bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Penerapan Sistem Informasi Manajemen Dalam Mendukung Pengambilan Keputusan Manajemen Rumah Sakit
Authors: Pujihastuti Antik
Published: October 2022

SIMRS terintegrasi sebagai tool atau alat ukur kinerja bagi Manajemen RS, mendorong kompetitif  strategis  peningkatan kunjungan pasien ke rumah sakit melalui Sistem Informasi Manajemen harus berjalan lebih baik dari sebelumnya maka membutuhkan persepsi pelaksana dari sistem informasi manajemen. Tujuan penelitian melakukan kajian sistem informasi rumah sakit pada aspek pengguna dalam mendukung pengambilan keputusan manajemen. Penelitian ini secara deskriptif dengan pendekatan cross sectional. Lokasi penelitian bagian SIMRS RS PKU Muhamadiyah Sukoharjo. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan performance sistem informasi memiliki sub sistem mulai tempat pendaftaran rawat jalan sampai filing namun perlu evaluasi modul rawat jalan terkait respon time lebih dispesifikasikan. Perbaharuan kesalahan entri data harus dapat terlacak jejak proses edit terkait identitas petugas, tanggal dan jam penggantian. Sinkronisasi SMIRS secara otomatis dengan data yang dibutuhkan SISMADAK Versi 5.0.3 sebagai pelaporan, akreditasi nasional oleh tim peningkatan mutu keselamatan pasien (PMKP). Data SIMRS agar terisi lengkap, akurat, konsisten perlu identitfikasi  telusur otomatis hasil entri data sesuai shift kerja  tanpa print out dari bagian kasir. Information pada penggunaan struktur  tipe data SIMRS modul pendaftaran pasien dalam penambahan entitas menu edit poli perlu kerjasama dengan pengembang sistem. Aspek economic SIMRS menghasilkan output data yang  dapat digunakan sistem SISRUTE, INA-CBGs dengan cara export data. Bila SIMRS terjadi penambahan data atau perubahan tarif dapat dilakukan sendiri oleh petugas administrator keuangan bersama tim IT rumah sakit dan pelaksana entri data. Aspek Control/Security pengendalian sistem oleh operator telah dilengkapi server SIMRS, server BPJS INA-CBGs masih terdapat gangguan sistem dan proses gagal kirim data klaim ke server BPJS perlu adanya backup data dan bandwith unlimited. Aspek Efficiency proses input data oleh petugas tiap unit perlu tersedia SOP tentang hak akses, edit data, pengembangan data serta SOP tiap modul. Upaya mengatasi kesalahan pengisian modul dapat diketahui dari hasil integrasi data pada modul bagian lainnya. Aspek Service pemanfaatan SIMRS semestinya menghasilkan output otomatis tentang kepuasan pasien sehingga dapat diolah oleh tim PMKP tanpa menggunakan aplikasi lain dalam penyajian data bagi pihak manajemen.
Cosmological Singularity as an Informational Seed for Everything
Authors: Cherkas S. L. , Kalashnikov V. L.
Published: October 2022

Mathematical problem of encoding of the universe quantum state in the cosmological singularity is considered using a free and massless scalar .eld as a prototype of matter. Two di.erent but coherent approaches to this issue are presented. The expression for the scalar particles' spectral energy density, which is initially encoded at the singularity, is deduced. An informational aspect of the problem is discussed.
Treatment Options in Cardiogenic Shock with Intra-Aortic Balloon Counterpulsation
Authors: Ferrari Markus W.
Published: October 2022

Cardiogenic shock (CS), a state of inadequate tissue perfusion due to cardiac dysfunction, remains the leading cause of death following acute myocardial infarction (AMI). While the prognosis of CS post-AMI has improved in recent decades due to advances in treatment modalities, the mortality rates remain unacceptably high (~40–50% according to recent registries and clinical trials). Current treatment strategies for this condition include early revascularisation to restore blood flow to the ischaemic myocardium, the use of fluids and vasopressor or inotropic agents to reinstate haemodynamic parameters, and initiation of intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation (IABP) systems and active assist devices to maintain circulation. However, there is little evidence that these treatments actually improve survival rates. Even the most recent randomised trial conducted in this field (the IMPRESS trial comparing intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation to the Impella CP mechanical assist device) again failed to demonstrate any improvement in patient outcomes. The lack of evidence may reflect the relatively few randomised trials conducted in this area, likely due to difficulties in conducting such trials in an emergency setting. Moreover, most recent trials have focussed on patients in the late stages of CS, when they have become refractory to medical treatment and require mechanical circulatory support. This article reviews the available literature concerning the treatment of CS post-AMI in light of these limitations, and provides some evidence-based recommendations for best practice, including an updated treatment protocol.
Updates on Best Practices for Onychomycosis: Hitting the Nail on the Head
Authors: Richards Darcy
Published: October 2022

DURING the 31st Annual European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV) Congress, 7th–10th September 2022, held both in-person in Milan, Italy, and virtually, experts delivered a session on the topic of nail disorders. The session, chaired by Michela Starace, University of Bologna, Italy, and Stamatis Gregoriou, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece, explored the complexity of nail disease and anatomy, the impact of diet on nail health, nail disorders in childhood, and fungal nail infections. Gregoriou delivered an insightful, up-to-date talk on the best practices for management of distal lateral subungual onychomycosis (DLSO), supported by recent data from clinical studies and the European Nail Society (ENS).1
Improvement in trading systems and management regulations to optimize the contributions of kemenyan to government revenues and farmers
Authors: Hutapea Freddy Jontara
Published: October 2022

