission and commission that covary with spatial autocorrelation and ecological attributes of species. This strongly affects the perceived vulnerability of high-biodiversity tropical regions–, for example, species in the Amazon region are even more vulnerable to climate change than previously reported4. These findings alter the insights of recent global work and highlight the importance of considering the scale of available evidence7,8. Informed collection of local data combined with model-based data fusion9,10 will be key for effectively assessing and managing the effects of climate change on biodiversity.
Unlocking the potential of biofilm- forming plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria for growth and yield enhancement in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.): Results from In vitro and in vivo studies
Authors: Rafique Munazza , Naveed Muhammad , Mumtaz M. Zahid , Niaz Abid , Alamri Saud , Siddiqui Manzer H. , Ali Zulfiqar , Naman Abdul , Rehman Sajid ur , Brtnicky Martin , Mustafa Adnan , Waheed Muhammad Qandeel
Published: December 2023

Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) boosts agricultural productivity and alleviates environmental stresses by forming biofilms under natural climatic conditions. In the past few years, microorganisms in biofilm have gained impetus for efficient root colonization. The current work aims to characterize biofilm-associated rhizobacteria for wheat growth and yield enhancement. In this study native rhizobacteria were isolated from the wheat rhizosphere and ten isolates were characterized for plant growth promoting traits and biofilm production under axenic conditions. Among these ten isolates, five potential biofilm-producing plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria on the basis of invitro plant growth promoting trait assays were further tested under controlled and field conditions on wheat growth and yield attributes. Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) spectra further revealed that biochemical contents of biofilm produced by selected bacterial PGPR strains are associated with proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, amino acids and DNA/RNA. Inoculated plants in growth chamber resulted in longer roots, shoots, and increase in fresh biomass than controls. Similarly, significant increases in plant height (up to 13.3, 16.7%), grain yield (up to 29.6, 46.9%), number of tillers (up to 18.7, 34.8%), nitrogen contents (up to 58.8, 48.1%), and phosphorus contents (up to 63.0, 51.0%) in grains were seen in both pot and field trials, respectively. The two most promising biofilm-producing isolates were identified through 16s rRNA partial gene sequencing as Brucella sp. (BF10), Lysinibacillus macroides (BF15). Moreover, leaf pigmentation and relative water contents increased in all treated plants. Taken together, our results revealed that biofilm forming PGPR can boost crop productivity for sustainable agriculture.
Patterns of eating behavior in middle-aged and older adults impact their obesity metabolic phenotype: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Pu Fangfang , Lin Jialing , Wei Yaoyao , Li Jingjing , Liao Xinyi , Shi Lei , Zeng Xianchun , Hu Wen
Published: December 2023

Background
Middle-aged and older adults have different obesity metabolic phenotypes, and explored the association between their overall dietary behavior patterns and obesity metabolic phenotypes, which is of great significance for the early prevention and control of chronic diseases, precise treatment, and individualized intervention.
Methods
We conducted a cross-sectional study of 15,160 middle-aged and older adults between June 2019 and August 2021 to collect information on their Body mass index(BMI), biochemical indices and disease history. The population was classified into four categories by the criteria of obesity metabolic phenotypes: metabolically healthy non-obesity(MHNO), metabolically unhealthy non-obesity(MUNO), metabolically healthy obesity(MHO), and metabolically unhealthy obesity(MUO).According to the dietary behavioral pattern scores, the population was classified into three groups: 0–2, 3–4, and 5–6. The relationship between eating behavior patterns and different obesity metabolic phenotypes in middle-aged and elderly people was analysed by multicategorical logistic regression model.
Results
Compared with the 5–6 subgroup, the eating behavior patterns of 0–2 and 3–4 scores were risk factors for MUNO, MHO and MUO (P < 0.05), and the lower the scores of the eating behavior patterns, the higher the multiplicity of the occurrence of MUNO, MHO and MUO. Each dietary behaviour was further analysed separately from the obesity metabolic phenotypes; appropriate dietary taste, dietary speed, dietary softness and daily intake of dietary supplements were protective factors for MUNO, MHO, and MUO (P < 0.05); appropriate dietary temperature were protective factors for MUNO (P < 0.05)..
Conclusion
Dietary behavioral patterns of middle-aged and older adults can influence their different obesity metabolic phenotypes, and healthy eating behavior patterns (moderate and light taste, moderate and slightly soft texture, warm temperature, moderate and slow eating speed, daily intake of dietary supplements, and nonalone eating) are beneficial for the prevention and control of MUNO, MHO, and MUO.
Genetic Stability, Amino Acid and Polyamine Profile Analyses in Radiata Pine Somatic Embryos Maturated at High Temperatures
Authors: Montalbán Itziar Aurora , Castander-Olarieta Ander , Nascimento Antonia Maiara Marques Do , Suárez-Álvarez Sonia , Herrán Ana , Polesi Luiza Giacomolli , Steiner Neusa , Guerra Miguel Pedro , Moncaleán Paloma
Published: December 2023

