bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Knowledge And Attitude Towards Medication Safety: Study From Religion Based Hospital
Authors: Fazria Nokky Farra , Dhamanti Inge
Published: March 2023

The most prevalent patient safety incident in hospitals is medication errors. It is avoidable by a variety of safe treatment approaches known as medical safety. The topic of this research is the high rate of medical errors at 'X' Hospital Tuban in East Java, Indonesia, which accounted for 53.3% of all patient safety occurrences. The goal of this study was to investigate the impact of health workers' knowledge and attitudes on drug safety implementation at 'X' Hospital Tuban. Pharmacists, pharmaceutical technical staff, nurses, and midwives participated in an analytical cross-sectional study with 74 samples. Because of the COVID-19 outbreak, data was collected using an online survey. The survey was based on WHO's 5 Medication Safety Moments. To investigate effect identification, the Fisher's test method was applied. This survey received 87.8% response rate. The following characteristics were shared by the participants: 55.4% are nurses, 75.4% are between the ages of 26 and 36, 86.2% are female, and 36.9% work in an inpatient unit. The average score for medication safety knowledge, attitude, and implementation for each health worker was Good. The correlation coefficient (p = 0.000) between knowledge and drug safety implementation is 0.503. The correlation coefficient (p = 0.000) between attitude and drug safety implementation is 0.508. According to the findings of this study, drug safety knowledge, attitude, and implementation are all satisfactory. Medication safety knowledge and attitudes can aid in the implementation of medication safety. Suggestion for medical professionals, and 'X' Hospital Tuban is working on new pharmaceutical safety precautions.
Systematics and Phylogeny of Plio-Pleistocene Species of Turritellidae (Gastropoda) from Florida and the Atlantic Coastal Plain
Authors: Friend Dana , Anderson Brendan , Altier Elizabeth , Sang Stephanie , Petsios Elizabeth , Portell Roger , Allmon Warren
Published: March 2023

Turritellid gastropods are among the most widespread, abundant, and diverse mollusks in Plio-Pleistocene deposits of the Atlantic coastal plain and Florida, with at least 46 species and subspecies described over almost two centuries. Yet the systematic status of these common fossil species and their phylogenetic relationships—to each other and to turritellids living today in the western Atlantic—have never been investigated in detail. We make use of recent molecular phylogenetic work on living turritellids and new analyses of shell characters to review the group from this time interval to the present in a comprehensive phylogenetic analysis and assessment of their evolutionary history in the region. We conclude that 20 fossil and two Recent species are valid. Four of these species are placed in the genus Torcula Gray, 1847; five in Caviturritella new genus, and eleven in “Turritella” sensu lato. We identify Torcula perattenuata as the likely direct ancestor of one of the two turritellid species living today off the southeastern U.S. coast, Torcula exoleta, and we elucidate the fossil record of the other extant species, “Turritella” perexilis (senior synonym of Turritella acropora). We show that Caviturritella was extirpated from the United States Gulf and Atlantic coastal plains in the Early Pleistocene but is still represented in the western Atlantic by the living species C. variegata in the southern Caribbean. We also present the first detailed treatment of Plio-Pleistocene turritellid fossils from Georgia. Our analysis shows that the Plio- Pleistocene Pinecrest beds of Florida contain 18 co-occurring turritellid species, which is the highest turritellid species diversity in one formation known in the fossil record.
Refugee Law’s Fact-Finding Crisis: Truth, Risk, and the Wrong Mistake
Authors: Evans Cameron Hilary
Published: March 2023

At a time when many around the world are fleeing their homes, seeking refugee protection has become a game of chance. Partly to blame is the law that governs how refugee status decision-makers resolve their doubts. This long-neglected branch of refugee law has been growing in the dark, with little guidance from the Refugee Convention and little attention from scholars. By looking closely at the Canadian jurisprudence, Hilary Evans Cameron provides the first full account of what this law is trying to accomplish in a refugee hearing. She demonstrates how a hole in the law's normative foundations is contributing to the dysfunction of one of the world's most respected refugee determination systems, and may well be undermining refugee protection across the globe.
AKUNTABILITAS DAN TRANSPARANSI PENGELOLAAN KEUANGAN MASJID MUHAJIRIN
Authors: Syafitri Anisa , Rosmanidar Elyanti , Putriana Marissa
Published: March 2023

Purpose: This study aims to determine the accountability and transparency of financial management in the Muhajirin Mosque and to determine the efforts of the mosque management in managing the financial statements of the Muhajirin mosque.
Design/Methodology/ Approach: The research method used in this study is descriptive using a qualitative approach. Methods of data collection is done by using the technique of Observation, Interview and Documentation.
findings: Accountability and Transparency at the Muhajirin Mosque is already responsible and transparent in its financial management. In terms of financial management, it is still simple and has not implemented PSAK 45.
Research Implications: The financial statements of the Muhajirin Mosque are still very simple and have not implemented PSAK 45 because they are motivated by inappropriate education and the lack of knowledge of mosque administrators in processing financial reports of Muhajirin mosques.
PENGARUH BEBAN KERJA DAN KOMPENSASI TERHADAP PRODUKTIVITAS KERJA KARYAWAN PT. SICEPAT EKSPRES INDONESIA CABANG SUNGAI PENUH
Authors: Ahmad Mauledy , Efdison Zefri , Satria Edia , Ramadani Yolla
Published: March 2023