Kemenyan merupakan salah satu komoditi hasil hutan bukan kayu (HHBK) yang memiliki potensi ekonomi yang tinggi. Namun demikian, manfaat ekonomi yang diterima masyarakat dan negara dari pengelolaan kemenyan masih sangat rendah. Studi ini bertujuan untuk menggambarkan berbagai masalah dalam tata niaga kemenyan, menghitung potensi penerimaan negara dari kemenyan berdasarkan peraturan yang ada, dan memberikan rekomendasi terhadap perbaikan tata niaga kemenyan. Metode yang digunakan dalam studi ini adalah deskriptif kuantitatif. Data luasan dan produksi kemenyan di berbagai daerah di Provinsi Sumatera Utara diperoleh dari Badan Pusat Statistik (BPS) dan Statistik Perkebunan Provinsi Sumatera Utara. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa dalam sepuluh tahun terakhir, luasan hutan kemenyan di Provinsi Sumatera Utara mengalami penurunan yang cukup signifikan, meskipun tidak disertai dengan penurunan jumlah produksi kemenyan. Tata niaga kemenyan yang masih sangat panjang membuat pengelolaan kemenyan kurang menguntungkan bagi para petani kemenyan. Potensi pendapatan negara dari kemenyan mencapai Rp. 10.18 milyar. Namun demikian, kontribusi kemenyan terhadap pendapatan negara masih sangat minim akibat tidak adanya implementasi Permenhut No. P.68 (2014) dan PP No. 12 (2014). Perbaikan tata niaga kemenyan dapat dilakukan dengan cara membentuk suatu badan usaha milik daerah (BUMD) yang berfungsi untuk memotong panjangnya rantai pemasaran kemenyan. Pemerintah daerah juga perlu mengeluarkan peraturan daerah sebagai dasar dalam menetapkan kontribusi kemenyan terhadap penerimaan negara. Petani kemenyan juga perlu membentuk asosiasi petani kemenyan, dan berpartisipasi aktif dalam mendukung program pemerintah dalam memperbaiki tata niaga kemenyan.

 

Kata kunci: Kemenyan, potensi ekonomi, tata niaga, penerimaan negara, petani kemenyan
Leadership style in the Covid-19 pandemic situation in Indonesian villages
Authors: Falah Anta Ibnul
Published: October 2022

Dalam keadaan pandemi dan pembatasan sosial, masyarakat terutama kelompok marjinal dengan usaha mikro dan informal diyakini menjadi pihak yang paling rentan secara sosial ekonomi. Akan tetapi, adanya peran kepemimpinan yang efektif dapat membantu kelompok-kelompok ini untuk lebih baik dalam menghadapi risiko pandemi. Apabila dilihat dari indikator rasio gini, maka peran kepemimpinan daerah perdesaan di masa pandemi terlihat lebih berhasil dibandingkan dengan perkotaan. Oleh sebab itu, penelitian ini dimaksudkan untuk mendeskripsikan peran kepemimpinan perdesaan tersebut, serta menilai gaya kepemimpinan yang relevan dipraktikkan oleh para pemimpin di daerah perdesaan. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian kualitatif yang dilakukan dengan pendekatan Systematic Literature Review (SLR) terhadap hasil penelitian terdahulu di perdesaan Indonesia, mengingat belum adanya penelitian serupa yang dilakukan sebelumnya. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa vitalnya peran pemimpin dalam kondisi pandemi terlihat dalam pemenuhan kebutuhan ekonomi warga, penguatan ketahanan pangan desa, penjagaan keamanan lingkungan, pemberian dukungan moral/ pendampingan sosial dan edukasi kepada warga, pengalokasian dan penggerakan bantuan dengan tepat sasaran, serta dukungan juga terhadap kebijakan pemerintah di atasnya. Adapun gaya kepemimpinan yang paling menonjol dalam mendukung keberhasilan perdesaan menghadapi pandemi yakni gaya kepemimpinan kolaboratif, transformasional, dan gaya kepemimpinan kombinasi keduanya (kolaboratif-transformasional). Sedangkan atribut/ kemampuan yang menonjol antara lain: kemampuan memotivasi, membimbing, mengedukasi, menjadi role model, pembelajar (update kompetensi), demokratis (menginklusi), merangkul/ kerja sama, dan supportif. Gaya kepemimpinan dan atribut-atribut ini diperkirakan akan relevan dilakukan di berbagai daerah di Indonesia, memperhatikan bahwa penelitian-penelitian terdahulu yang diinklusi cukup tersebar dari mulai dari daerah Jawa, Sulawesi, Sumatera, Nusa Tenggara, dan Kalimantan. Meskipun memang belum ada perwakilan penelitian dari daerah paling timur Indonesia semisal Maluku dan Papua.
Understanding the interaction between stunting and women’s autonomy
Authors: Zaluchu Fotarisman
Published: October 2022