Applying stress factors such as high temperatures during the different stages of somatic embryogenesis is either important interesting to uncover the molecular mechanisms involved in stress response and adaptation, and as a strategy to produce plants adapted to harsh environmental conditions derived from climate changes. In this sense, the present work aims to study the effect of high temperatures applied during maturation of somatic embryogenesis in the ploidy stability, the amino acid and polyamine profiles of the somatic embryos obtained and in the morphological characteristics of the somatic plantlets. The results revealed that the maturation temperature did not affect the morphology of the resulting somatic plantlets, neither the ploidy and genome size of phenotypically normal somatic embryos, whose ploidy and DNA content levels were similar to those found in mature zygotic embryos. Nonetheless, a slight but significant reduction of the genome size of aberrant somatic embryos was observed. Of the 21 amino acids detected significant differences depending on the maturation temperature were found for glycine, arginine, lysine and ornithine. These last three amino acids are precursors of the polyamines detected. Regarding this, putrescine levels were higher in somatic embryos from the highest maturation temperature (5 min pulse at 60 ºC), however the amount of this polyamine in all samples was much lower than spermidine, spermine and cadaverine. In conclusion, the different temperatures applied did not led to substantial changes in the ploidy level, endogenous PAs of the somatic embryos developed, or in the morphology of the somatic plantlets. Significant changes in the endogenous amino acids were observed, which may be linked not only to PAs metabolism but to another metabolic pathways involved in stress response.
Comparison of perioperative and oncological outcomes between extracorporeal and intracorporeal urinary diversion following laparoscopic radical cystectomy and robot-assisted radical cystectomy
Authors: Fukuhara Hideo , Osakabe Hiroto , Nao Tomoya , Shimamoto Tsutomu , Fukada Satoshi , Tamura Kenji , Ashide Shingo , Karashima Takashi , Inoue Keiji
Published: December 2023

Background
This study aimed to compare oncological outcomes between intracorporeal urinary diversion (ICUD) and extracorporeal urinary diversion (ECUD) following radical cystectomy in Japan.
Methods
This retrospective study included 110 patients who underwent laparoscopic radical cystectomy (LRC) or robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) from 2013 to 2023. Twenty-nine participants underwent LRC with ECUD, 40 participants underwent RARC with ECUD, and 32 participants underwent RARC with ICUD. Predictors of postoperative outcomes were evaluated using a Cox proportional hazards model. Recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were measured using the Kaplan-Meier method.
Results
Estimated RFS at 36 months for RARC with ICUD, RARC with ECUD and LRC with ECUD was 79.9% (95% CI 57.9–91.2), 52.5% (95% CI 31.1–70.1) and 62% (95% CI 40.7–77.5), respectively. Estimated OS at 36 months for RARC with ICUD, RARC with ECUD and LRC with ECUD was 87.1% (95% CI 54.4–96.9), 60.4% (95% CI 33.6–79.3) and 80.7% (95% CI 56.9–91.5), respectively.
Conclusions
There were no statistically significant differences in oncological outcomes between ECUD and ICUD based on surgical approach. Only pathological stage ≥ T3 and N positivity were common predictors of poor OS and RFS outcomes.
Clinical and Lab Findings in Predicting COVID-19 Outcomes in Older Adults
Authors: Ashjazadeh Hamidreza , Zandieh Zhale , Niksolat Maryam , Nabi Somaye , Zanjari Nasibeh , Yarandi Razieh Bidhendi , Azadbakht Mojtaba
Published: December 2023

