bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patients with endometriosis may experience worse clinical manifestations and therapeutic outcomes during COVID-19 in western China- a case series comparative analysis
Authors: Liu Sanhong , Hou Cong , Tang Sisi , Bai Shutong , Deng Ying
Published: April 2023

Background

Endometriosis is a crippling, ongoing, chronic inflammatory condition. The management of these patients has been impacted by the current COVID-19 pandemic, which is still controversial. This study compared the clinical therapy outcomes and psychological scores between before and during- the epidemic.

Method

The data of patients who were diagnosed with endometriosis in the Department of Gynecology, Chongqing Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital from January 2018 to December 2022 were collected. The patients were divided into pre- and intra-COVID groups. The treatment results and psychological status of the two groups were compared.

Results

A total of 1022 patients with endometriosis were enrolled, with a mean age of 33.16 ± 9.81 years and a BMI of 23.90 ± 3.04 kg/m2, of which 434 cases (434/1022, 42.5%) were in the pre-COVID group and 588 cases (588/1022, 57.5%) in the intra-COVID group. Both groups were well balanced for age, BMI, history of abdominopelvic surgery, family relationships, education level, and duration between initial diagnosis and admission. Compared to the Pre-COVID group, the intra-COVID group had a higher proportion of patients with chronic pelvic pain (297/434, 68.4% vs. 447/588, 76.0%, p = 0.007) and dysmenorrhea (249/434, 62.8% vs. 402/588, 70.0%, p < 0.001), more patients requiring surgery (93/434, 21.4% vs. 178/588, 30.3%, p = 0.002) and longer hospital stays (5.82 ± 2.24 days vs. 7.71 ± 2.15 days, p < 0.001). A total of 830 questionnaires were completed. In the Intra-COVID group, PHQ-2 (2 (2, 3) vs. 3 (2,4), p < 0.001), GAD-2 (2 (1, 2) vs. 3 (2, 3), p < 0.001), PHQ-4 (4 (3, 5) vs. 5 (4, 7), EHP-5 (20.26 ± 6.05 vs. 28.08 ± 7.95, p < 0.001) scores were higher than that in the pre-COVID group, while BRS (3.0 (2.2, 4.0) vs. 2.4 (1.8, 3.8), p = 0.470) were not significantly different.

Conclusion

During the COVID-19 epidemic, patients with endometriosis may have reduced visits to the hospital, more severe related symptoms, longer length of hospital stays, and worse quality of life, with the possible cause being a disturbance in hormone levels through increased anxiety and depression. This provides a valid clinical basis for optimizing the management of patients with endometriosis and for early psychological intervention during the epidemic.
Why might medical student empathy change throughout medical school? a systematic review and thematic synthesis of qualitative studies
Authors: Howick Jeremy , Dudko Maya , Feng Shi Nan , Ahmed Ahmed Abdirashid , Alluri Namitha , Nockels Keith , Winter Rachel , Holland Richard
Published: April 2023

Background

Several studies suggest that medical student empathy declines throughout medical school. However, no studies have synthesised the evidence regarding why empathy declines.

Objective

To conduct a systematic review and thematic synthesis of qualitative studies investigating why student empathy may change throughout medical school.

Methods

We included any qualitative study that investigated why empathy might change during medical school. We searched the Medline, Scopus, CINAHL, ERIC, and APA PsycInfo databases for relevant studies. All databases were searched from their inception to 18 July 2022. We also searched the reference lists of the included studies and contacted experts to identify additional studies. We used the Joanna Briggs Institute tool to evaluate the risk of bias in the included studies. Overall confidence in our results was assessed using the Confidence in the Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative research (CERQual) approach. We used thematic methods to synthesise our findings.

Results

Our searches yielded 2523 records, and 16 studies involving a total of 771 students were eligible for analysis. Most studies (n = 11) were from Europe or North America. The descriptive themes and sub-themes were identified for each study. Increased complexity in patients and their diseases, together with the ‘hidden curriculum’ (including a stressful workload, prioritisation of biomedical knowledge, and (sometimes) poor role models), led to student adaptations, such as cynicism and desensitisation. Students’ prior lives and professional experiences appeared to exacerbate the decline in empathy. However, there were bias concerns for most of the included studies.