Stunting memiliki dampak panjang dan bersifat permanen. Sampai dengan saat ini analisis mengenai penyebab stunting masih kurang memberikan paradigma tentang otonomi perempuan. Dalam tulisan ini dijelaskan bahwa otonomi perempuan berakar pada rendahnya pendidikan ibu, umur ibu yang masih muda, berat badan ibu yang rendah, dan kekerasan dalam rumah tangga. Keempat faktor tersebut mewakili keberadaan perempuan dalam kaitannya dengan stunting berdasarkan literatur ilmiah yang diperoleh melalui database Pubmed. Oleh karena itu direkomendasikan dua hal. Pertama perlunya meningkatkan edukasi kesehatan bukan hanya pada ibu hamil tetapi juga pada ibu mertua dan anggota rumah tangga lain di rumah tangga saat ibu sedang hamil dan di usia bayi <6 bulan. Kedua, perlu sekali meningkatkan dukungan suami kepada perempuan dalam kehamilan dan saat periode menyusui.
NUMERICAL INVESTIGATION OF THE EFFECT OF HIGH STEAM LOADS ON THE COMBUSTION OF AN ACADEMIC PREMIXED SWIRL STABILIZED COMBUSTOR
Authors:   MTU Aero Engines AG, Hiestermann Marian , Konle Marco ,   MTU Aero Engines AG, de Guillebon Ludovic ,   MTU Aero Engines AG
Published: October 2022

In the past, many concepts for low-pollutant combustion have been developed for stationary and aero-gas turbines. A concept that uses the benefits of steam injection in the combustor of an aero-gas turbine is the "Water-Enhanced Turbofan (WET)" under development by MTU Aero Engines AG. In this study, the effect of high steam injection on the flow field, combustion, temperature and emission of pollutants of an academic premixed swirl stabilized combustor was investigated by numerical simulations. The purpose of this work is to study and separate the chemical and thermal effect. Therefore a detailed chemical mechanism for the gas 𝐶𝐻􀬸/Air was used. An artificial species 𝑥𝐻􀬶𝑂 has been implemented which has identical thermodynamic properties as the species 𝐻􀬶𝑂. 𝑥𝐻􀬶𝑂 is only decoupled from the chemical reaction equations, with the aim that the thermal effect can be considered separately. The results show that the main effect of the added steam is the reduction of the maximum temperature. Furthermore, the addition of steam rapidly reduces 𝑁𝑂􀯫 formation due to the large dependence on the temperature. It follows that the thermal effect is dominant and the chemical effect has only a small influence on the formation of 𝑁𝑂􀯫 .
Are YouTubeTM Videos Useful for Biostatistics Education: A sample of Logistic Regression
Authors: BAYGÜL EDEN Arzu , GÖKMEN İNAN Neslihan
Published: October 2022

Objectives:

To assess the quality and educational content of YouTube videos related to logistic regression.

Methods:

A comprehensive electronic search was performed for ‘Logistic Regression” in YouTube.The first 70 videos were evaluated for each term. Videos were evaluated using Global Quality Score [GQS] checklists and were classified as useful and insufficient by two statisticians.

Results:

From among the 70 videos analyzed, 53 were included. The mean GQS value was 3.9+1.1. Fourty videos (75.5%) were classified as useful. Independent users tend to upload videos mostly Lecturer / PhD, Lecturer Msc. and Data science course channel. Significant difference was observed in GQS among useful and insufficient videos. The mean GQS scores of useful videos were 4.3 (s.d.:0.8), for insuffient videos were 2.5 (s.d.:0.5).

Conclusion:

Specialists or instructors could refer their students to YouTube resources and actively participate in the development of video-sharing platforms for biostatistics.
Tantalum-carbon-integrated nanozymes as a nano-radiosensitizer for radiotherapy enhancement
Authors: Li Rui , Zhao Weiheng , Wu Tingting , Wang Aifeng , Li Qing , Liu Ying , Xiong Huihua
Published: October 2022

Radiotherapy (RT) plays a pivotal role in the comprehensive treatment of multiple malignant tumors, exerting its anti-tumor effects through direct induction of double-strand breaks (DSBs) or indirect induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. However, RT resistance remains a therapeutic obstacle that leads to cancer recurrence and treatment failure. In this study, we synthesised a tantalum-carbon-integrated nanozyme with excellent catalase-like (CAT-like) activity and radiosensitivity by immobilising an ultrasmall tantalum nanozyme into a metal-organic framework (MOF)-derived carbon nanozyme through in situ reduction. The integrated tantalum nanozyme significantly increased the CAT activity of the carbon nanozyme, which promoted the production of more oxygen and increased the ROS levels. By improving hypoxia and increasing the level of ROS, more DNA DSBs occur at the cellular level, which, in turn, improves the sensitivity of RT. Moreover, tantalum–carbon-integrated nanozymes combined with RT have demonstrated notable anti-tumor activity in vivo. Therefore, exploiting the enzymatic activity and the effect of ROS amplification of this nanozyme has the potential to overcome resistance to RT, which may offer new horizons for nanozyme-based remedies for biomedical applications.
Generation and characterization of a novel gne Knockout Model in Zebrafish
Authors: Livne Hagay , Avital Tom , Ruppo Shmuel , Harazi Avi , Mitrani-Rosenbaum Stella , Daya Alon
Published: October 2022

