bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Description of the Characteristics of Solid Medical Waste in the Environment During the COVID - 19 Pandemic: Case Study Hospital X Covid-19 Referral in Semarang City
Authors: Himayati N , Joko T , Raharjo M
Published: December 2021

Characteristics of Solid Medical Waste As long as the hospital as a health service provider is a source of solid medical waste generation. The current COVID-19 pandemic can potentially increase the number of medical waste generation in health care facilities. The COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact on changing the characteristics of the medical waste produced. This study describes the characteristics of hospital solid medical waste during the COVID-19 pandemic at the X Referral Covid Hospital in Semarang City. The study results show that the ratio of increasing solid medical waste during the 2020 pandemic ranges from 1.39 to 2.08 kg/bed/day. Handling medical waste in this condition is a challenge that needs to be appropriately managed.
Application SEM-EDX in Biodegradation of Seafood Wastes by Sponge-Derived Actinomycetes 19C38A1 in Solid Fermentation
Authors: Widyastuti  , Hendri J , Setiawan A
Published: December 2021

Biodegradation of chitin by microorganisms can produce derivative products that have economic value. This research aims to apply SEM-EDX analysis in observing the biodegradation process of seafood industrial waste by actinomycetes. Shrimp shells, cuttlefish bones and fish scales were obtained from the free market. In the early stages, the SEM-EDX spectrum analysis of the substrate showed almost the same carbon, oxygen, and mineral compositions. While the surface of each substrate is quite varied. On the second day of the fermentation, SEM image analysis showed that the growth rate of actinomycetes on each substrate was significantly different. The difference in growth was supported by SEM imaging data which showed damage to the surface of each substrate. Further analysis of the degradation products by HPLC on the second and third days showed the formation of glucosamine. It suspected that actinomycetes can break down shrimp shell waste into glucosamine. This information is very important as the basis for further research related to the optimization of the glucosamine and chitooligosaccharide (COS) production process using the solid fermentation method.
Waste management planning toward zero waste in Hotel XYZ Bandung with circular economy principles (case study: room service facility’s solid waste)
Authors: Sujai S R A N , Juwana I
Published: December 2021

Hotel XYZ is a commercial area in the city of Bandung which still applies the traditional linear economic cycle. The 61.61% of ±9000 m2 building area is used for room service facilities. The hotel has not paid attention to its waste management so all the waste generated from this hotel end up at the landfill area. This study aims at improving the waste management in Hotel XYZ to meet the principle of circular economy. Using SNI 19-3964-1994 approach to measure the generation of waste composition, the amount of waste generated from room service facilities is 0.03 kg/m2/day or 0.41 liter/m2/day. The zero waste index (ZWI) calculation was used for the evaluation of waste management in the hotel. The waste generated at Hotel XYZ has the potential to achieve substitute material savings by 63.16 kg, substitution of energy by 775.79 MegaJoule (MJ), greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction by 49.36 kg/CO2e, -164.06 L/kg of water saving. The most waste generated by hotel room service facilities is recyclable waste consisting of single-use packaging from hotel equipments. Waste reduction plan for the room service facilities is carried out by replacing single-use packaging with refillable packaging so the hotel is able to save their shopping expenditure costs up to Rp. 844,691.00 per day.
Impact of Social and Environmental Responsibilities Predictors towards Business Sustainability in HEIs of Pakistan
Authors: Advani A , Khan G
Published: December 2021

Sustainable business development has a basic concept to make a profit while considering their responsibility toward the environment. It has been observed that in the previous years, entrepreneurs only focused on economic performance and ignore their responsibilities toward society. This study aims to explore the social and environmental responsibilities as an independent variable that directly influences business sustainability. It is believed that organizational culture significantly mediates the relation between the variables. Moreover, this research study exercised mixed method strategy to quantify the results through SPSS 20 software. The hypothesis was tested via regression analysis. Data was collected from different universities operating in Pakistan. 148 respondents participated in the survey. A closed-ended questionnaire is distributed among students from different universities in Karachi.5-point. The Likert Scale has been used for this study. Random sampling and convenience sample technique were used for data collection. The result confirms the significant influence of social and environmental obligations on business sustainability. Social responsibilities and business sustainability have high correlations and this paper suggests, to develop and implement policies and strategies for businesses to eliminate the violation of the social & environmental responsibility of every entrepreneur toward society and improve organizational culture in the organization.
The Effect of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Disclosure and Competitive Advantage on Companies Performance as An Implementation of Sustainable Economic Growth in Indonesia for Period of 2015-2019
Authors: Lubis M F F , Rokhim R
Published: December 2021

Environmental issues have gained quite attention in recent years. Many scientists believe that sustainability is one of many options that can reduce the environmental problems. Drawn by the importance of sustainability aspects while doing business, this study aims to investigate the effect of environmental, social and governance (ESG) disclosure on company performance, moderated by competitive advantage. This study used a sample of 52 publicly listed companies on the Indonesia Stock Exchange that consistently disclose their ESG scores between 2015-2019. This research used panel data which is processed using random effect model data. The results of this study indicate that ESG disclosure has a negative impact on company performance. When the moderating variable, competitive advantage, are introduced in the model, ESG disclosure has a positive impact on company performance, but it is insignificant. Our results showed the implementation of ESG in Indonesia is still very low and shed light the lack of governance by the government and the financial authorities.
Integrated Data-based Poverty Alleviation to Achieve SDGs
Authors: Megawati S , Rahaju T , Mahdiannur M A , Kurniawan B
Published: December 2021