Purpose: This study aims to examine the effect of workload and compensation on employee productivity at PT.SiCepat Ekspres Indonesia Sungai Penuh branch.
Design/Methodology/Research Approach: This study uses a causality quantitative approach. The sample in this study were employees of PT.SiCepat Ekspres Indonesia Branch of Sungai Lilin City, totaling 33 respondents. Data was collected using a questionnaire, while the data analysis technique used was multiple linear regression analysis.
Findings: there is an effect of Workload, and Compensation on Work Productivity with the magnitude of the influence of 70.7%.
Research Implications: The results of this study prove that a high workload tends to reduce work productivity, whereas high compensation tends to increase employee productivity.
Diversion im Suchtmittelrecht
Authors: Rösler Lisa
Published: March 2023

Diversionsmaßnahmen im Suchtmittelbereich – theoretische Grundlagen, Anwendungen und Divergenzen Die österreichische Drogenpolitik ist eine politische Querschnittsmaterie, die nicht nur das Strafrecht, sondern auch das Gesundheitswesen betrifft. Das Suchtmittelrecht ist damit ein strafrechtlich und kriminalpolitisch hochbrisantes Thema. Diese Monografie untersucht die Entscheidungspraxis der Staatsanwaltschaften in Bezug auf diversionelle Maßnahmen im Suchtmittelstrafrecht sowohl aus einer dogmatischen als auch einer empirischen Perspektive. Der Schwerpunkt des theoretischen Teils liegt auf einer umfassenden Darstellung der zugänglichen Straftatbestände der Diversion, den Diversionsbestimmungen selbst sowie deren verfahrensrechtlichen Ablauf und Verhältnis zueinander. Darüber hinaus werden die historische Entwicklung des österreichischen Drogenstrafrechts, dessen geschütztes Rechtsgut sowie dessen Regelungssystematik ausführlich behandelt. Der empirische Teil widmet sich der Thematik im Rahmen einer quantitativen und einer qualitativen Studie, deren Resultate im Zusammenhalt mit den theoretischen Erkenntnissen eingehend diskutiert werden. Im Zuge dessen werden fundierte Empfehlungen an die Gesetzgebung sowie praxisnahe Maßnahmen dargelegt.
Energy audit of a sugarcane plant to find out the main energy saving opportunities
Authors: Abroshan Hamid , Rezaei Saman , Golchoobian Hooman , Foladi Fateme , Rumizade Ehsan , Mirshams Ali
Published: March 2023

Sugar extraction from sugarcane/sugar-beet is an energy-intensive process, both thermal and electrical energies. However, there are numerous opportunities for energy efficiency improvements. A number of tests were conducted in an old sugarcane factory, including the boiler, electricity generation, process, and mill section, to better understand these opportunities. During four years, specific energy consumption was 16-28 GJ/ton of raw sugar. Measurements and calculations revealed that some equipment, e.g. shredder's steam turbine and some gearboxes, require extensive repairs. The second set of areas for improvement relates to proper operation, such as determining the boiler excess air (which results in an average 0.6% efficiency reduction) and factory planning (near 200 MWh per year). The third type of improvement is to modify or integrate new elements into the existing plant, like water storage tank insulation (3.8 MW) and switching from load-unload operation to drive control for instrumentation compressors (43 MWh).
Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 58(1), 09-18, 2023
Effect of diets on lipoprotein concentrations in heterozygous apolipoprotein E-deficient mice.
Authors: Bobková D , Honsová E , Kovář J , Poledne R
Published: March 2023

Loss of apolipoprotein E synthesis causes increased serum cholesterol concentrations and the sensitivity to high-fat diet in mice. We analyzed the changes in lipoprotein and hepatic structures in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice kept on control diet and cholesterol diets. Basal cholesterolemia of heterozygous (+/-) mice (2.2+/-0.28 mmol/l) was the same compared to wild-type (+/+) mice (2.3+/-0.15 mmol/l), but was lower compared to homozygous (-/-) mice (10.3+/-1.40 mmol/l). In +/- mice, cholesterolemia rose to 3.2 mmol/l on cholesterol diet and to 9 mmol/l on cholate diet, to 3 mmol/l and 3.6 mmol/l in +/+ mice, and to 23.4 mmol/l and 70.5 mmol/l in -/- mice, respectively. While the ratio of cholesterol/triglyceride concentrations in VLDL, IDL and LDL fractions was not increased in +/- mice and +/+ mice, it was increased in -/- mice on control diet. On the cholesterol diet, this ratio rose and was dramatically increased by cholate diet in all groups of mice. Even though cholate supplementation increased cholesterol concentration, it led to substantial toxic changes in hepatic morphology of all animals. In conclusion, one functional apo E allele in +/- mice is effective in keeping serum cholesterol concentrations in normal range on a control diet, but not on the cholesterol and cholate diets.
The effect of new lipophilic chelators on the activities of cytosolic reductases and P450 cytochromes involved in the metabolism of anthracycline antibiotics: studies in vitro.
Authors: Schröterová L , Kaiserová H , Baliharová V , Velík J , Geršl V , Kvasničková E
Published: March 2023