Discussion

Many of the included studies included were small, and some did not include demographic participant data. Given the likely benefits of providing empathic care for patients and practitioners, medical education interventions should focus on developing an ‘empathic hidden curriculum’ that mitigates the decline in medical student empathy.

Trial registration

A protocol for this systematic review was submitted for registration with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) on 28 July 2022 (registration number CRD42022347856).
The relationship between psychological distress, depressive symptoms, emotional eating behaviors and the health-related quality of life of middle-aged korean females: a serial mediation model
Authors: Oh Jihyun , Kim Sunghee
Published: April 2023

Background

This study aimed to examine the effects of psychological distress, depressive symptoms, and emotional eating behaviors on the health-related quality of life of middle-aged Korean females. This study provides primary data for developing an intervention program to improve the health-related quality of life of middle-aged females.

Methods

Middle-aged females between 35 and 64 years old, from July 22 to August 10, 2021, were included in this study. The mediating effects of depressive symptoms and emotional eating behaviors on the relationship between psychological distress and health-related quality of life were investigated. A cross-sectional survey was conducted on 325 subjects. Researchers conducted questionnaires measuring psychological distress, depressive symptoms, emotional eating behavior, and health-related quality of life.

Results

The findings of this study demonstrated a correlation between the severity of a female’s depressive symptoms and the degree of their psychological distress, indicating that severe depressive symptoms were associated with negative emotions, which increased emotional eating behaviors. Additionally, more severe depressive symptoms indicated a lower health-related quality of life. Higher psychological distress was associated with increased emotional eating behaviors and lower health-related quality of life. The total and direct effects of psychological distress on the health-related quality of life were statistically significant.

Conclusions

In this study, psychological distress, depressive symptoms, and emotional eating behaviors affected the health-related quality of life of middle-aged Korean females. This study also confirmed that psychological distress had a direct effect on health-related quality of life. These findings serve as primary data for evidence-based intervention programs that alleviate emotional health problems, such as psychological distress and depressive symptoms in middle-aged females. Moreover, nurses can help develop effective treatment strategies to improve health-related quality of life by identifying and assessing potential symptoms of psychological distress, depressive symptoms, and emotional eating behaviors.
Impact of oral intervention on the oral and overall health of children living with HIV in Cambodia: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Kikuchi Kimiyo , Tuot Sovannary , Yasuoka Junko , Murayama Makoto , Okawa Sumiyo , Shibanuma Akira , Nanishi Keiko , Eng Sothearith , Huot Chantheany , Yi Siyan
Published: April 2023

Background

Maintaining oral health is essential for improving overall health of children living with HIV. Therefore, we evaluated the effectiveness of an oral health intervention for improving their oral and overall health. In addition, we examined their longitudinal association between changes in oral and overall health.

Methods

We conducted a 2-year randomized controlled trial involving children living with HIV in Cambodia. Children aged 3–15 years and their caregivers were randomly allocated either to the intervention (group A) or control (group B) arm. A second control arm (group C) included children without HIV. The group A children received oral health education sessions and practiced home-based daily care.

Results

In the baseline survey, 482 children participated (group A: n = 160, group B: n = 168, group C: n = 154), and 350 completed the endline survey. An interaction effect in teeth brushing duration was observed in children in group A relative to group B (AOR = 2.69, 95% CI: 1.37–5.31) and group C (AOR = 3.78, 95% CI: 1.70–8.40). Longitudinal associations were observed between changes in oral hygiene and overall health, as presented by alterations in dental caries in permanent teeth with viral load detection (adjusted odds ratio = 3.58, 95% CI: 1.10 − 11.73), in salivary flow quantity with the overall quality of life (β = 0.07, 95% CI: < 0.01 − 0.13), as well as in dental caries, salivary pH, debris index with body mass index for age among group A children.