Poverty alleviation is not an easy job. Lack of coordination, inaccurate data, and slow information are factors leading to inappropriate decisions making. This research aims to learn in detail about the Integrated Social Welfare Database (ISWD) and how to use the ISWD for Poverty Programs. This research used a literature study approach through collecting, classifying, analyzing, visualizing, validating data, and drawing conclusions. The results of the research showed that the ISWD is an electronic data system containing social, economic, and demographic information in Indonesia which consists of 16 variables, namely: welfare status of households and individuals, education, health, employment, and primary information households covering the lowest share of 40% of the Indonesian population based on welfare states. The ISWD provides many benefits for the central government, regional governments in Indonesia, for example, supporting the analysis or the planning of poverty alleviation activities/programs, determining the target beneficiaries of social protection programs such as the Raskin Program, Jamkesmas, Assistance for Poor Students, Family Hope Program, and other programs managed by the regional government.
Utilization of Home Gardens as a Community Empowerment-Based Edible Landscape to Combat Stunting
Authors: Saroinsong F B , Ismail Y , Gravitiani E , Sumantra K
Published: December 2021

Home gardens as a community empowerment-based edible landscape can be used as a strategy for sustainable and resilient urban development. The objective of this research is to identify (a) benefits and challenges of home gardens as community empowerment-based edible landscape, and (b) the socio-cultural, economic, and environmental factors in the utilization of home gardens in Tomohon, Denpasar and Solo. The researchers conduct literature reviews and observation for one month. The benefits of a home garden are a source of various food and traditional medicine, a place of worship, supporting conservation, ameliorating the microclimate, improve health, education, recreational and aesthetic functions, strengthen social status, increase income and ties. The challenges are to overcome constraints such as (a) lack of knowledge, skill, advisory services, (b) limited access to farming inputs, and so on; and to take advantage of opportunities such as easy access, easy control of composition, products quality and quantity, and so on. Some strategies are proposed. Socio-cultural, economic and environmental factors that influence the home garden are grouped as internal factors (i.e. size, owner’s economic condition, perception, knowledge, skill, hobby, preference and consumption pattern, allocated time and energy) and external factors (i.e. regulation, culture and agreement, and environmental conditions).
Solidarity and Impact of 2009 Situ Gintung Disaster-Based Value System to Raise Awareness of Disaster Resilience and the Environment
Authors: Firdaus A , Hermansah T
Published: December 2021

Originally a natural lake of marshland, Situ Gintung was later created to benefit the local community. This lake fell in 2009 due to its inability to withstand the rushing water. This tragedy impacted many sociological and economic aspects of society. The purpose of this study is to assess the value system’s impact on the interview and observation process. The study took place near Situ Gintung. The study ran from March through June 2011. Among the informants were victims of the Situ Gintung disaster, local inhabitants who knew the history of Situ Gintung, and the South Tangerang Regional Government. This study’s findings imply that people’s concern for one another is expanding. It has shown great care and togetherness via cooperation, community service, and attending neighbors’ weddings. Residents, on the other hand, tend to take care of their own requirements, whether family or personal. These residents are citizens that stay in touch with or greet their neighbors when needed. In the event of a future natural disaster, the community will come together to help and understand.
Stimulated Brillouin scattering in a sub-wavelength anisotropic waveguide with slightly-misaligned material and structural axes: misalignment-sensitive behaviors and underlying physics
Authors: Su Xiao-Xing , Dou Zi-Long , Lee Heow Pueh
Published: December 2021

The stimulated Brillouin scatterings (SBSs) in sub-wavelength rutile waveguides with slightly misaligned material and structural axes are numerically studied. The misalignment is introduced between the extraordinary material axis and longitudinal axis of the waveguide only. Four nanowire waveguides with different cross-sectional geometries are considered. They consist of a circular waveguide, two elliptical waveguides with different cross-sectional orientation angles, and a trapezoidal waveguide with a completely unsymmetrical cross-sectional shape. As previously reported, the resonant peaks emerge rapidly in response to the introduced small misalignment angle and can also be observed in the calculated Brillouin gain spectra of the considered waveguides. But these misalignment-sensitive resonant peaks further exhibit some extraordinary behaviors, which may not be intuitively understandable. For instance, despite a plausible absence of symmetry breaking, many misalignment-sensitive resonant peaks can still be observed in the forward SBS gain spectrum of the trapezoidal waveguide. Based on the symmetry properties of the considered waveguides, the physics underlying the observed extraordinary phenomena are revealed. The obtained results highlight the effectiveness of introducing symmetry breakings for activating/harnessing opto-mechanical couplings in photonic-phononic micro structures, which would enable us to gain some deeper insights into the sub-wavelength opto-mechanics in anisotropic media.
Simple interferometric setup enabling sub-Fourier-scale ultra-short laser pulses
Authors: Neyra Enrique G , Torchia Gustavo A , Vaveliuk Pablo , Videla Fabian
Published: December 2021