A major obstacle to the therapeutic use of anthracyclines, highly effective anticancer agents, is the fact that their administration results in dose-dependent cardiomyopathy. According to the currently accepted hypothesis, anthracyclines injure the heart by generating oxygen free radicals. The ability of pyridoxal isonicotinoyl hydrazone (PIH) and salicylaldehyde isonicotinoyl hydrazone (SIH) -- new iron chelators -- to protect against peroxidation as well as their suitable biological, physical and chemical properties make the compounds promising candidates for pre-clinical and clinical studies. Activities of carbonyl reductase CR (1.1.1.184), dihydrodiol dehydrogenase DD2 (1.3.1.20), aldehyde reductase ALR1 (1.1.1.2) and P450 isoenzymes (CYP1A1, CYP1A2, CYP2B, CYP3A) involved in the metabolism of daunorubicin, doxorubicin and other drugs or xenobiotics were studied. Various concentrations of the chelators were used either alone or together with daunorubicin or doxorubicin for in vitro studies in isolated hepatocytes. A significant decrease of activity was observed for all enzymes only at PIH and SIH concentrations higher than those presumed to be used for therapy. The results show that PIH and SIH have no effect on the activities of the enzymes studied in vitro and allow us to believe that they will not interfere with the metabolism of co-administered drugs and other xenobiotics. Daunorubicin (Da) and doxorubicin (Dx) significantly reduce cytochrome P450 activity, but the addition of SIH and PIH chelators (50 microM) reverses the reduction and restores the activity to 70-90 % of the activity of relevant controls.
Expression of neuronal growth inhibitory factor (metallothionein-III) in the salivary gland.
Authors: Irie Y , Mori F , Keung WM , Mizushima Y , Wakabayashi K
Published: March 2023

Metallothioneins (MTs) are metal-binding proteins that have been regarded as intrinsic factors for protecting cells and tissues from metal toxicity and oxidants. Among the three major classes of MTs, MT-III is different from other MTs because it has neuronal inhibitory activity and is only expressed in the central nervous system. Recent studies, however, have confirmed that MT-III is also expressed in organs other than the brain. These findings not only indicate that MT-III has a much wider tissue distribution than was originally thought, but also suggest that it might have other unknown activities. In the present study, we examined the human salivary and thyroid glands and demonstrated that the MT-III gene is also expressed in the salivary but not in the thyroid gland. While salivary ducts showed intense immuno-reactivity with anti-MT-III, weak immunoreactivity was observed in acinar cells. This, together with the findings that some neuromodulators (i.e. nerve growth factor, etc.) exist in the salivary gland and that MT-III may participate in the transport in renal tubules, suggest that MT-III may have other functions than cytoprotection in the salivary gland.
LVV-hemorphin-7 lowers blood pressure in spontaneously hypertensive rats: radiotelemetry study.
Authors: Čejka J , Železná B , Velek J , Zicha J , Kuneš J
Published: March 2023

Cardiovascular effects of LVV-hemorphin-7, a member of the family of fragments from beta-chain of human or bovine hemoglobin, were studied in conscious spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) and Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats by radiotelemetry. Intraperitoneal injection of hemorphin in a dose of 100 microg/kg significantly decreased blood pressure in SHR, whereas negligible effect was seen in normotensive WKY rats. Blood pressure changes were accompanied by reduction of heart rate. In conclusion, a direct effect of LVV-hemorphin-7 on blood pressure was demonstrated in SHR. These biologically active peptides could be involved in blood pressure regulation especially in hypertensive rats, but the precise mechanism should be elucidated.
Changes in College Students Major Satisfaction and Self-Efficacy Due to COVID-19
Authors:   The Korean Society of Oral Health Science, Kim Ju-Hee , Jung Eun-Ha , Kim Yu-Rin , Choi Yu-Ri
Published: March 2023

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to provide basic data to reduce the difficulties caused by COVID-19 in college students.
Methods: This study was conducted for about 2 months, beginning in July 2021, and linear regression analysis was conducted to identify the factors affecting the difficulties experienced by college students due to COVID-19.
Results: The difficulties caused by COVID-19 were the fewest in the medical and health sectors, followed by the humanities and social sciences and others (p<0.05). As the student grade increased, the difficulty with COVID-19 increased by 1.092, and in the humanities and sociology and other departments, the difficulty with COVID-19 increased by 1.108, based on the medical and health departments (p<0.05).
Conclusions: The results obtained here suggest that each university should implement special education programs, such as career aptitude programs, to help students cope with the difficulties they encountered due to COVID-19
Change in Perception of Clinical Dental Hygiene Core Competency according to the Number of Team-based Learning modules undertaken by Dental Hygiene Students
Authors:   The Korean Society of Oral Health Science, Choi Yong-Keum , Yun Ji-Hye , Park Hyang-Ah
Published: March 2023