GNE Myopathy is a rare, recessively inherited neuromuscular worldwide disorder, caused by a spectrum of bi-allelic mutations in the human GNE gene. GNE encodes a bi-functional enzyme responsible for the rate-limiting step of sialic acid biosynthesis pathway. However, the process in which GNE mutations lead to the development of a muscle pathology is not clear yet. Cellular and mouse models for GNE Myopathy established to date have not been informative. Further, additional GNE functions in muscle have been hypothesized. In these studies, we aimed to investigate gne functions using zebrafish genetic and transgenic models, and characterized them using macroscopic, microscopic, and molecular approaches. We first established transgenic zebrafish lineages expressing the human GNE cDNA carrying the M743T mutation, driven by the zebrafish gne promoter. These fish developed entirely normally. Then, we generated a gne knocked-out (KO) fish using the CRISPR/Cas9 methodology. These fish died 8–10 days post-fertilization (dpf), but a phenotype appeared less than 24 h before death and included progressive body axis curving, deflation of the swim bladder and decreasing movement and heart rate. However, muscle histology uncovered severe defects, already at 5 dpf, with compromised fiber organization. Sialic acid supplementation did not rescue the larvae from this phenotype nor prolonged their lifespan. To have deeper insights into the potential functions of gne in zebrafish, RNA sequencing was performed at 3 time points (3, 5, and 7 dpf). Genotype clustering was progressive, with only 5 genes differentially expressed in gne KO compared to gne WT siblings at 3 dpf. Enrichment analyses of the primary processes affected by the lack of gne also at 5 and 7 dpf point to the involvement of cell cycle and DNA damage/repair processes in the gne KO zebrafish. Thus, we have established a gne KO zebrafish lineage and obtained new insights into gne functions. This is the only model where GNE can be related to clear muscle defects, thus the only animal model relevant to GNE Myopathy to date. Further elucidation of gne precise mechanism-of-action in these processes could be relevant to GNE Myopathy and allow the identification of novel therapeutic targets.
Novel strategy for reusing agricultural mulch film residual by iron modification for arsenic removal in gold-smelting wastewater
Authors: Zhang Xiaozhuan , Zhao Kejiang , Shi Xibao , Tian Zhenbang , Huang Zuohua , Zhao Liang
Published: October 2022

In gold-smelting wastewater after the original treatment process of flocculation and precipitation using mainly lime, a mixture of As, Cu, Pb, Mn, Zn, Al, Ni, and Fe existed with an arsenic concentration of 813.07 mg/L and other ions’ concentration at ug/L levels. In this work, a new clean process of mainly adsorption with self-made adsorbent Fe-PE, which was synthesized by loading ferric lignin on agricultural mulch film residual, was investigated to purify and remove arsenic from gold-smelting wastewater. A batch of column experiments was investigated to explore the reaction behavior between wastewater and adsorbent Fe-PE. The results showed while operating the adsorption columns at a pilot scale for 68 days, the arsenic concentration in the effluent was below 0.5 mg/L, and there was no significant change in the concentration of co-existing metal ions, indicating that Fe-PE had a good selective adsorption performance for arsenic in wastewater. Furthermore, Fe-PE did not dissolve and release Fe ions in wastewater, and the whole process could not produce sludge. This work first suggested an efficient and potential application for the purification and removal of arsenic from gold-smelting wastewater with agricultural mulch film residual after chemical modification, which will provide a novel strategy for reusing the agricultural mulch film residual.
Comparison of efficacy and safety of three novel hypoglycemic agents in patients with severe diabetic kidney disease: A systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Li Yijun , Hu Ying , Huyan Xiaoyuan , Chen Kang , Li Bing , Gu Weijun , Mu Yiming
Published: October 2022

Objective

To analyze the efficacy and safety of three novel hypoglycemic agents, glucagon-like peptidyl-1 receptor agonists, dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP-4i), and sodium-glucose cotransporter two inhibitors (SGLT2i) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients with severe chronic kidney disease (CKD) (defined in this study as CKD stage 3 B or above, eGFR< 45 mL/min/1.73 m²) based on important RCTs to date.

Methods

We retrieved studies published before April 15, 2022, from EMBASE, PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library and included randomized controlled trials in which the participants were patients with T2DM and severe CKD. Frequentist methods were used in the network meta-analysis.

Results

Nineteen studies of 17 trials involving 6,607 participants met our inclusion criteria. Compared with placebo and DPP-4i, SGLT2i demonstrated a significantly lower incidence of serious renal-related adverse events or renal death, and the odds ratios (OR) were 0.69 (0.58, 0.81) and 0.63 (0.40, 1.00), respectively. Compared with placebo, SGLT2i significantly reduced the incidence of all-cause death and severe AE; the ORs were 0.72 (0.55, 0.94) and 0.65 (0.47, 0.91), respectively. Compared with placebo, DPP-4i significantly reduced the level of HbA1c, and the difference between mean changes from baseline was -0.36 (-0.63, -0.09).

Conclusions

Patients with T2DM complicated by severe CKD may benefit from SGLT2i. SGLT2i can reduce the incidence of serious renal-related AEs or renal death, as well as severe side effects, and has a positive effect on the patient’s renal function and survival, even for only CKD patients can also be considered. GLP-1 RAs can be used as a supplement if blood sugar control is poor. For dialysis patients, DPP-4i can assist blood glucose control, reduce insulin dosage, and reduce the risk of hypoglycemia.

Systematic review registration

INPLASY https://inplasy.com/inplasy-2021-12-0106/, identifier INPLASY2021120106.
Can the development of digital financial inclusion curb carbon emissions? Empirical test from spatial perspective
Authors: Ding Xuemeng , Gao Lifei , Wang Guojun , Nie Ying
Published: October 2022