In this work, we describe an interferometric method to generate ultra-short pulses below the Fourier limit. It is done by extending concepts first developed in the spatial domain to achieve sub-diffractive beams through the addition of a spatial chirp in one of the arms of a Michelson interferometer using a spherical mirror. To experimentally synthesize sub-Fourier pulses, we replace the spherical mirror with a water cell, since it produces chirp in the temporal domain. We also present an alternative procedure, based on asymmetrical interference between the widened pulse and the original pulse where the peaks of both pulses exhibit a temporal delay achieving the narrowing of ultra-short pulses with sub-Fourier scales. To characterize the performance of the system, we performed a preliminary assessment considering the percentage of full width at half-maximum shrinking obtained for each scheme. By means of a symmetrical configuration, 7% and 12% pulse reductions were verified, both experimentally and analytically, while for the non-symmetrical configuration, 10% and 24% reductions were achieved corresponding to main lobe to side-lobe ratios of 10% and 30%. The experimental setup scheme is simple, versatile and able to work with high-power laser sources and ultra-short pulses with a broad bandwidth at any central wavelength. The results presented in this work are promising and help to enlighten new routes and strategies in the design of coherent control systems. We envision that they will become broadly useful in different areas from strong field domain to quantum information.
Steven Weinberg: a legend is lost
Authors: Banks Michael
Published: December 2021

By unifying the electromagnetic and weak forces, Steven Weinberg was vital to the formation of the Standard Model of particle physics. Michael Banks looks back at a giant of theoretical physics.
Firmly planted
Authors: Goodchild Martin
Published: December 2021

A response to the feature “Replicating how plants move”, which explores the motion of various fastmoving plants, such as the Venus flytrap, “from a physics point of view”.
Imaging metabolism in action
Authors: Green Felicia , Simmonds Anna
Published: December 2021

From improving the sensitivity of ion sources to boosting image resolution, Felicia Green and Anna Simmonds unveil the ambitious biological mass spectrometry programme at the Rosalind Franklin Institute to image molecular interactions in tissues.
Understanding Inclusion
Authors: Brix Kaja A , Lee Olivia A , Stalla Sorina G
Published: December 2021

The understanding and practice of inclusion are critical to realizing the full benefits of diverse representation. Little research on inclusion within diversity contexts exists. We examined the meaning of inclusion through crowdsourcing and a grounded theory methodology of data analysis and theory development. We collected responses to the question “What does inclusion mean to you?” The data revealed concepts of empathy, warmth, support, love, acceptance and curiosity; diverse perspectives; and participation. Our theoretical model suggests a dynamic process of inclusion operating from principal structural elements: a foundation that involves place, access and participation, and space; reciprocal engagement as an engine for inclusion; and expression of inclusion as culture. This understanding provides a structured means by which inclusion can be practiced.
Rethinking spatial policy in an era of multiple crises
Authors: Martin Ron , Martinelli Flavia , Clifton Judith
Published: December 2021

After more than thirty years of post-war relative regional convergence, since the 1980s geographical inequalities in economic prosperity and social conditions have widened again in most capitalist countries. In this paper we argue that this resumption of spatial inequality is in part explained by the significant changes observed in the role of the state and in public intervention in the shift from the post-war ‘Keynesian’ regime of state regulation to the ‘Neoliberal’ regime that has held sway over the past four decades. We argue that most public policies enacted in this latter period have actually exacerbated socioeconomic – and spatial – polarization, favouring a few metropolitan areas and regions at the expense of a substantial number of what are now commonly referred to as ‘left behind places’. We contend that we are now at a new juncture in the evolution of capitalism: in the space of little more than decade the global system has been destabilized by a major financial crisis (2008) and the COVID-19 pandemic (2020), both with enduring socio-economic aftershocks, while the climate emergency is reaching existential proportions. In this Editorial Introduction we call for a bold ‘rethinking’ of public action - and especially spatial policy - to face these recurring crises, and we outline some pointers for more effective and inclusive policies.
Nurse-Provided Medication Guidance for Improving Drug Adherence to Thiopurines in Outpatients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Single-Center Prospective Study
Authors: Shinzaki Shinichiro , Sakagami Kayoko , Matsumoto Miki , Takehara Tetsuo , Ito Hiroaki
Published: December 2021

Background and Aims

Drug adherence is critically important for patients on thiopurines. We examined whether nurse-provided medication guidance improves drug adherence to thiopurines and clinical activity in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Methods

IBD outpatients taking a stable dose of thiopurines for 1 year were enrolled. After a baseline survey including the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS)-8, nurses provided medication guidance to each patient using a specialized leaflet. The same survey was conducted 2 and 6 months after the guidance.