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to measure the difference in the effect of team-based learning according to the number of sessions on the topic attended by dental hygiene students.
Methods: Since the mutual influence on the number of sessions attended before and after team-based learning could not be excluded, the Friedman two-way ANOVA—a nonparametric analysis corresponding to repeated measures ANOVA—was performed. Furthermore, the Bonferroni correction was applied for post hoc testing, with the statistical significance level being p < 0.05.
Results: A statistically significant difference was identified in terms of the perception of clinical dental hygiene core competency after the 2nd session (p < 0.001) of the team-based learning module. In addition, the students preferred a maximum of three sessions of team-based learning.
Conclusions: Drawing on the results of this study, it is recommended that the teaching design for a team-based learning module should consist of at least two sessions
Sociolinguistics in Saudi Arabia: Present situation and future directions
Authors: al-Rojaie Yousef
Published: March 2023

This study provides a brief state-of-the-art overview of sociolinguistic research in Saudi Arabia. It begins with a historical review of the language situation in Saudi Arabia in an attempt to relate the past situation with current language use, focusing on studies that examine Arabic dialects of major tribes and urban centers in the Arabian Peninsula before and after the creation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It continues with a schematic survey of major trends in Saudi sociolinguistic works over the past few decades, including language variation and change, language contact, language attitudes, and code-switching. As such trends unfolded, researchers investigated the processes of dialect contact, mixing, and, ultimately, koineization and followed, in particular, the socioeconomic changes that Saudi Arabia has witnessed in terms of the spread of education, population movements, and urbanization patterns. Special attention is given to the various sociolinguistic methods employed in such works, as well as the linguistic features that are examined. This study concluded with future directions for Saudi sociolinguistic research in an effort to highlight topics and concerns that need further research, such as certain sociolects and ethnolects, and also new topics and trends associated with language use in social media, particularly by the younger generation.
«Вопрос о хиджабе» в Италии: реакции государства, отношение населения /
“THE HIJAB ISSUE” IN ITALY: THE STATE’S RESPONSE AND THE PUBLIC ATTIDUDE
Authors: Fais-Leutskaia O. D.
Published: March 2023

В статье в свете современного миграционного кризиса, или «нового переселения народов», в контексте Италии анализируются различные аспекты пресловутого «вопроса о хиджабе», ставшего актуальным практически во всех государствах современной Европы. На фоне роста числа европейских стран, легализовавших на юридическом уровне запрет на ношение женской мусульманской традиционной одежды и головных уборов (бурки, хиджаба, нихаба и т. д.), а главное — на появление женщин‑мигранток в таком облачении в общественных местах, Италия относится к числу тех государств, в которых эти поведенческие практики не преданы официальному остракизму в национальном масштабе, а запретительные юридические нормы бытуют лишь в двух областях страны — Ломбардии и Венето. Кроме того, в исследовании фокусируется внимание и на другом аспекте этой проблемы, а именно — на восприятии широкими слоями населения Италии в различных частях страны практики ношения мусульманками традиционной одежды и головных покрывал различного вида; отмечается, в частности, толерантность значительного процента итальянцев, больше на Юге страны, чем на Севере, в отношении инокультурных привычек и предпочтений мигрантов, во многом питаемая недавними традиционными поведенческими стандартами, этикоэстетическими нормами и «канонами» народной моды самого титульного населения Италии.

The article analyzes various aspects of the notorious “hijab issue” in the context of Italy, which has become relevant in almost all states of modern Europe in the light of the current migration crisis, or “the new migration period”. In particular, while in the growing number of European countries that have legalized a ban on traditional female Muslim clothing and headdresses (burkas, hijab, niqaab, etc.), and most importantly, the appearance of migrant women in such attire in public places, in Italy these behavioral norms are not officially ostracized on a national scale, and prohibitive legal norms exist only in two regions of the country — Lombardy and Veneto. In addition, the study focuses on how broad segments of the population in various parts of the country perceive the practice of wearing traditional Muslim clothing and head coverings. The author notes the tolerance of a large percentage of Italians, especially in the South of the country, towards the foreign cultural habits and preferences, largely fueled by more recent traditional behavioral standards, ethical and aesthetic norms and “canons” of folk fashion of the titular population of Italy itself.
Традиционные женские головные уборы Катандзаро и Козенцы: заимствования и этническая самобытность /
TRADITIONAL WOMEN’S HEADDRESSES OF CATANZARO AND COSENZA: BORROWINGS AND ETHNIC IDENTITY
Authors: Suloeva M. A.
Published: March 2023