As digital finance ushers into a new era, carbon emissions in China have been peaking, highlighting the necessity of carbon neutrality. This work uses a dynamic spatial Durbin model, combined with a mediating effect model of the data from 30 provinces from 2011 to 2019, to explore the impact, transmission paths, and spatio-temporal heterogeneity of digital finance (Df) on carbon emission intensity (Cg). Meanwhile, the validation explores the mediating role of technological innovation (Rd), industrial restructuring (Is), and entrepreneurial effects (Es) in the process of digital finance influencing green low-carbon development. The empirical results show that: first, digital finance (Df) has a promoting effect on regional CO2reduction capacity (Cg), and this conclusion still holds under multiple robustness tests; second, digital finance (Df) can promote the regional CO2reduction capacity (Cg) through two paths, namely, promoting technological progress (Rd) and optimizing industrial structure (Is); third, the impact of inclusive digital finance on CO2emission intensity is heterogeneous. By analyzing regions with different economic development levels, we found that digital inclusive finance in the eastern region can enhance CO2reduction capacity, while in the central and western regions, the impact is not significant. Given this situation, China, to achieve carbon neutrality, should boost financial development’s ability to reduce carbon emission, promote technological progress, and optimize the industrial structure, thus forming a green and low-carbon economic cycle. This paper fills the research gap on how digital finance can effectively promote green development while exerting economic effects, and at the same time, enriches the literature on factors influencing green and low-carbon development.
Bone morphogenetic proteins, activins, and growth and differentiation factors in tumor immunology and immunotherapy resistance
Authors: Ganjoo Shonik , Puebla-Osorio Nahum , Nanez Selene , Hsu Ethan , Voss Tiffany , Barsoumian Hampartsoum , Duong Lisa K. , Welsh James W. , Cortez Maria Angelica
Published: October 2022

The TGF-β superfamily is a group of secreted polypeptides with key roles in exerting and regulating a variety of physiologic effects, especially those related to cell signaling, growth, development, and differentiation. Although its central member, TGF-β, has been extensively reviewed, other members of the family—namely bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), activins, and growth and differentiation factors (GDFs)—have not been as thoroughly investigated. Moreover, although the specific roles of TGF-β signaling in cancer immunology and immunotherapy resistance have been extensively reported, little is known of the roles of BMPs, activins, and GDFs in these domains. This review focuses on how these superfamily members influence key immune cells in cancer progression and resistance to treatment.
Genetic analysis of hypermelanosis in Chinese tongue sole (Cynoglossus semilaevis)
Authors: Yao Na , Zhang Yaqun , Li Yangzhen , Hu Yuanri , Li Hengde
Published: October 2022

Chinese tongue sole (Cynoglossus semilaevis) is an economically important marine fish in China. Generally, the eyeless side of the Chinese tongue sole is white and the side with eyes is brown after metamorphosis, hypermelanosis may still occur in the eyeless side in certain individuals after metamorphosis, which greatly decreases consumer acceptance and market price. In order to study the possibility of genetic improvement, we determined genomic markers in Chinese tongue sole using the genotyping-by-sequencing method and analyzed their association with hypermelanosis area. Genetic analysis showed that hypermelanosis was a complicated quantitative trait, and the estimated heritability for hypermelanosis incidence and area ratio were 0.16 and 0.21, respectively. Genomic selection analysis showed that selection based on hypermelanosis incidence and area ratio had similar reliabilities and prediction accuracies, indicating the feasibility of genetic improvement. Nine loci were significantly associated with hypermelanosis, few of which included genes or flanked genes potentially associated with skin disease, indicating the potential complicated genetic mechanisms underlying hypermelanosis in the Chinese tongue sole.
County-level environmental carrying capacity and spatial suitability of coastal resources: A case study of Zhuanghe, China
Authors: Yin Shusheng , Guo Jianke , Han Zenglin
Published: October 2022

The coastal zone is a combination of marine and land ecosystems, which represents the core areas of resource utilization in China. The sustainable development of coastal zones should be based on a deep understanding of their resources. Compared with Europe and North America, knowledge of coastal zone resources is more fragmented in China. In recent years, China has used quantitative models to realize integrated coastal zone management, but the theoretical basis and research methods remained incomplete. To this end, we developed an assessment framework for coastal zone territorial space resources, environmental carrying capacity, and spatial suitability from an integrated coastal zone management perspective. We tested this framework in Zhuanghe City, which is located within the Northeast Asian Economic Circle. The results show that the coastal resources and environmental carrying capacity of Zhuanghe City are mainly in a critical state. Land space in the coastal zone is mainly suitable for development, but the functional suitability of different regions significantly differs as more suitable urban areas are clustered on the coastal plain. The proportion of suitable space for agricultural production is ~50.51% and is mostly concentrated on the eastern coastal plain. The proportion of space with high ecological suitability is 14.17%, but it is concentrated in the northern mountainous area; there is low space for high value fishery production. Evaluation of coastline function shows that coastline suitable for production occupies a relatively high proportion, with a length of ~230.63 km, accounting for 80.92% of the total length of the Zhuanghe coastline. The ecological coastline of Zhuanghe City is occupied by industrial development and urban construction; suitable and unsuitable areas overlap and coastline development functions conflict with each other. Therefore, the coastal zone of Zhuanghe City is under great pressure. In China, coastal cities are the final link of integrated coastal zone management. Our research reveals a previously unreported critical situation in the coastal area of Zhuanghe City, especially in terms of fishery and shoreline utilization, which is worrisome in view of the reported production capacity of the city. Our results offer a reference for improving coastal management practices with the aim of alleviating the conflict between spatial development and protection in coastal areas.
Lifestyle, course of COVID-19, and risk of Long-COVID in non-hospitalized patients
Authors: Pływaczewska-Jakubowska Magdalena , Chudzik Michał , Babicki Mateusz , Kapusta Joanna , Jankowski Piotr
Published: October 2022

Introduction

The coronavirus disease (COVID) 2019 pandemic remains a great challenge for the healthcare system. The widely reported prolonged signs and symptoms resulting from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection (Long-COVID) require medical care. The aim of the study was to assess factors, including lifestyle variables, related to the course of COVID-19 infection and to assess their impact on prolonged symptoms in non-hospitalized patients with COVID-19.