Results

Among 110 enrolled patients, 74 met the analysis criteria. In the low adherence group (MMAS-8 <6), the median MMAS-8 score significantly increased from 4 (range 1–5.75) to 5.25 (2–7) at 2 months (P = .0135) to 5.625 (2.5–7.75) at 6 months (P = .0004), but not in overall or the high adherence group (MMAS-8 ≥6). Older age (≥43 years, odds ratio [OR] = 5.63, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.59–19.9, P = .0074) and shorter disease duration (<129 months, OR = 6.78, 95% CI: 1.77–26.0, P = .0052) were independently associated with high adherence. Although clinical activity scores did not change during the observation period, the overall mean corpuscular volume (MCV) level significantly increased from 92.3 fL (61.4–105.5) to 92.5 (73.7–107.8) at 2 months (P = .0288) and 93.9 (74.4–107.6) at 6 months (P = .0062). MCV levels significantly increased in the low adherence group at 6 months (92.2 [72.2–105.5] to 94.0 [74.4–107.6], P = .0392) and tended to increase in the high adherence group (92.3 [61.4–101.2] to 93.6 [74.9–99.7], P = .0651).

Conclusions

Nurse-provided medication guidance improved drug adherence to thiopurines in IBD patients with low adherence and can also benefit those with high adherence.
Adding stress biomarkers to high-sensitivity cardiac troponin for rapid non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction rule-out protocols
Authors: Restan Ingar Ziad , Sanchez Ana Yufera , Steiro Ole-Thomas , Lopez-Ayala Pedro , Tjora Hilde L , Langørgen Jørund , Omland Torbjørn , Boeddinghaus Jasper , Nestelberger Thomas , Koechlin Luca , Collinson Paul , Bjørneklett Rune , Vikenes Kjell , Strand Heidi , Skadberg Øyvind , Mjelva Øistein R , Larsen Alf Inge , Bonarjee Vernon V S , Mueller Christian , Aakre Kristin M
Published: December 2021

Aims

This study tested the hypothesis that combining stress-induced biomarkers (copeptin or glucose) with high-sensitivity cardiac troponin (hs-cTn) increases diagnostic accuracy for non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) in patients presenting to the emergency department.

Methods and results

The ability to rule-out NSTEMI for combinations of baseline hs-cTnT or hs-cTnI with copeptin or glucose was compared with the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) hs-cTnT/I-only rule-out algorithms in two independent (one Norwegian and one international multicentre) diagnostic studies. Among 959 patients (median age 64 years, 60.5% male) with suspected NSTEMI in the Norwegian cohort, 13% had NSTEMI. Adding copeptin or glucose to hs-cTnT/I as a continuous variable did not improve discrimination as quantified by the area under the curve {e.g. hs-cTnT/copeptin 0.91 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.89–0.93] vs. hs-cTnT alone 0.91 (95% CI 0.89–0.93); hs-cTnI/copeptin 0.85 (95% CI 0.82–0.87) vs. hs-cTnI alone 0.93 (95% CI 0.91–0.95)}, nor did adding copeptin <9 mmol/L or glucose <5.6 mmol/L increase the sensitivity of the rule-out provided by hs-cTnT <5 ng/L or hs-cTnI <4 ng/L in patients presenting more than 3 h after chest pain onset (target population in the ESC-0 h-algorithm). The combination decreased rule-out efficacy significantly (both P < 0.01). These findings were confirmed among 1272 patients (median age 62 years, 69.3% male) with suspected NSTEMI in the international validation cohort, of which 20.7% had NSTEMI. A trend towards increased sensitivity for the hs-cTnT/I/copeptin combinations (97–100% vs. 91–97% for the ESC-0 h-rule-out cut-offs) was observed in the Norwegian cohort.

Conclusion

Adding copeptin or glucose to hs-cTnT/I did not increase diagnostic performance when compared with current ESC guideline hs-cTnT/I-only 0 h-algorithms.
Sex differences in clinical profile, management, and outcomes of patients hospitalized for atrial fibrillation in the United States
Authors: Noubiap Jean Jacques , Thomas Gijo , Agbaedeng Thomas A , Fitzgerald John L , Gallagher Celine , Middeldorp Melissa E , Sanders Prashanthan
Published: December 2021

Aims

This study aimed to investigate the impact of sex on the clinical profile, utilization of rhythm control therapies, cost of hospitalization, length of stay, and in-hospital mortality in patients admitted for atrial fibrillation (AF) in the United States.

Methods and results

We used data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample for the year 2018. Regression analysis was performed to investigate differences between men and women. A P-value ≤ 0.05 was considered significant. We included 82592 patients with a primary diagnosis of of AF 50.8% women. Women were significantly older (mean age 74 vs. 67 years, P < 0.001) and had a higher CHA2DS2-VASc score (median 4 vs. 2, P < 0.001) than men. Women had relatively higher in-hospital mortality (0.9% vs. 0.8%, P = 0.070); however, after adjustment for known risk factors female sex was no longer a predictor of mortality (P = 0.199). In sex-specific regression analyses, increased age, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, previous stroke, heart failure, and chronic kidney disease were risk factors for in-hospital mortality in both sexes, vascular disease only in women, and race and alcohol abuse only in men. After adjusting for potential confounders, female sex was associated with lower likelihood of receiving catheter ablation [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 0.69, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.64–0.74] and electrical cardioversion (aOR 0.69, 95% CI 0.67–0.72), and with longer hospitalization (aOR 1.33, 95% CI 1.28–1.37), whereas sex had no influence on hospitalization costs (P = 0.339).