На территории Катандзаро и Козенцы, двух крупнейших провинций итальянского региона Калабрии, до сих пор сохраняются традиционные женские костюмы не только коренного населения, но и представителей различных языковых меньшинств. Проживающая в Южной Италии диаспора арбрешей — потомков албанских переселенцев, передает из поколения в поколение свою историческую одежду, привезенную с Балкан еще в XV в. и изменившуюся под влиянием калабрийской культуры. Одной из ключевых и сложноустроенных деталей, завершающих ансамбль любого костюма, является головной убор, который имеет свою специфику и выполняет помимо утилитарных другие, в т. ч. символические или идентификационные функции. Многообразие головных уборов, представленных на территории Калабрии, это результат многовекового процесса формирования исторических костюмов как местного населения, так и представителей других диаспоральных групп. Взаимное влияние различных культур, их смешение приводило к адаптации, модификации или исчезновению уже существовавших типов головных уборов, а также возникновению новых. В статье исследуются основные виды традиционных калабрийских и арбрешских женских костюмов, встречающихся в Катандзаро и Козенце, а также выявляется символическое содержание головных уборов и специфика их функционирования в современных реалиях.

In Catanzaro and Cosenza, the two largest provinces of the Italian region of Calabria, traditional women’s costumes are still preserved not only among the Italians, but also among various linguistic minority groups. The Arbresh diaspora in southern Italy, descendants of Albanian settlers, passes their historical clothing from generation to generationю It was brought from the Balkans as early as the 15th century and changed under the influence of Calabrian culture. One of the key and most complex details of any costume is a headdress, which has its own specifics and performs not only practical, but also symbolic or identity‑related functions. The variety of headdresses presented in Calabria is the result of a centuries‑old process of formation of historical costumes of both the local population and representatives of the migrant diaspora. The mutual influence of different cultures led to the adaptation, modification or disappearance of already existing types of headgear and the emergence of new ones. The article examines the main types of traditional Calabrian and Arbresh women’s costumes in Catanzaro and Cosenza, and reveals the symbolic meaning of headdresses and the specifics of their modern functioning.
Single cell analysis reveals satellite cell heterogeneity for proinflammatory chemokine expression
Authors: Andre Alexander B. , Rees Katherina P. , O’Connor Samantha , Severson Grant W. , Newbern Jason M. , Wilson-Rawls Jeanne , Plaisier Christopher L. , Rawls Alan
Published: March 2023

Background: The expression of proinflammatory signals at the site of muscle injury are essential for efficient tissue repair and their dysregulation can lead to inflammatory myopathies. Macrophages, neutrophils, and fibroadipogenic progenitor cells residing in the muscle are significant sources of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines. However, the inducibility of the myogenic satellite cell population and their contribution to proinflammatory signaling is less understood.

Methods: Mouse satellite cells were isolated and exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to mimic sterile skeletal muscle injury and changes in the expression of proinflammatory genes was examined by RT-qPCR and single cell RNA sequencing. Expression patterns were validated in skeletal muscle injured with cardiotoxin by RT-qPCR and immunofluorescence.

Results: Satellite cells in culture were able to express Tnfa, Ccl2, and Il6, within 2 h of treatment with LPS. Single cell RNA-Seq revealed seven cell clusters representing the continuum from activation to differentiation. LPS treatment led to a heterogeneous pattern of induction of C-C and C-X-C chemokines (e.g., Ccl2, Ccl5, and Cxcl0) and cytokines (e.g., Tgfb1, Bmp2, Il18, and Il33) associated with innate immune cell recruitment and satellite cell proliferation. One cell cluster was enriched for expression of the antiviral interferon pathway genes under control conditions and LPS treatment. Activation of this pathway in satellite cells was also detectable at the site of cardiotoxin induced muscle injury.

Conclusion: These data demonstrate that satellite cells respond to inflammatory signals and secrete chemokines and cytokines. Further, we identified a previously unrecognized subset of satellite cells that may act as sensors for muscle infection or injury using the antiviral interferon pathway.
Correlation between the intestinal microflora and peripheral blood Th1/Th2 balance in hypothyroidism during the first half of pregnancy
Authors: Wu Bo , Xu Yajuan , Ban Yanjie , Zhang Miao , Sun Zongzong , Cai Yanjun , Li Jingjing , Hao Yingqi , Ouyang Qian , Hu Lin , Tian Xin , Liu Dong
Published: March 2023

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between intestinal microflora characteristics and the peripheral blood T helper cell (Th)1/Th2 balance in patients with hypothyroidism during the first half of pregnancy.

Methods

The Th1/Th2 ratios in the peripheral blood of pregnant women in the hypothyroidism and control groups were determined using flow cytometry. The cytometric bead array assay was used to determine the serum levels of interleukin-2 (IL-2), IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and interferon (IFN)-γ. Moreover, 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing was used to determine the intestinal microbial composition in the two groups. Finally, the relationships between intestinal microflora, Th1/Th2 cells, cytokines, and clinical indicators were analyzed.