Methods

A total of 1,847 (637 men and 1,210 women) non-hospitalized participants of the STOP-COVID registry of the PoLoCOV-Study who, following the COVID-19, underwent check-up examinations at the cardiology outpatient clinic were included in the analysis.

Results

The study participants (median age 51 [41–62] years) were evaluated at 13.4 (8.4–23.6) weeks following the diagnosis of COVID-19. Female sex (odds ratio [OR] 1.46 [95% CI 1.19–1.78]), body mass index (BMI; per 1 kg/m2: 1.02 [1.00–1.04]), hypertension (1.39 [1.07–1.81]), asthma (1.55 [1.06–2.27]), stress or overworking (1.54 [1.25–1.90]), and nightshift work (1.51 [1.06–2.14]) were independently related to the severity of symptoms during acute phase of the COVID-19 infection. The Long-COVID syndrome was independently related to the female sex (1.42 [1.13–1.79]), history of myocardial infarction (2.57 [1.04–6.32]), asthma (1.56 [1.01–2.41]), and severe course of the acute phase of the COVID-19 infection (2.27 [1.82–2.83]).

Conclusion

Female sex, BMI, asthma, hypertension, nightshifts, and stress or overworking are significantly related to the severity of the acute phase of the COVID-19 infection, while female sex, asthma, history of myocardial infarction, and the severity of symptoms in the acute phase of COVID-19 are the predictors of Long-COVID in non-hospitalized patients. We did not find an independent relation between Long-COVID and the studied lifestyle factors.
Molecular mechanisms leading to ceftolozane/tazobactam resistance in clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa from five Latin American countries
Authors: Mojica María F. , De La Cadena Elsa , Ríos Rafael , García-Betancur Juan Carlos , Díaz Lorena , Reyes Jinnethe , Hernández-Gómez Cristhian , Radice Marcela , Gales Ana C. , Castañeda Méndez Paulo , Munita José M. , Pallares Christian José , Martínez José R. W. , Villegas María Virginia
Published: October 2022

Objectives

Identify molecular mechanisms responsible for the in vitro non-susceptibility to ceftolozane/tazobactam (TOL) in a group of 158 clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa from five Latin American countries collected before the introduction of TOL into the clinical practice.

Methods

Clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa (n = 504) were collected between January 2016 and October 2017 from 20 hospitals located in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, and Mexico. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) to TOL were determined by standard broth microdilution and interpreted according to CLSI breakpoints. Initially, production of carbapenemases in TOL non-susceptible isolates was assessed by Rapidec® followed by qPCR to detect blaKPC, blaNDM-1, blaVIM, and blaIMP. Illumina® WGS was performed for isolates in which non-susceptibility to TOL was not mediated by carbapenemases.

Results

A total of 158 (31.3%) isolates were non-susceptible to TOL. In 74 (46.8%) of these isolates, non-susceptibility to TOL was explained by the production of at least one carbapenemase. WGS revealed that some isolates carried ESBLs, mutated blaPDC and ampD, associated with decreased susceptibility to TOL.

Conclusion

Substitutions found in PDC and carbapenemase production were the most common presumed mechanisms of resistance to TOL detected in this study. This study shows that epidemiological surveillance is warranted to monitor the emergence of novel mechanisms of resistance to TOL that might compromise its clinical utility.
Context-dependent differences in the functional responses of Lactobacillaceae strains to fermentable sugars
Authors: Suissa Ronit , Oved Rela , Maan Harsh , Hadad Uzi , Gilhar Omri , Meijler Michael M. , Koren Omry , Kolodkin-Gal Ilana
Published: October 2022

Lactobacillaceae are Gram-positive rods, facultative anaerobes, and belong to the lactic acid bacteria (LAB) that frequently serve as probiotics. We systematically compared five LAB strains for the effects of different carbohydrates on their free-living and biofilm lifestyles. We found that fermentable sugars triggered an altered carrying capacity with strain specificity during planktonic growth. In addition, heterogeneous response to fermentable sugar was manifested in microbial aggregation (measured by imaging flow cytometry), colony development, and attachment to mucin. The acid production capacities of the strains were compatible and could not account for heterogeneity in their differential carrying capacity in liquid and on a solid medium. Among tested LAB strains, L. paracasei, and L. rhamnosus GG survived self-imposed acid stress while L. acidophilus was extremely sensitive to its own glucose utilization acidic products. The addition of a buffering system during growth on a solid medium significantly improved the survival of most tested probiotic strains during fermentation, but the formation of biofilms and aggregation capacity were responsive to the carbohydrate provided rather than to the acidity. We suggest that the optimal performance of the beneficial microbiota members belonging to Lactobacillaceae varies as a function of the growth model and the dependency on a buffering system.
SpiDec: Computing binodals and interfacial tension of biomolecular condensates from simulations of spinodal decomposition
Authors: Mazarakos Konstantinos , Prasad Ramesh , Zhou Huan-Xiang
Published: October 2022