Introduction: The novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) seriously threatens people's lives worldwide. A practical solution to curb the pandemic is to facilitate the recognition of poor prognostic factors at earlier stages, especially in vulnerable groups such as elderly individuals, to help clinicians make timely decisions on treatment initiation.Methods This retrospective cross-sectional study was performed on 534 COVID-19 patients aged 60 years and above. Initially, demographic characteristics, severity, clinical symptoms, vital signs, and underlying diseases were analyzed in survivors and non-survivors; finally, the association between these variables and mortality rate was reported.Results The average age of the population was 72.5 ± 8.77 years, while the average age of survivors and non-survivors was 71.57 ± 8.61 years and 75.51 ± 8.64 years. Overall mortality was 23.2%, which increased to 87% in patients admitted to ICU. Mortality was 53%, with troponin ≥ 100, 41% with RDW > 16 and 44% with MCV > 96.1. It was 64% in patients with autoimmune diseases and 51% in cases with CKD. Patients with diastolic or systolic hypotension showed mortality of 52% and 50%.Conclusions ICU admission was the strongest predictive indicator for poor outcomes. Indeed, underlying diseases, increased troponin, RDW, MCV, and diastolic and systolic hypotension were associated with increased mortality.MeSH terms: COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, Age, Mortality, Prognosis
Targeting real-world maps of multiple primary carcinoma combinations and theirsurvival status in Shanghai, China
Authors: Shi Jianwei , Chen Yichen , Chen Chen , Li Xiaopan , Jin Hua
Published: December 2023

Objective: Little is known about the real-world maps of primary malignancies and their following primary malignancies, as well as the associated survival status for the patterns of multiple primary carcinoma (MPC).
Methods: We retrospectively screened the data of 1,560 patients with MPC from the 86 public health institutions in Shanghai during 2002-2015. The distribution of the frequency and proportion of primary carcinoma (PC) combinations were depicted, and a life table was used to calculate the 1- to 5-year survival rates. Cox regression analysis was performed to analyze the survival risk factors of the first and second PCs.
Results: The map showed that the most frequent first PCs were colorectal (13.08%), breast (11.60%), and stomach (9.29%), while the most frequent second PCs were lung (17.56%), colorectal (16.28%), and stomach cancers (9.10%). The most common combinations included colorectal + lung, colorectal + stomach, colorectal + prostate. The first PCs of skin and lung cancer had the lowest survival rate, and the second PCs of pancreas and liver cancer had the lowest survival rates. When the latency between diagnoses of PCs was ≤ 12 months, patients had a higher risk of cancer-specific mortality. Higher risk groups included those > 65 years old with III + IV stage cancers.
Conclusions: These findings highlight specific PC combinations with low survival rates, as well as their risk factors. Comprehensive prevention and control strategies for MPC should be developed, and clinicians should be aware of the risks of MPCin vulnerable populations at an early diagnosis stage.
Preparation and Characterization of Affordable Experimental Sensors Array for Particulate Matter Sensing
Authors: Javadzadehkalkhoran Majid , Trabzon Levent
Published: December 2023

Interest for particulate matter (PM) sensors has increased significantly during last decade. Having a proper experimental setup to test these sensors is necessary. Most of the devices that are used in the PM test setups for both PM generating and measuring are bulky and expensive. In this study a cost-effective experimental setup has been designed with a custom made PM generator and small size laser and quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) sensors. The generator has the capability of producing PM from three different sources: dry powder, liquid suspension and combustion. The QCM completes the weakness of small laser sensors for sensing the ultra-fine particles. Moreover, performance of the QCM sensor has been investigated with different PM sources and different ambient conditions. It has been found that the response of QCM could be affected from PM source and ambient condition. The change in PM composition and size causes notable impact on QCM response. Relative humidity (RH) also could change the sensor response up to 22%. While changing the temperature of the flow has not significant effect on QCM response, increasing the temperature from 25°C to 30°C caused 12% change in QCM response in grease-coated one. The QCM sensor has the best response with small size smoke PM’s with lowest effect from ambient conditions.
Analysis of CYP1B1 polymorphisms in lung cancer patients using novel, quick and easy methods based on CAPS and ACRS-PCR techniques
Authors: Dąbrowski Adam , Nowicki Maciej , Budzyńska Aleksandra , Suchodolski Jakub , Ogórek Rafał , Chabowski Mariusz , Przywara Katarzyna
Published: December 2023