Conclusions

Oral health intervention may improve oral care behaviors and potentially enhance overall health among children living with HIV in antiretroviral therapy in a resource-constrained setting.

Trial registration

ISRCTN 15177479.
Retraction Note: Systematic analyses reveal long non-coding RNA (PTAF)-mediated promotion of EMT and invasion-metastasis in serous ovarian cancer
Authors: Liang Haihai , Zhao Xiaoguang , Wang Chengyu , Sun Jian , Chen Yingzhun , Wang Guoyuan , Fang Lei , Yang Rui , Yu Mengxue , Gu Yunyan , Shan Hongli
Published: April 2023

This article has been retracted. Please see the Retraction Notice for more detail: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12943-018-0844-7.
Community partner perspectives on the implementation of a novel safer supply program in Canada: a qualitative study of the MySafe Project
Authors: Mansoor Manal , Foreman-Mackey Annie , Ivsins Andrew , Bardwell Geoff
Published: April 2023

Background

The adulteration of the illicit drug supply with fentanyl and its analogues is driving the ongoing overdose crisis in North America. While various harm reduction interventions address overdose-related risks, there is growing interest in safer supply programs, including the MySafe Project which utilizes a biometric dispensing machine that provides pharmaceutical opioid alternatives to the toxic drug supply. However, the experiences and perspectives of professional community partners on program implementation remain unexplored. This study aims to examine professional community partner perspectives on the feasibility, as well as barriers and facilitators to the implementation of the MySafe program.

Methods

Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with 17 professional community partners involved in program implementation across four pilot locations in Canada. Thematic analysis of interviews focused on perspectives on safer supply, barriers and facilitators faced during program implementation, and recommendations to inform future scale-up of low-barrier safer supply models across Canada.

Results

Participants identified a variety of barriers, including the dependence on clinician buy-in, coupled with regulatory and logistical constraints. In addition, some participants perceived hydromorphone to be an inadequate substitute to the increasingly toxic street opioid supply. Lastly, technical difficulties were described as barriers to service uptake and delivery. Conversely, having political and community buy-in, availability of wrap-around services, and collaborative communication from the MySafe team served as facilitators to program implementation. Though community partners preferred establishing MySafe machines into existing community organizations, they also discussed benefits of housing-based MySafe programs. The potential role of this program in mid-sized to rural cities was also emphasized.

Conclusions

To address the overdose crisis, there is an urgent need to implement and evaluate novel solutions that address supply drivers of crisis. Community partner-informed research plays an integral role in ensuring program acceptability and proper implementation. Our findings identify current gaps and facilitators underlying the efficacy of one such model, together with future directions for improvement. Participant recommendations included a diversification of medications offered and types of locations for MySafe programs, a streamlined national approach to prescribing guidelines coupled with more robust training for healthcare professionals, and an emphasis on service delivery within an integrated services model. Our findings underscore a potential gap between the goals of healthcare providers in ensuring comprehensive care and the necessity for low-barrier models such as MySafe that can function both within and outside of integrated service models.
Trauma deaths of hospitalized patients in Abu Dhabi Emirate: a retrospective descriptive study
Authors: Alao David O. , Cevik Arif Alper , Abu-Zidan Fikri M.
Published: April 2023

Aim

To study the epidemiology and pattern of trauma-related deaths of hospitalized patients in Abu Dhabi Emirate, United Arab Emirates, in order to improve trauma management and injury prevention.

Methods

The Abu Dhabi Trauma Registry prospectively collects data of all hospitalized trauma patients from seven major trauma centres in Abu Dhabi Emirate. We studied all patients who died on arrival or after admission to these hospitals from January 2014 to December 2019.