Phase separation of intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) is a phenomenon associated with many essential cellular processes, but a robust method to compute the binodal from molecular dynamics simulations of IDPs modeled at the all-atom level in explicit solvent is still elusive, due to the difficulty in preparing a suitable initial dense configuration and in achieving phase equilibration. Here we present SpiDec as such a method, based on spontaneous phase separation via spinodal decomposition that produces a dense slab when the system is initiated at a homogeneous, low density. After illustrating the method on four model systems, we apply SpiDec to a tetrapeptide modeled at the all-atom level and solvated in TIP3P water. The concentrations in the dense and dilute phases agree qualitatively with experimental results and point to binodals as a sensitive property for force-field parameterization. SpiDec may prove useful for the accurate determination of the phase equilibrium of IDPs.
Microbiota independent effects of oligosaccharides on Caco-2 cells -A semi-targeted metabolomics approach using DI-FT-ICR-MS coupled with pathway enrichment analysis
Authors: Jensen-Kroll Julia , Demetrowitsch Tobias , Clawin-Rädecker Ingrid , Klempt Martin , Waschina Silvio , Schwarz Karin
Published: October 2022

Milk oligosaccharides (MOS) and galactooligosaccharides (GOS) are associated with many benefits, including anti-microbial effects and immune-modulating properties. However, the cellular mechanisms of these are largely unknown. In this study, the effects of enriched GOS and MOS mixtures from caprine and bovine milk consisting mainly 6'-galactosyllactose, 3'-sialyllactose, and 6'-sialyllactose on Caco-2 cells were investigated, and the treatment-specific metabolomes were described. In the control, the cells were treated with a sugar mix consisting of one-third each of glucose, galactose and lactose.

A local metabolomics workflow with pathway enrichment was established, which specifically addresses DI-FT-ICR-MS analyses and includes adaptations in terms of measurement technology and sample matrices. By including quality parameters, especially the isotope pattern, we increased the precision of annotation. The independence from online tools, the fast adaptability to changes in databases, and the specific adjustment to the measurement technology and biomaterial used, proved to be a great advantage.

For the first time it was possible to find 71 active pathways in a Caco-2 cell experiment. These pathways were assigned to 12 main categories, with amino acid metabolism and carbohydrate metabolism being the most dominant categories in terms of the number of metabolites and metabolic pathways. Treatment of Caco-2 cells with high GOS and glucose contents resulted in significant effects on several metabolic pathways, whereas the MOS containing treatments resulted only for individual metabolites in significant changes. An effect based on bovine or caprine origin alone could not be observed. Thus, it was shown that MOS and GOS containing treatments can exert microbiome-independent effects on the metabolome of Caco-2 cells.
Elevated serum nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 levels contribute to a poor prognosis after acute supratentorial intracerebral hemorrhage: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Wang Chuan-Liu , Yan Xin-Jiang , Zhang Cheng-Liang , Xu Yan-Wen
Published: October 2022

Objective

Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a key transcriptional factor for antioxidant response element-regulated genes. The purpose of this study was to assess the prognostic role of serum Nrf2 in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH).

Materials and methods

In this prospective observational study, serum Nrf2 levels of 115 acute supratentorial ICH patients and 115 controls were gaged. Early neurologic deterioration (END) was defined as an increase of four or greater points in National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score or death at post-stroke 24 h. A poor outcome was referred to as the post-stroke 90-day modified Rankin scale (mRS) score of 3–6. END and a poor outcome were considered as the two prognostic parameters.

Results

As compared to controls, serum Nrf2 levels of patients were substantially elevated (P < 0.001), with its levels increasing during the 6-h period immediately, peaking in 12–18 h, plateauing at 18–24 h, and decreasing gradually thereafter (P < 0.05). Serum Nrf2 levels of patients were independently correlated with NIHSS score (t = 3.033; P = 0.003) and hematoma volume (t = 3.210; P = 0.002), independently predicted END (odds ratio 1.125; 95% confidence interval 1.027–1.232; P = 0.011) and poor outcome (odds ratio 1.217; 95% confidence interval 1.067–1.387; P = 0.013), as well as efficiently distinguished END (area under curve 0.771; 95% confidence interval 0.666–0.877; P < 0.001) and poor outcome (area under curve 0.803; 95% confidence interval 0.725–0.882; P < 0.001). Its predictive ability was equivalent to those of NIHSS score and hematoma volume (both P > 0.05), and it also significantly improved their predictive abilities under receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (all P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Elevated serum Nrf2 levels are closely correlated with severity, END, and 90-day poor outcome following ICH. Hence, Nrf2 may play an important role in acute brain injury after ICH, and serum Nrf2 may have the potential to serve as a prognostic biomarker of ICH.
Adjunctive accelerated repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for older patients with depression: A systematic review
Authors: Zheng Wei , Zhang Xin-Yang , Xu Rui , Huang Xiong , Zheng Ying-Jun , Huang Xing-Bing , Li Ze-Zhi , Chen Huo-Di
Published: October 2022

Objective

We performed this systemic review to investigate the therapeutic potential and safety of adjunctive accelerated repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (aTMS) for older patients with depression.

Methods

We included published randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and observational studies targeting adjunctive aTMS for older patients with depression.

Results

Two open-label self-controlled studies (n = 29) fulfilled the criteria for inclusion. The included studies reported significant improvements in depressive symptoms from baseline to post-aTMS (all Ps < 0.05). One study reported a dropout rate of 10.5% (2/19). Mild headache was the most common adverse reaction.