Conclusion

There were differences in the risk profile, management, and outcomes between men and women hospitalized for AF. Further studies are needed to explore why women are treated differently regarding rhythm control procedures.
Skin bacterial metacommunities of San Francisco Bay Area salamanders are structured by host genus and habitat quality
Authors: Buttimer Shannon , Hernández-Gómez Obed , Rosenblum Erica Bree
Published: December 2021

Host-associated microbial communities can influence physiological processes of macroorganisms, including contributing to infectious disease resistance. For instance, some bacteria that live on amphibian skin produce antifungal compounds that inhibit two lethal fungal pathogens, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) and Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal). Therefore, differences in microbiome composition among host species or populations within a species can contribute to variation in susceptibility to Bd/Bsal. This study applies 16S rRNA sequencing to characterize the skin bacterial microbiomes of three widespread terrestrial salamander genera native to the western United States. Using a metacommunity structure analysis, we identified dispersal barriers for these influential bacteria between salamander families and localities. We also analysed the effects of habitat characteristics such as percent natural cover and temperature seasonality on the microbiome. We found that certain environmental variables may influence the skin microbial communities of some salamander genera more strongly than others. Each salamander family had a somewhat distinct community of putative anti-Bd skin bacteria, suggesting that salamanders may select for a functional assembly of cutaneous symbionts that could differ in its ability to protect these amphibians from disease. Our observations raise the need to consider host identity and environmental heterogeneity during the selection of probiotics to treat wildlife diseases.
Strong reorganization of multi-domain microbial networks associated with primary producers sedimentation from oxic to anoxic conditions in an hypersaline lake
Authors: Escalas Arthur , Troussellier Marc , Melayah Delphine , Bruto Maxime , Nicolas Sébastien , Bernard Cécile , Ader Magali , Leboulanger Christophe , Agogué Hélène , Hugoni Mylène
Published: December 2021

Understanding the role of microbial interactions in the functioning of natural systems is often impaired by the levels of complexity they encompass. In this study, we used the relative simplicity of an hypersaline crater lake hosting only microbial organisms (Dziani Dzaha) to provide a detailed analysis of the microbial networks including the three domains of life. We identified two main ecological zones, one euphotic and oxic zone in surface, where two phytoplanktonic organisms produce a very high biomass, and one aphotic and anoxic deeper zone, where this biomass slowly sinks and undergoes anaerobic degradation. We highlighted strong differences in the structure of microbial communities from the two zones and between the microbial consortia associated with the two primary producers. Primary producers sedimentation was associated with a major reorganization of the microbial network at several levels: global properties, modules composition, nodes and links characteristics. We evidenced the potential dependency of Woesearchaeota to the primary producers’ exudates in the surface zone, and their disappearance in the deeper anoxic zone, along with the restructuration of the networks in the anoxic zone toward the decomposition of the organic matter. Altogether, we provided an in-depth analysis of microbial association network and highlighted putative changes in microbial interactions supporting the functioning of the two ecological zones in this unique ecosystem.
Resistance of Perfluorooctanoic Acid to Degradation by the Microbially-Driven Fenton Reaction
Authors: Toporek Yael , Shin Hyun-Dong , DiChristina Thomas J
Published: December 2021

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) such as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) have received recent heightened attention as emerging contaminants. Due to widespread application in household products and aqueous film-forming foams, PFAS are globally distributed in the environment, and bioaccumulate in the blood and tissues of mammals including humans. The microbially-driven Fenton reaction, a hybrid biotic/abiotic hydroxyl radical (HO•)-generating system, previously degraded a wide variety of persistant organic pollutants. In the present study, the microbially driven Fenton reaction was employed to attempt degradation of PFOA. Batch cultures of the facultatively anaerobic bacteria Shewanella oneidensis were amended with PFOA and Fe(III)-citrate. Under aerobic conditions, S. oneidensis reduced oxygen to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), while under anaerobic conditions, S. oneidensis reduced Fe(III) to Fe(II). During aerobic-to-anaerobic transition periods, Fe(II) and H2O2 interacted chemically via the Fenton reaction to produce HO• radicals, which in turn interacted with PFOA. Batch reactors were cycled between aerobic and anaerobic phases for four cycles, residual PFOA was extracted via liquid-liquid extraction and analyzed by liquid chromatography combined with tandem mass spectrometry. Unlike degradation of other organic pollutants, PFOA concentrations remained unchanged, which indicated that PFOA was resistant to degradation by the microbially-driven Fenton reaction. Similar to abiotic (purely chemical) Fenton reaction systems, these results most likely reflect the inability of HO• radicals to oxidatively degrade PFOA.
Assembled and annotated 26.5 Gbp coast redwood genome: a resource for estimating evolutionary adaptive potential and investigating hexaploid origin
Authors: Neale David B , Zimin Aleksey V , Zaman Sumaira , Scott Alison D , Shrestha Bikash , Workman Rachael E , Puiu Daniela , Allen Brian J , Moore Zane J , Sekhwal Manoj K , De La Torre Amanda R , McGuire Patrick E , Burns Emily , Timp Winston , Wegrzyn Jill L , Salzberg Steven L
Published: December 2021