Results

There were 453 deaths constituting 13.5% of all trauma deaths in the Abu Dhabi Emirate. The median (IQR) age of the patients was 33 (25–45) years, and 82% were males. 85% of the deaths occurred in the emergency department (ED) and the intensive care unit (ICU). Motor vehicle collision (63.8%) was the leading cause of death. 45.5% of the patients had head injury. Two of the seven hospitals admitted around 50% of all patients but accounted for only 25.8% of the total deaths (p < 0.001). Those who died in the ward (7%) were significantly older, median (IQR) age: of 65.5 (31.75–82.25) years, (p < 0.001), 34.4% of them were females (p = 0.09). The median (IQR) GCS of those who died in the ward was 15 (5.75–15) compared with 3 (3–3) for those who died in ED and ICU (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Death from trauma predominantly affects young males with motor traffic collision as the leading cause. Over 85% of in-hospital deaths occur in the ICU and ED, mainly from head injuries. Injury prevention of traffic collisions through enforcement of law and improved hospital care in the ED and ICU will reduce trauma death.
The β-catenin-LINC00183-miR-371b-5p-Smad2/LEF1 axis promotes adult T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma progression and chemoresistance
Authors: Huang Wei-Juan , Guo Song-Bin , Shi Hui , Li Xin-Ling , Zhu Yong , Li Mei , Song Li-Yan , Yu Rong-Min , Cai Qing-Qing , Tian Xiao-Peng
Published: April 2023

Background

High-intensity chemotherapy regimens are often used in adult T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma (T-LBL) patients. Nevertheless, the response rate remains unsatisfactory due to emergence of chemoresistance. Growing evidence has shown that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in tumor progression and chemoresistance. Herein, we investigated the potential role of lncRNAs in T-LBLs.

Methods

RNAseq was used to screen and identify candidate lncRNAs associated with T-LBL progression and chemoresistance. Luciferase reporter assay was used to examine the binding of miR-371b-5p to the 3’UTR ofSmad2andLEF1, and the binding of TCF-4/LEF1 to the promoter of LINC00183. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay was undertaken to analyze the connection between LEF1 and the LINC00183 promoter region. RNA immunoprecipitation assays were used to explore the mechanism whereby LINC00183 regulated miR-371b-5p. MTT and flow cytometry assays were used to measure apoptosis of T-LBL cells.

Results

LINC00183 was upregulated in T-LBL progression and chemoresistant tissues in both the Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center dataset and the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University dataset. High expression of LINC00183 was correlated with poorer overall survival and progression-free survival of T-LBL patients compared to those with low expression of LINC00183. Furthermore, miR-371b-5p was negatively regulated by LINC00183. In vivo and in vitro assays showed that LINC00183-mediated T-LBL chemoresistance depended on miR-371b-5p expression. The direct binding of miR-371b-5p to Smad2 and LEF1 was verified by luciferase assays. It was shown that TCF4/LEF1 could bind to the LINC00183 promoter site and increase its transcript level. Downregulation of miR-371b-5p led to increased expression of Smad2/LEF1, and in turn increased LINC00183 expression. Additionally, phospho-Smad2 promotes nuclear translocation of β-catenin, LINC00183 downregulation decreased chemoresistance induced by β-catenin and TGF-β1 in T-LBL cells.

Conclusion

We unraveled a β-catenin-LINC00183-miR-371b-5p-Smad2/LEF1 feedback loop that promotes T-LBL progression and chemoresistance, indicating that LINC00183 may serve as a potential therapeutic target in T-LBLs.
In vitro evaluation of (S)-2-amino-3-[3-(2-18F-fluoroethoxy)-4-iodophenyl]-2-methylpropanoic acid (18F-FIMP) as a positron emission tomography probe for imaging amino acid transporters
Authors: Nozaki Satoshi , Nakatani Yuka , Mawatari Aya , Hume William Ewan , Doi Hisashi , Watanabe Yasuyoshi
Published: April 2023

Background

(S)-2-amino-3-[3-(2-18F-fluoroethoxy)-4-iodophenyl]-2-methylpropanoic acid (18F-FIMP) as a promising PET probe for imaging the tumor-specific L-type amino acid transporter (LAT) 1. Our previous study revealed that 18F-FIMP had a higher affinity for LAT1 than for LAT2 abundantly expressed even in normal cells. 18F-FIMP showed high accumulation in LAT1-positive tumor tissues and low accumulation in inflamed lesions in tumor-bearing mice. However, the affinity of 18F-FIMP for other amino acid transporters was not determined yet. Here, we aimed to determine whether 18F-FIMP has affinity for other tumor-related amino acid transporters, such as sodium- and chloride-dependent neutral and basic amino acid transporter B(0 +) (ATB0,+), alanine serine cysteine transporter 2 (ASCT2), and cystine/glutamate transporter (xCT).