Within the sequence of the CYP1B1 gene, more than 50 polymorphisms, resulting from single nucleotide changes (SNPs), have been described. Part of them play an important role as specific genetic markers in the process of carcinogenesis and for therapeutic purposes. In this publication, we present methods we have developed that enable specific and unambiguous identification of four polymorphisms that result in amino acid changes: c. 142C > G, c. 355G > T, c. 1294C > G, and c. 1358A > G. Our studies are based on CAPS and ACRS-PCR techniques, therefore they require only basic laboratory equipment and low financial outlays. Utilizing the described methods allows for the reduction of research time, cost, and the minimization of errors. Their effectiveness and efficiency depend on the careful design of appropriate primers and the precise selection of suitable restriction enzymes. As a result, further confirmation by sequencing is not necessary. Using the developed method, we examined 63 patients diagnosed with lung cancer and observed a 1.5 to 2.1 times higher frequency of the analyzed single nucleotide polymorphisms compared to the frequency in the European population. No correlation was found between the occurrence of the tested polymorphisms and the histopathological diagnosis or stage of cancer advancement.
Tumor Necrosis Factor-α Inhibitors Increase the Risk of Hepatitis B Virus Reactivation in Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis
Authors: Yen Yi-Ning , Chen Yao-Sheng , Tsai Hung-Cheng , Sun Yi-Syuan , Liao Hsien-Tzung , Lai Chien-Chih , Chen Wei-Sheng , Chen Ming-Han , Huang Yi-Hsiang
Published: December 2023

Background/Purpose Biologic agents may cause hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis or hematological diseases. However, little is known about HBV reactivation (HBVr) in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients receiving biologics.Methods A total of 1959 AS patients were retrospectively screened from year 2005 to 2019. The medical record of 448 patients with available HBV markers were carefully reviewed. The incidence and risk factors for HBVr were examined.Results Among the 448 AS patients, 172 were enrolled in our study after excluding those with antiviral prophylaxis, negative hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc), and missing data. Sixty-seven (39.0%) of them were hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positive at baseline, and 14 (20.9%) developed HBVr during a follow-up of 536 patient-years. Eight were treated with tumor necrosis factor-alpha inhibitor (TNFi). The median time for the 8 patients receiving biologics to develop HBVr was 11.5 months (ranging from 5 to 71 months). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that receiving TNFi was an independent risk factor for HBVr in HBsAg-positive patients (hazard ratio (HR) 4.365, 95% CI: 1.4–13.9, P = .013). One (7.1%) patient with HBVr developed liver decompensation, and there was no death. Also, none of the HBsAg-negative patients experienced HBsAg reverse seroconversion.Conclusion TNFi exposure can induce HBVr in HBsAg-positive patients with AS, and the incidence was substantial. Monitoring HBV viral load is necessary for HBsAg-positive patients undergoing TNFi in the absence of antiviral prophylaxis.
Chloroplast genome of Calamus tetradactylus revealed rattan phylogeny
Authors: Zhang Haibo , Liu Peng , Zhang Yi , Sun Huayu , Wang Yue , Gao Zhimin , Liu Xin
Published: December 2023

Background
Calamus tetradactylus, a species primarily distributed in Vietnam, Laos, and southern China, is highly valued for its utilization as a small-diameter rattan material. While its physical and mechanical properties have been extensively studied, the genomic characteristics of C. tetradactylus remain largely unexplored.
Results
To gain a better understanding of its chloroplast genomic features and evolutionary relationships, we conducted sequencing and assembly of the chloroplast genome of C. tetradactylus. The complete chloroplast genome exhibited the typical highly conserved quartile structure, with specific variable regions identified in the single-copy region (like psbF-psbE, π = 0.10327, ndhF-rpl32, π = 0.10195), as well as genes such as trnT-GGU (π = 0.05764) and ycf1 (π = 0.03345) and others. We propose that these regions and genes hold potential as markers for species identification. Furthermore, phylogenetic analysis revealed that C. tetradactylus formed a distinct clade within the phylogenetic tree, alongside other Calamus species, and C. tetradactylus was most closely related to C. walkeri, providing support for the monophyly of the genus.
Conclusion
The analysis of the chloroplast genome conducted in this study provides valuable insights that can contribute to the improvement of rattan breeding programs and facilitate sustainable development in the future.