Sequencing, assembly, and annotation of the 26.5 Gbp hexaploid genome of coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) was completed leading toward discovery of genes related to climate adaptation and investigation of the origin of the hexaploid genome. Deep-coverage short-read Illumina sequencing data from haploid tissue from a single seed were combined with long-read Oxford Nanopore Technologies sequencing data from diploid needle tissue to create an initial assembly, which was then scaffolded using proximity ligation data to produce a highly contiguous final assembly, SESE 2.1, with a scaffold N50 size of 44.9 Mbp. The assembly included several scaffolds that span entire chromosome arms, confirmed by the presence of telomere and centromere sequences on the ends of the scaffolds. The structural annotation produced 118,906 genes with 113 containing introns that exceed 500 Kbp in length and one reaching 2 Mb. Nearly 19 Gbp of the genome represented repetitive content with the vast majority characterized as long terminal repeats, with a 2.9:1 ratio of Copia to Gypsy elements that may aid in gene expression control. Comparison of coast redwood to other conifers revealed species-specific expansions for a plethora of abiotic and biotic stress response genes, including those involved in fungal disease resistance, detoxification, and physical injury/structural remodeling and others supporting flavonoid biosynthesis. Analysis of multiple genes that exist in triplicate in coast redwood but only once in its diploid relative, giant sequoia, supports a previous hypothesis that the hexaploidy is the result of autopolyploidy rather than any hybridizations with separate but closely related conifer species.
Transnationalizing fascist martyrs: an entangled history of the memorialization of Ion Moţa and Vasile Marin in Spain and Romania, 1937–41
Authors: Zavatti Francesco
Published: December 2021

This article analyses the memorialization of Ion Moţa and Vasile Marin, two Romanian Legionary movement volunteers who died while fighting for Franco in the Spanish Civil War, as an entangled history of Romanian and Spanish fascisms. The commemoration practices and narratives recounted in the Spanish and Romanian newspapers and archival sources from the period 1937–41 show that commemorating foreign ideological peers and appropriating symbolic elements of foreign fascisms in order to memorialize fallen comrades served as resources for legitimizing the struggle against domestic competitors. Although the totalitarian ambitions of Spanish and Romanian fascists remained unfulfilled, the Spanish-Romanian entanglement contributed to consolidating Moţa and Marin as martyrs of transnational fascism.
Immunological Regulation of Intestinal Fibrosis in Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Bamias Giorgos , Pizarro Theresa T , Cominelli Fabio
Published: December 2021

Intestinal fibrosis is a late-stage phenotype of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which underlies most of the long-term complications and surgical interventions in patients, particularly those with Crohn’s disease. Despite these issues, antifibrotic therapies are still scarce, mainly due to the current lack of understanding concerning the pathogenetic mechanisms that mediate fibrogenesis in patients with chronic intestinal inflammation. In the current review, we summarize recent evidence regarding the cellular and molecular factors of innate and adaptive immunity that are considered critical for the initiation and amplification of extracellular matrix deposition and stricture formation. We focus on the role of cytokines by dissecting the pro- vs antifibrotic components of the immune response, while taking into consideration their temporal association to the progressive stages of the natural history of IBD. We critically present evidence from animal models of intestinal fibrosis and analyze inflammation-fibrosis interactions that occur under such experimental scenarios. In addition, we comment on recent findings from large-scale, single-cell profiling of fibrosis-relevant populations in IBD patients. Based on such evidence, we propose future potential targets for antifibrotic therapies to treat patients with IBD.
Protein Kinase CK2 Maintains Reciprocal Balance Between Th17 and Treg Cells in the Pathogenesis of UC
Authors: Dong Guanjun , Yang Yonghong , Zhang Hairong , Yu Wei , He Heng , Dai Fengxian , Ma Cuimei , Wang Yibo , Zhu Fengqin , Xiong Huabao , Zhou Guangxi
Published: December 2021

Background

T helper 17 and regulatory T cells balance have crucial effects on the development of ulcerative colitis (UC). Currently, how to break this balance has not yet been found. Protein kinase CK2 is involved in the pathogenesis of immune-related disorders. However, its effects on the development of UC are obscure.

Methods

The level of CK2 in the colonic tissues of UC patients was quantified by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and immune-histochemistry. Peripheral blood CD4+ T cells were treated with CK2 inhibitor CX4945 or transfected with Csnk2-interfering lentivirus; the mRNA expression and protein levels of inflammatory cytokines were detected by qRT-PCR, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and flow cytometry. Moreover, CX4945 was administered to trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)–induced colitis mice model for determining the function of CK2 on the regulation of intestinal inflammation.