Procedures

Cells overexpressing LAT1, ATB0,+, ASCT2, or xCT were established by the transfection of expression vectors for LAT1, ATB0,+, ASCT2, or xCT. Protein expression levels were determined by western blot and immunofluorescent analyses. Transport function was evaluated by a cell-based uptake assay using 18F-FIMP and 14C-labeled amino acids as substrates.

Results

Intense signals were observed only for expression vector-transfected cells on western blot and immunofluorescent analyses. These signals were strongly reduced by gene-specific small interfering ribonucleic acid treatment. The uptake values for each 14C-labeled substrate were significantly higher in the transfected cells than in the mock-transfected cells and were significantly inhibited by the corresponding specific inhibitors. The 18F-FIMP uptake values were significantly higher in the LAT1- and ATB0,+-overexpressing cells than in the corresponding mock cells, but no such increase was seen in the ASCT2- or xCT-overexpressing cells. These 18F-FIMP uptake values were significantly decreased by the specific inhibitors for LAT1- and ATB0,+.

Conclusions

We demonstrated that 18F-FIMP has affinity not only for LAT1, but also for ATB0,+. Our results may be helpful for understanding the mechanisms of the whole-body distribution and tumor accumulation of 18F-FIMP.
What is the utility of blood beta-hydroxybutyrate measurements in emergency department in patients without diabetes: a systematic review
Authors: Hui Su An , Chiew Angela Lin , Depczynski Barbara
Published: April 2023

Background

Ketones are synthesised as an alternative fuel source during times of energy restriction. In the absence of a hyperglycemic emergency, ketosis in patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) may indicate reduced carbohydrate intake. In the perioperative setting, excess fasting with ketosis is associated with worse outcomes; however, whether ketosis in patients without diabetes presenting to ED is also associated with worse outcomes is unclear. This systematic review aims to examine the evidence for ketosis in predicting the need for hospital admission in patients without diabetes, presenting to the ED.

Methods

A systematic review was performed using PRISMA guidelines. We searched electronic bases (OVID-Medline, OVID-EMBASE, Scopus and PubMed) up to December 2022. Eligible studies included children or adults without diabetes presenting to the ED where a point-of-care capillary beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) was measured and compared to outcomes including the need for admission. Outcome measures included need for admission and length of stay. Content analysis was performed systematically; bias and certainty assessed using standard tools.

Results

The literature search found 17,133 citations, 14,965 papers were subjected to title and abstract screening. The full text of 62 eligible studies were reviewed. Seven articles met the inclusion criteria. Six studies were conducted solely in the paediatric population, and of these, four were limited to children presenting with gastroenteritis symptoms. Median BHB was higher in children requiring hospital admission with an AUC of 0.64–0.65 across two studies. There was a weak correlation between BHB and dehydration score or duration of symptoms. The single study in adults, limited to stroke presentations, observed no relationship between BHB and neurological deficit at presentation. All studies were at risk of bias using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and was assessed of “very low” to “low” quality due to their study design in the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. Heterogeneity amongst selected studies precluded meta-analysis.

Conclusion

The evidence for any utility of BHB measurement in the ED in absence of diabetes is limited to the paediatric population, specifically children presenting with symptoms of gastroenteritis. Any role in adults remains unexplored.
Multilevel analysis of intimate partner violence and associated factors among pregnant women in East Africa: Evidence from recent (2012–2018) demographic and health surveys
Authors: Asmamaw Desale Bihonegn , Negash Wubshet Debebe , Bitew Desalegn Anmut , Belachew Tadele Biresaw
Published: April 2023

Background

Globally, intimate partner violence (IPV) during pregnancy is the most common and major public health problem. It has a negative effect on the lives of both mother and fetus. Despite its prominence, many countries in East Africa have paid little attention to this issue. This study assessed the prevalence and associated factors of intimate partner violence among pregnant women in East African countries.