Results

C-reactive protein levels were higher in the hypothyroidism group than in the control group. In contrast to the control group, the hypothyroidism group showed an increase in Th1 cells and the Th1/Th2 ratio, and a decrease in Th2 cells. The hypothyroidism group had higher serum IL-2, TNF-α, and IFN-γ levels, and lower IL-10 levels, than the control group. The richness of the intestinal microflora in the hypothyroidism group increased whereas the diversity decreased. The linear discriminant analysis effect size revealed that the hypothyroidism group had a higher abundance of Prevotella and Faecalibacterium, but a lower abundance of Bacteroides, compared to the control group. Prevotella was positively correlated with Th1 cells, the Th1/2 ratio, and TNF-α. Bacteroides was positively correlated with Th2 cells and IL-10, but negatively correlated with Th1 cells, the Th1/2 ratio, TNF-α, and IFN-γ. The thyroid peroxidase antibody level was directly proportional to TNF-α.

Conclusion

A Th1/Th2 imbalance occurs in patients with hypothyroidism during the first half of pregnancy. Disorders of the intestinal microflora may lead to hypothyroidism during pregnancy by affecting the Th1/Th2 balance.
Native knowledge of great lakes ecology: Climate changes to Odawa lands
Authors: Stoffle Richard W. , Evans Michael J. , Sittler Christopher , Berry Desmond L. , Van Vlack Kathleen A.
Published: March 2023

Climate change has been observed for hundreds of years by the plant specialists of three Odawa Tribes in the Upper Great Lakes along Lake Michigan. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore (SLBE) is the focus of two National Park Service (NPS) studies of Odawa Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) of plants, ecosystems, and climate change. Data collected during these studies contributed to developing Plant Gathering Agreements between tribes and parks. This analysis derived from 95 ethnographic interviews conducted by University of Arizona (UofA) anthropologists in partnership with expert elders appointed by tribes. Odawa elders recognized in the park 288 plants and five habitats of traditional and contemporary concern. Tribal elders explained that 115 of these traditional plants and all five habitats are known from multigenerational eyewitness accounts to have been impacted by climate change. The TEK study thus represents what Odawa people know about the traditional environment and thus provides a foundation for more complex government-to government relationships between Odawa tribes and the NPS. These research findings are neither intended to test Native TEK nor the climate findings of Western science. It should however be pointed out that both are in general agreement about what has happened due to climate change and thus there is now a TEK data base for co-stewardship.
The role of scientific knowledge in Extinction Rebellion's communication of climate futures
Authors: Karnik Hinks Ella , Rödder Simone
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Extinction Rebellion (XR) is one of the central players in climate movements in the United Kingdom. Considering the historical relationship that environmentalists have had with science and scientific knowledge, we examine the current treatment of science in the narrative put forward by XR United Kingdom.

Methods

Using mixed qualitative methods, the group's online press releases for the year 2019 were analysed, alongside fieldwork from 2 weeks spent at the United Nations' climate conference in Glasgow in 2021. The fieldwork data consists of participant observation combined with semi-structured interviews.

Results

The movement's demand to “tell the truth” utilises a narrative established on a fact-based enlightenment. This is complemented by notions of a fixed temporal deadline and predicted societal collapse. We highlight prominent perspectives that came to light and identify three main positions that the activists held with respect to science.

Discussion

The findings show the positioning of science and scientific knowledge as a supreme authority, which acts to depoliticize the discourse and induces reductionism in imagining climate futures. This positioning, combined with the centrality of apocalyptic imagery, hampers the construction of alternative futures and fails to engage meaningfully with climate justice.
The clinical application of longitudinal layer specific strain as a diagnostic and prognostic instrument in ischemic heart diseases: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Sharma Shreeya , Lassen Mats Christian Højbjerg , Nielsen Anne Bjerg , Skaarup Kristoffer Grundtvig , Biering-Sørensen Tor
Published: March 2023

Background

2-dimensional Speckle-Tracking Echocardiography, to obtain longitudinal layer specific strain (LSS), has recently emerged as a novel and accurate non-invasive imaging technique for diagnosis as well as for prediction of adverse cardiac events. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to give an overview of the possible clinical implication and significance of longitudinal LSS.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis with all the studies involving layer specific strain in patients with ischemic heart disease (IHD). Of 40 eligible studies, 9 met our inclusion criteria. Studies that were included either investigated the prognostic value (n = 3) or the diagnostic value (n = 6) of longitudinal LSS.

Results

The pooled meta-analysis showed that longitudinal LSS is a significant diagnostic marker for coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients with IHD. Endocardial LSS was found to be a good diagnostic marker for CAD in IHD patients (OR: 1.28, CI95% [1.11–1.48], p < 0.001, per 1% decrease). Epicardial (OR: 1.34, CI95% [1.14–1.56], p < 0.001, per 1% decrease), Mid-Myocardial (OR: 1.24, CI95% [1.12–1.38], p < 0.001, per 1% decrease) and endocardial (OR: 1.21, CI95% [1.09–1.35], p < 0.001, per 1% decrease) LSS all entailed diagnostic information regarding CAD, with epicardial LSS emerging as the superior diagnostic marker for CAD in patients with SAP. Endocardial LSS proved to be the better diagnostic marker of CAD in patients with non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS). LSS was shown to be a good prognostic maker of adverse cardiac events in IHD patients. Two studies found endocardial circumferential strain to be the good predictor of outcome in CAD patients and when added to baseline characteristics. Epicardial LSS emerged as best predictor in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients.