Results

The CK2 level was markedly increased in inflamed mucosa of UC and highly expressed in CD4+ T cells. Blockade of CK2 by CX4945 inhibited Th17 but promoted regulatory T-cell (Treg) immune responses in CD4+ T cells from patients with UC. Moreover, CK2 blockade alleviated TNBS-induced colitis in mice. Inhibition of CK2 suppressed Th17 but promoted Treg differentiation by decreasing the phosphorylation level of signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 3 and increasing the phosphorylation level of STAT5. The RNA-Seq and co-immunoprecipitation analysis further showed that CK2 could interact with Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) and downregulate SIRT1 expression, which participated in Th17 inhibition but promoted Treg differentiation. Sirtuin 1 upregulation ameliorated TNBS-induced colitis, whereas SIRT1 blockade aggravated TNBS-induced colitis in mice.

Conclusions

CK2 have crucial effects on the development of UC by maintaining reciprocal balance between Th17 and Treg cells. Protein kinase CK2 blockade might be considered as a new therapeutic approach for UC treatment.
Towards Modeling Anhedonia and Its Treatment in Zebrafish
Authors: de Abreu Murilo S , Costa Fabiano , Giacomini Ana C V V , Demin Konstantin A , Zabegalov Konstantin N , Maslov Gleb O , Kositsyn Yuriy M , Petersen Elena V , Strekalova Tatiana , Rosemberg Denis B , Kalueff Allan V
Published: December 2021

Mood disorders, especially depression, are a major cause of human disability. The loss of pleasure (anhedonia) is a common, severely debilitating symptom of clinical depression. Experimental animal models are widely used to better understand depression pathogenesis and to develop novel antidepressant therapies. In rodents, various experimental models of anhedonia have already been developed and extensively validated. Complementing rodent studies, the zebrafish (Danio rerio) is emerging as a powerful model organism to assess pathobiological mechanisms of affective disorders, including depression. Here, we critically discuss the potential of zebrafish for modeling anhedonia and studying its molecular mechanisms and translational implications.
BSAC Vanguard Series: The future of drug development and the tension between access and excess
Authors: Datta Santanu
Published: December 2021

There is a crying need for a new broad-spectrum antibiotic. The global unmet need has energized governments and researchers alike. We may soon have the next antibiotics coming to the aid of patients after a drought of over half a century. However, we need to traverse a complex causeway between access to new antibiotics and their overuse. In an ICU setting where time is premium, identifying the causative organism and its resistance pattern in the time window is often impossible; physicians may be forced to prescribe the latest antibiotics. This practice in the long term may give rise to a rapid spread of resistance among microbes. There is an urgent need to do a cost–benefit analysis of easy access and use of the new antibiotics.
Developing machine learning-based models to help identify child abuse and neglect: key ethical challenges and recommended solutions
Authors: Landau Aviv Y , Ferrarello Susi , Blanchard Ashley , Cato Kenrick , Atkins Nia , Salazar Stephanie , Patton Desmond U , Topaz Maxim
Published: December 2021

Child abuse and neglect are public health issues impacting communities throughout the United States. The broad adoption of electronic health records (EHR) in health care supports the development of machine learning–based models to help identify child abuse and neglect. Employing EHR data for child abuse and neglect detection raises several critical ethical considerations. This article applied a phenomenological approach to discuss and provide recommendations for key ethical issues related to machine learning–based risk models development and evaluation: (1) biases in the data; (2) clinical documentation system design issues; (3) lack of centralized evidence base for child abuse and neglect; (4) lack of “gold standard “in assessment and diagnosis of child abuse and neglect; (5) challenges in evaluation of risk prediction performance; (6) challenges in testing predictive models in practice; and (7) challenges in presentation of machine learning–based prediction to clinicians and patients. We provide recommended solutions to each of the 7 ethical challenges and identify several areas for further policy and research.
Validation of N-LightTM L. monocytogenes for Detection of Listeria monocytogenes on Environmental Surfaces: AOAC Performance Tested MethodSM 122002
Authors: Larose Delphine , Desroche Nicolas , Reinau Lukas , Hupfeld Mario , Fieseler Lars
Published: December 2021

Background

The NEMIS Technologies N-LightTM L. monocytogenes assay uses chemiluminescence designed for the qualitative detection of Listeria monocytogenes from environmental surface samples.

Objective

To validate the NEMIS Technologies N-Light L. monocytogenes assay as part of the AOAC Performance Tested MethodSM program for the detection of L. monocytogenes on stainless steel, plastic (polystyrene), and ceramic environmental surfaces.

Method

Using the Vitl Life Science Solutions Lu-mini luminometer, the NEMIS Technologies N-Light L. monocytogenes assay was compared to the ISO 11290–1:2017: Microbiology of the Food Chain—Horizontal method for the detection and enumeration of Listeria monocytogenes and of Listeria spp. – Part 1 using a 1" × 1" stainless steel test area in an unpaired study design.

Results

The NEMIS Technologies N-Light L. monocytogenes assay using the Vitl Life Science Solutions Lu-mini luminometer demonstrated no statistically significant differences between presumptive and confirmed results or between candidate and reference method results. Data for additional Performance Tested MethodSM studies met acceptance criteria requirements.

Conclusions

The NEMIS Technologies N-Light L. monocytogenes assay is an effective method for the qualitative detection of L. monocytogenes from stainless steel, plastic (polystyrene), and ceramic environmental surface samples.