Conclusion

The currently available evidence from two open-label self-controlled studies indicates that adjunctive aTMS is a safe and effective therapy for older patients with depression.
Social, political and legal determinants of kidney health: Perspectives from lower- and middle-income countries with a focus on India
Authors: Anandh Urmila , Meena Priti , Karam Sabine , Luyckx Valerie
Published: October 2022

The social determinants of health (SDoH) are the non-medical factors that influence kidney health outcomes directly or indirectly in a substantial manner and include conditions in which people are born, grow, work, live, and age. Many such challenges in lower- and middle- income countries have an unfavourable impact on kidney health. These conditions potentially influence economic policies and systems, development agendas, social norms, social policies, and political systems. In addition, many political and legal factors also determine and modify the ultimate outcome in patients with kidney disease. Legal factors that ensure universal health care, promote gender and racial equality, prevent malpractices and regulate strict laws in the field of kidney transplantation are the paramount determinants for the provision of necessary kidney care. Converging lines of evidence have supported the impact of social variables such as socioeconomic resources, social inclusion, housing conditions, educational attainment, and financial status on kidney health, particularly affect vulnerable and disadvantaged groups and result in challenges in kidney care delivery. Furthermore, the climate is an important SDoH that plays a crucial role in the occurrence, prevalence, and progression of kidney diseases as highlighted by the presence of higher prevalence of chronic kidney disease in hot tropical countries. The rising incidence of water and vector-borne diseases causing acute kidney injury is another consequence of disruptive environmental and climate change which is detrimental to kidney health. Political risk factors such as conflict also have a devastating influence on kidney health. The relationship between SDoH and kidney health outcomes requires more clarity. Gaps in the current knowledge need to be identified to inform the development of appropriate interventions to address upstream socio-economic risk factors for kidney disease.
Potential value of cerebrospinal fluid α-synuclein in the identification of postoperative delirium undergoing knee/hip arthroplasty: The perioperative neurocognitive disorder and biomarker lifestyle study
Authors: Lin Xu , Guo Yuwei , Dong Rui , Wang Bin , Bi Yanlin
Published: October 2022

Objective

Postoperative delirium (POD) is a common postoperative complication, which may be associated with α-synuclein (α-syn). The purpose of this study was to explore the association between the expression level of α-syn in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and POD.

Methods

We conducted a prospective observational cohort study, which involved in 740 participants (mean age of 61.86 years, range 40–90 years; 40% female) from the Perioperative Neurocognitive Disorder And Biomarker Lifestyle (PNDABLE) study in the final analysis. POD was diagnosed using the Confusion Assessment Scale (CAM), and its severity was measured using the Memorial Delirium Assessment Scale (MDAS). Enzyme-linked immune-sorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the concentrations of α-syn, Aβ40, Aβ42, T-tau, and P-tau in CSF.

Results

The incidence of POD was 11.22% (83/740). The logistic regression analysis showed that the increased concentrations of CSF α-syn (OR = 1.005, 95%CI 1.004–1.006, P < 0.001), P-tau (OR = 1.093, 95%CI 1.071–1.115, P < 0.001), and T-tau (OR = 1.008, 95%CI 1.006–1.009, P < 0.001) were risk factors of POD. Linear regression showed that CSF α-syn had positive correlations with P-tau (β = 0.480, P < 0.001), T-tau (β = 0.334, P < 0.001), while negative correlations with Aβ40 (β = –0.378 P < 0.001), Aβ42 (β = -0.800, P = 0.001) in POD patients. Mediation analyses showed the association between α-syn and POD was partially mediated by tau pathologies (proportion: 16–17%).

Conclusion

CSF α-syn is one of the preoperative risk factors for POD, which may be mediated through tau pathologies.

Clinical trial registration

[www.ClinicalTrials.gov], identifier [ChiCTR20 00033439].
ZEB2 haploinsufficient Mowat-Wilson syndrome induced pluripotent stem cells show disrupted GABAergic transcriptional regulation and function
Authors: Schuster Jens , Klar Joakim , Khalfallah Ayda , Laan Loora , Hoeber Jan , Fatima Ambrin , Sequeira Velin Marita , Jin Zhe , Korol Sergiy V. , Huss Mikael , Nordgren Ann , Anderlid Britt Marie , Gallant Caroline , Birnir Bryndis , Dahl Niklas
Published: October 2022

Mowat-Wilson syndrome (MWS) is a severe neurodevelopmental disorder caused by heterozygous variants in the gene encoding transcription factor ZEB2. Affected individuals present with structural brain abnormalities, speech delay and epilepsy. In mice, conditional loss of Zeb2 causes hippocampal degeneration, altered migration and differentiation of GABAergic interneurons, a heterogeneous population of mainly inhibitory neurons of importance for maintaining normal excitability. To get insights into GABAergic development and function in MWS we investigated ZEB2 haploinsufficient induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) of MWS subjects together with iPSC of healthy donors. Analysis of RNA-sequencing data at two time points of GABAergic development revealed an attenuated interneuronal identity in MWS subject derived iPSC with enrichment of differentially expressed genes required for transcriptional regulation, cell fate transition and forebrain patterning. The ZEB2 haploinsufficient neural stem cells (NSCs) showed downregulation of genes required for ventral telencephalon specification, such as FOXG1, accompanied by an impaired migratory capacity. Further differentiation into GABAergic interneuronal cells uncovered upregulation of transcription factors promoting pallial and excitatory neurons whereas cortical markers were downregulated. The differentially expressed genes formed a neural protein-protein network with extensive connections to well-established epilepsy genes. Analysis of electrophysiological properties in ZEB2 haploinsufficient GABAergic cells revealed overt perturbations manifested as impaired firing of repeated action potentials. Our iPSC model of ZEB2 haploinsufficient GABAergic development thus uncovers a dysregulated gene network leading to immature interneurons with mixed identity and altered electrophysiological properties, suggesting mechanisms contributing to the neuropathogenesis and seizures in MWS.