Methods

The study adopted a secondary method data analysis that utilized recent Demographic and Health Surveys of 10 countries in East Africa between 2012 and 2018. A total of 23,521 women who gave birth in the 5 years preceding the survey were included. A multilevel mixed-effect logistic regression model was fitted to identify factors associated with IPV. Variables with a p-value < 0.05 were declared as significant factors associated with IPV.

Results

The overall prevalence of IPV in East Africa was 37.14 (95% CI 36.53, 37.76). Women with age 25–34 (AOR = 1.20;95%CI; 1.06, 1.36), 35–39 (AOR = 1.40;95%CI; 1.24, 1.58), and 40–49 (AOR = 1.66;95%CI; 1.43, 1.95), women with no education (AOR = 1.27;95%CI; 1.16, 1.39), women with no occupation (AOR = 1.36; 95%CI; 1.27, 1.47), women from households with the poorest (AOR = 1.51; 95%CI: 1.33, 1.71), poorer (AOR = 1.40;95% CI:1.24, 1.58), middle (AOR = 1.32;95%CI:1.17, 1.48), and richer (AOR = 1.26;95%CI: 1.13, 1.40), husband drinks alcohol (AOR = 2.54; 95%CI 2.39, 2.71), ≥ 5 number of living children (AOR = 1.28; 95%CI: 1.31, 2.57) and rural areas (AOR = 1.14; 95%CI: 1.03, 1.25) were significantly associated with IPV.

Conclusion

More than one-third of pregnant women experienced intimate partner violence in East Africa. Promoting the educational status of women, the economic capacity of women, and the healthy behavior of the husband by reducing alcohol consumption, with particular attention to rural women and violence during pregnancy, is vital to reduce the prevalence of IPV.
Using computed tomography to recover hidden medieval fragments beneath early modern leather bindings, first results
Authors: Ensley J. Eric , Tachau Katherine H. , Walsh Susan A. , Zhang Honghai , Simon Giselle , Moser Laura , Atha Jarron , Dilley Paul , Hoffman Eric A. , Sonka Milan
Published: April 2023

Medieval bindings fragments have become increasingly interesting to Humanities researchers as sources for the textual and material history of medieval Europeans. Later book binders used these discarded and repurposed pieces of earlier medieval manuscripts to reinforce the structures of other manuscripts and printed books. That many of these fragments are contained within and obscured by decorative bindings that cannot be dismantled ethically has limited their discovery and description. Although previous attempts to recover these texts using IRT and MA-XRF scanning have been successful, the extensive time required to scan a single book, and the need to modify or create specialized IRT or MA-XRF equipment for this method are drawbacks. Our research proposes and tests the capabilities of medical CT scanning technologies (commonly available at research university medical schools) for making visible and legible these fragments hidden under leather bindings. Our research team identified three sixteenth-century printed codices in our university libraries that were evidently bound in tawed leather by one workshop. The damaged cover of one of these three had revealed medieval manuscript fragments on the book spine; this codex served as a control for testing the other two volumes to see if they, too, contain fragments. The use of a medical CT scanner proved successful in visualizing interior book-spine structures and some letterforms, but not all of the text was made visible. The partial success of CT-scanning points to the value of further experimentation, given the relatively wide availability of medical imaging technologies, with their potential for short, non-destructive, 3D imaging times.
Sub-ion-gyro scale magnetic field compressions generated by the solar wind interaction with the moon
Authors: Nakagawa Tomoko , Takahashi Futoshi , Saito Yoshifumi , Shimizu Hisayoshi
Published: April 2023