Conclusion

In patients with SAP, epicardial LSS was the stronger diagnostic marker while in NSTE-ACS patients, endocardial LSS was the stronger diagnostic marker. In addition, endocardial circumferential strain is the better predictor of adverse outcome in CAD patients whilst in ACS patients, epicardial LSS was found to be a better predictor of outcome.
Simultaneous assimilation of Fengyun-4A and Himawari-8 aerosol optical depth retrieval to improve air quality simulations during one storm event over East Asia
Authors: Xia Xiaoli , Min Jinzhong , Sun Shangpeng , Chen Xu
Published: March 2023

Aerosols are the main components of air pollutants, which are closely related to haze, dust storm and air pollution. In this study, an aerosol data assimilation system was developed using Gridpoint Statistical Interpolation (GSI) system to assimilate the Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) observations from FY4 and Himawari-8 for the first time and applied in the heavy dust case over east Asia in March 2018. Three parallel experiments assimilated AOD from FY4, Himawari-8 and both the FY4 and Himawari-8 respectively and a control experiment which did not employ DA were performed. The hourly aerosol analyses and forecasts are compared with the assimilated FY-4 AOD, Himawari-8 AOD and independent AOD from Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET). The results showed that all forms of DA experiments improved a low Bias and the RMSE reduced about 20%. The aerosol data assimilation with observations from both the FY-4 and Himawari-8 satellites substantially improved aerosol analyses and subsequent forecasts with more abundant aerosol observation information, especially over the northwest of China. This study indicates that the new generation geostationary meteorological satellites have potential to dramatically contribute to air quality forecasting.
Fungal biotechnology: From yesterday to tomorrow
Authors: Roth Mitchell G. , Westrick Nathaniel M. , Baldwin Thomas T.
Published: March 2023

Fungi have been used to better the lives of everyday people and unravel the mysteries of higher eukaryotic organisms for decades. However, comparing progress and development stemming from fungal research to that of human, plant, and bacterial research, fungi remain largely understudied and underutilized. Recent commercial ventures have begun to gain popularity in society, providing a new surge of interest in fungi, mycelia, and potential new applications of these organisms to various aspects of research. Biotechnological advancements in fungal research cannot occur without intensive amounts of time, investments, and research tool development. In this review, we highlight past breakthroughs in fungal biotechnology, discuss requirements to advance fungal biotechnology even further, and touch on the horizon of new breakthroughs with the highest potential to positively impact both research and society.
Preoperative systemic inflammatory response index predicts the prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma after liver transplantation
Authors: Cui Songping , Cao Shuang , Chen Qing , He Qiang , Lang Ren
Published: March 2023

Background

Preoperative inflammatory status plays an important role in the prognosis of malignancy. We sought to explore the value of preoperative inflammatory biomarkers in predicting long-term outcomes of liver transplantation (LT) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Method

Patients who underwent LT for HCC in our hospital between January 2010 and June 2020 were included in this study. Demographic, clinical, laboratory, and outcome data were obtained. The area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic curve was used to evaluate the predictive value of inflammatory biomarkers. The effectiveness of inflammatory biomarkers in predicting outcomes was analyzed by univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards analyses.

Results

A total of 218 patients were included in the study, with a mean age of 53.9 ± 8.5 years. The AUC of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), systemic immune inflammation index (SII), and systemic inflammatory response index (SIRI) for overall survival (OS) were 0.741, 0.731, 0.756, 0.746, and 0.749, respectively. Cox proportional hazards model indicated that SIRI > 1.25 was independently associated with low OS [hazard ratio (HR) = 2.258, P = 0.024]. PLR > 82.15 and SIRI > 0.95 were independently associated with low disease-free survival (HR = 1.492, P = 0.015; and HR = 1.732, P = 0.008, respectively). In the survival analysis, the prognosis of patients with high preoperative SIRI and PLR was significantly worse (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

SIRI and PLR were useful prognostic markers for predicting patients with HCC after LT.
Impact of early percutaneous dilatative tracheostomy in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage on main cerebral, hemodynamic, and respiratory variables: A prospective observational study
Authors: Bini Giovanni , Russo Emanuele , Antonini Marta Velia , Pirini Erika , Brunelli Valentina , Zumbo Fabrizio , Pronti Giorgia , Rasi Alice , Agnoletti Vanni
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Patients with poor-grade subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) often require prolonged invasive mechanical ventilation due to prolonged time to obtain neurological recovery. Impairment of consciousness and airway protective mechanisms usually require tracheostomy during the ICU stay to facilitate weaning from sedation, promote neurological assessment, and reduce mechanical ventilation (MV) duration and associated complications. Percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (PDT) is the technique of choice for performing a tracheostomy. However, it could be associated with particular risks in neurocritical care patients, potentially increasing the risk of secondary brain damage.