Highlights

The NEMIS method is the first chemiluminescence detection system based on a novel, patented, dioxetane compound.
MAB21L4 regulates the TGF-β-induced expression of target genes in epidermal keratinocytes
Authors: Ogami Tomohiro , Tamura Yusuke , Toss Kim , Yuki Keiko , Morikawa Masato , Tsutsumi Shuichi , Aburatani Hiroyuki , Miyazawa Keiji , Miyazono Kohei , Koinuma Daizo
Published: December 2021

Smad proteins transduce signals downstream of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and are one of the factors that regulate the expression of genes related to diseases affecting the skin. In the present study, we identified MAB21L4, also known as male abnormal 21 like 4 or C2orf54, as the most up-regulated targets of TGF-β and Smad3 in differentiated human progenitor epidermal keratinocytes using chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-seq) and RNA sequencing (RNA-seq). We found that TGF-β induced expression of the barrier protein involucrin (encoded by the IVL gene). Transcriptional activity of the IVL promoter induced by TGF-β was inhibited by MAB21L4 siRNAs. Further analysis revealed that MAB21L4 siRNAs also down-regulated the expression of several target genes of TGF-β. MAB21L4 protein was located mainly in the cytosol, where it was physically bound to Smad3 and a transcriptional corepressor c-Ski. siRNAs for MAB21L4 did not inhibit the binding of Smad3 to their target genomic regions but down-regulated the acetylation of histone H3 lys 27 (H3K27ac), an active histone mark, near the Smad3 binding regions. These findings suggest that TGF-β-induced MAB21L4 up-regulates the gene expression induced by TGF-β, possibly through the inhibition of c-Ski via physical interaction in the cytosol.
Gender and Bureaucratic Corruption: Evidence from Two Countries
Authors: Decarolis Francesco , Fisman Raymond , Pinotti Paolo , Vannutelli Silvia , Wang Yongxiang
Published: December 2021

We examine the correlation between gender and bureaucratic corruption using two distinct datasets, from Italy and from China. In each case, we find that women are far less likely to be investigated for corruption than men. In our Italian data, female procurement officials are 22% less likely than men to be investigated for corruption by enforcement authorities; in China, female prefectural leaders are 81% less likely to be arrested for corruption than men. While these represent correlations (rather than definitive causal effects), both are very robust relationships, which survive the inclusion of fine-grained individual and geographic controls, and based on Oster’s (2019. “Unobservable Selection and Coefficient Stability: Theory and Evidence,” 37 Journal of Business & Economic Statistics 187–204.) test unlikely to be driven by unobservables. Using data from a survey of Italian procurement officials, we present tentative evidence on mechanism: the gender gap is partly due to women acting more “defensively” in administering their duties.
Modulation of NF-κB and MAPK signalling pathways by hydrolysable tannin fraction from Terminalia chebula fruits contributes to its anti-inflammatory action in RAW 264.7 cells
Authors: Ekambaram Sanmuga Priya , Aruldhas Jenifer , Srinivasan Aswini , Erusappan Thamizharasi
Published: December 2021

Objectives

Hydrolysable tannin fraction (HTF) derived from Terminalia chebula fruit pericarps was assessed for its anti-inflammatory potential in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells. Its molecular mechanism was also established and compared with individual tannins – chebulagic acid (CH) and corilagin (CO).

Methods

The effect of HTF on LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells was studied by estimating the release of NO, ROS, cytokines and changes in nuclear morphology by DAPI staining. Furthermore, the effect of HTF, CO and CH was compared with the expression of p65, p38 and pERK proteins by immunoblotting and the mRNA transcript level of COX-2, iNOS and TNF-α by quantitative PCR. The in-silico interactions of various hydrolysable tannins present in HTF with molecular targets of inflammation were studied using Maestro software.

Key findings

HTF at the dose levels of 25, 50 and 100 µg/ml was able to decrease the release of NO, ROS and cytokines from LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells without disturbing the cell nuclear morphology. Investigation of molecular mechanism revealed that inhibition of NF-κB and MAPK signalling pathways was responsible for its anti-inflammatory action. The effect of HTF was higher than the individual tannins CH and CO.

Conclusion

HTF can be developed as an effective anti-inflammatory agent.
Usefulness of early diagnosis of small bowel obstruction due to broad ligament hernia using multidetector computed tomography: a case report
Authors: Kubota Wakako , Sakuma Akihiro , Katada Ryuji , Nagao Tomoya , Murota Chiaki
Published: December 2021

Small bowel obstruction due to broad ligament hernia (BLH) is a rare type of internal hernia. Preoperative diagnosis is difficult, as clinical symptoms and imaging results are often nonspecific. BLH has a high risk of strangulation and requires surgery for the reduction of herniated bowels. According to an analysis of 140 BLH cases reported in Japan, the typical patient is a middle-aged woman who has been pregnant and has no history of abdominal surgery and the characteristic computed tomography (CT) findings. This report will enable preoperative early diagnosis with our description of the typical patient with BLH and the characteristic CT findings. Tortuousness and dilation of the ovarian veins were noted in three cases, including in ours. This may be used as a new CT feature of early detection. Additionally, we report a case of BLH successfully treated after early diagnosis using multidetector CT.