Short-period magnetic enhancements were detected by the MAP-LMAG magnetometer onboard Kaguya orbiting the moon in the solar wind at an altitude of 100 km. The duration was typically 10 s, which corresponds to 0.5 degrees in latitude along the Kaguya orbit and a scale size of 15 km. The magnitude of the magnetic field was enhanced up to 1.5–3.6 times as large as that of the preceding quiet periods. No such magnetic enhancements were found in the upstream solar wind magnetic field. The short-period magnetic enhancements were categorized into 2 groups. One is the sub-ion-gyro-scale limb compression detected at the terminator region of the moon in a nearly constant solar wind magnetic field. The magnetic field flared away from the moon consistently with the previously known limb compressions. The scale size deduced from the duration was 11 km, 85 times as small as that of previously reported limb compressions. It is significantly smaller than the typical proton gyroradius 50–100 km in the solar wind at 1AU. The other types of magnetic enhancements appeared at crossings of magnetic discontinuities of the solar wind. Some of them were found on the nightside of the moon. A possible explanation is that they were magnetic fields compressed by the solar wind ions reflected at the moon channeled back along the current sheet of an interplanetary tangential discontinuity, similar to the hot flow anomalies observed at the Earth’s bow shock. The reflected ions themselves were not detected on the nightside of the moon, while the magnetic field compressed by the expanding region can penetrate through the moon to be detected as magnetic field enhancements on the nightside of the moon.

Graphical Abstract
Scientific sinkhole: estimating the cost of peer review based on survey data with snowball sampling
Authors: LeBlanc Allana G. , Barnes Joel D. , Saunders Travis J. , Tremblay Mark S. , Chaput Jean-Philippe
Published: April 2023

Background

There are a variety of costs associated with publication of scientific findings. The purpose of this work was to estimate the cost of peer review in scientific publishing per reviewer, per year and for the entire scientific community.

Methods

Internet-based self-report, cross-sectional survey, live between June 28, 2021 and August 2, 2021 was used. Participants were recruited via snowball sampling. No restrictions were placed on geographic location or field of study. Respondents who were asked to act as a peer-reviewer for at least one manuscript submitted to a scientific journal in 2020 were eligible. The primary outcome measure was the cost of peer review per person, per year (calculated as wage-cost x number of initial reviews and number of re-reviews per year). The secondary outcome was the cost of peer review globally (calculated as the number of peer-reviewed papers in Scopus x median wage-cost of initial review and re-review).

Results

A total of 354 participants completed at least one question of the survey, and information necessary to calculate the cost of peer-review was available for 308 participants from 33 countries (44% from Canada). The cost of peer review was estimated at $US1,272 per person, per year ($US1,015 for initial review and $US256 for re-review), or US$1.1–1.7 billion for the scientific community per year. The global cost of peer-review was estimated at US$6 billion in 2020 when relying on the Dimensions database and taking into account reviewed-but-rejected manuscripts.

Conclusions

Peer review represents an important financial piece of scientific publishing. Our results may not represent all countries or fields of study, but are consistent with previous estimates and provide additional context from peer reviewers themselves. Researchers and scientists have long provided peer review as a contribution to the scientific community. Recognizing the importance of peer-review, institutions should acknowledge these costs in job descriptions, performance measurement, promotion packages, and funding applications. Journals should develop methods to compensate reviewers for their time and improve transparency while maintaining the integrity of the peer-review process.
Taxing Billionaires: Estate Taxes and the Geographical Location of the Ultra-Wealthy
Authors: Moretti Enrico , Wilson Daniel J.
Published: April 2023

We contribute to the literature on the effect of taxes on the locational choices of wealthy individuals by examining the geographical sensitivity of the Forbes 400 richest Americans to state estate taxes. Though we find billionaires’ effective tax rates are only about half the statutory rate, their residential choices are highly sensitive to these taxes, as 35 percent of local billionaires leave states with an estate tax. This tax-induced mobility causes a large reduction in the aggregate tax base. Nonetheless, we find that the revenue benefit of an estate tax exceeds the cost for the vast majority of states. (JEL H24, H31, H71, R23)
A Link Planning and DDoS Attack Detection in SDN Based Integrated Space-Terrestrial Networks
Authors: Vickramasingam Deepa , Bangar Sivakumar
Published: April 2023