Methods

We conducted a single-center, prospective, observational study aimed to assess PDT-associated variations in main cerebral, hemodynamic, and respiratory variables, the occurrence of tracheostomy-related complications, and their relationship with outcomes in adult patients with SAH admitted to the ICU of a neurosurgery/neurocritical care hub center after aneurysm control through clipping or coiling and undergoing early PDT.

Results

We observed a temporary increase in ICP during early PDT; this increase was statistically significant in patients presenting with higher therapy intensity level (TIL) at the time of the procedural. The episodes of intracranial hypertension were brief, and appeared mainly due to the activation of cerebral autoregulatory mechanisms in patients with impaired compensatory mechanisms and compliance.

Discussion

The low number of observed complications might be related to our organizational strategy, all based on a dedicated “tracheo-team” implementing both PDT following a strictly defined protocol and accurate follow-up.
Immediate effects and duration of a short and single application of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation on P300 event related potential
Authors: Gurtubay Iñaki G. , Perez-Rodriguez Diego R. , Fernandez Enrique , Librero-Lopez Julian , Calvo David , Bermejo Pedro , Pinin-Osorio Carolina , Lopez Miguel
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) is a neuromodulatory technique that stimulates the auricular branch of the vagus nerve. The modulation of the locus coeruleus-norepinephrine (LC-NE) network is one of the potential working mechanisms of this method. Our aims were 1-to investigate if short and single applications of taVNS can modulate the P300 cognitive event-related potential (ERP) as an indirect marker that reflects NE brain activation under control of the LC, and 2-to evaluate the duration of these changes.

Methods

20 healthy volunteers executed an auditory oddball paradigm to obtain P300 and reaction time (RT) values. Then a 7 min active or sham taVNS period was initiated and simultaneously a new P300 paradigm was performed. We successively repeated the paradigm on 4 occasions with different time intervals up to 56 min after the stimulation onset.

Results

During active taVNS an immediate and significant effect of increasing the amplitude and reducing the latency of P300, as well as a shortening in the RT was observed. This effect was prolonged in time up to 28 min. The values then returned to pre-stimulation levels. Sham stimulation did not generate changes.

Discussion

Our results, demonstrate differential facilitating effects in a concrete time window after taVNS. Literature about the modulatory effect of taVNS over P300 ERP shows a wide spread of results. There is not a standardized system for taVNS and currently the great heterogeneity of stimulation approaches concerning targets and parameters, make it difficult to obtain conclusions about this relationship. Our study was designed optimizing several stimulation settings, such as a customized earbud stimulator, enlarged stimulating surface, simultaneous stimulation over the cymba and cavum conchae, a Delayed Biphasic Pulse Burst and current controlled stimulation that adjusted the output voltage and guaranteed the administration of a preset electrical dose. Under our stimulation conditions, targeting vagal nerve fibers via taVNS modulates the P300 in healthy participants. The optimal settings of modulatory function of taVNS on P300, and their interdependency is insufficiently studied in the literature, but our data provides several easily optimizable parameters, that will produce more robust results in future.
A machine learning model for visualization and dynamic clinical prediction of stroke recurrence in acute ischemic stroke patients: A real-world retrospective study
Authors: Wang Kai , Shi Qianqian , Sun Chao , Liu Wencai , Yau Vicky , Xu Chan , Liu Haiyan , Sun Chenyu , Yin Chengliang , Wei Xiu’e , Li Wenle , Rong Liangqun
Published: March 2023

Background and purpose

Recurrent stroke accounts for 25–30% of all preventable strokes, and this study was conducted to establish a machine learning-based clinical predictive rice idol for predicting stroke recurrence within 1 year in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS).

Methods

A total of 645 AIS patients at The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University were screened, included and followed up for 1 year for comprehensive clinical data. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression (LR) were used to screen the risk factors of stroke recurrence. The data set was randomly divided into training set and test set according to the ratio of 7:3, and the following six prediction models were established by machine algorithm: random forest (RF), Naive Bayes model (NBC), decision tree (DT), extreme gradient boosting (XGB), gradient boosting machine (GBM) and LR. The model with the strongest prediction performance was selected by 10-fold cross-validation and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, and the models were investigated for interpretability by SHAP. Finally, the models were constructed to be visualized using a web calculator.

Results

Logistic regression analysis showed that right hemisphere, homocysteine (HCY), C-reactive protein (CRP), and stroke severity (SS) were independent risk factors for the development of stroke recurrence in AIS patients. In 10-fold cross-validation, area under curve (AUC) ranked from 0.777 to 0.959. In ROC curve analysis, AUC ranged from 0.887 to 0.946. RF model has the best ability to predict stroke recurrence, and HCY has the largest contribution to the model. A web-based calculator https://mlmedicine-re-stroke2-re-stroke2-baylee.streamlitapp.com/ has been developed accordingly.

Conclusion

This study identified four independent risk factors affecting recurrence within 1 year in stroke patients, and the constructed RF-based prediction model had good performance.