It is expected that 5G networks would require both great dependability and stability as fundamental requirements. The introduction of a satellite component into LTE (long term evolution) networks has emerged as an attractive solution for meeting these requirements. This will enable the provision of backup interoperability to essential base stations and the routing of traffic away from crowded locations. During peak hours, the demand for their terrestrial links must be increased or even adopted in the case of anticipated breakdown or repair. Integrated spaceterrestrial networks have shown to be an advantageous design due to its broad coverage and high precision. Designing a network routing plan is not a straightforward process when the complex relative motion of low-earth-orbit (LEO) satellites and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) is considered (UAS). To be more explicit, the major difficulty is discovering how to locate acceptable connections in timevarying network settings to offer reliable and effective UAS data transmission. This study begins with a motion analysis of satellites and UASs to discover which access satellites are most suited for usage with UASs. This is done in order to resolve the aforementioned problem. In order to provide an effective and reliable intersatellite link (ISL) deployment between access satellites, double exponential smoothing (DES) is afterwards proposed as an alternative to traditional routing. This is required to guarantee the timely delivery of UAS data. The simulation results demonstrate that the proposed DES approach is both feasible and effective. A time series-based method known as DES is used to compute the port information in an adjustable manner, and an algorithm known as SVM (Support Vector Machine) is utilized to determine if a Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack has really occurred. Experiments that are typical demonstrate that the UAS may greatly reduce the controller's workload while maintaining dependable detection accuracy.
Komunikowanie polityczne w czasie wojny rosyjsko-ukraińskiej: Wojna informacyjna w XXI wieku
Authors: Ciepły Andrzej
Published: April 2023

Od 24 lutego 2022 r. ze szczególną uwagą i niepokojem decydenci polityczni oraz społeczność międzynarodowa śledzą wojnę rosyjsko-ukraińską. Konflikt ten ma nie tylko wymiar militarny, ale jest także wojną komunikacyjną, która toczy się równolegle z działaniami wojsko - wymi, dyplomatycznymi, medialnymi, w tym dezinformacyjnymi. (…) W toczącej się na wielu frontach wojnie również na polu walki informacyjnej wykorzystywane są zarówno stare, jak i nowe media. W większości służą one nie do celów informacyjnych, ale przede wszystkim perswazyjnych i propagandowych. Celem niniejszej publikacji jest analiza i ocena praktyk komunikacji politycznej i strategicznej stosowanych podczas toczącego się konfliktu rosyjsko-ukraińskiego. (…) Adresujemy ją przede wszystkim do politologów, medioznawców, ale także do wszystkich zainteresowanych procesami związanymi z wydarzeniami na arenie międzynarodowej oraz komunikowaniem politycznym.
Czy potęga Sojuszu zdaje egzamin? Komunikowanie polityczne NATO
Authors: Cieniawska Zuzanna
Published: April 2023

The subject of this chapter is NATO’s communication policy, and in particular the process of shaping the image of the alliance in social media during the war in Ukraine. The introduction draws attention to the historical outline of the creation of NATO and considers the relationship between NATO and Russia before the escalation of the conflict in Ukraine. In addition, the author describes the activities of the Alliance after the annexation of Crimea and after the outbreak of war. In the proper part, the author takes up the issue of NATO’s political communication during Russia’s attack on Ukraine. The author presents the results of a quantitative and qualitative analysis of the content of the message on the official NATO Twitter profile. This makes it possible to draw conclusions that the communication strategies of political institutions under the influence of the development of mass media technology have undergone significant changes.
Koniec Mateczki Rosji, czas na siostrę Polskę. Komunikowanie polityczne Polski
Authors: Ciepły Andrzej
Published: April 2023

This chapter is devoted to the political communication of Poland in the face of the invasion of Russian troops into Ukraine, which began on February 24, 2022. The research period of the work covers the time of the month preceding this date and the first five months of the full-scale war (January 24, 2022 – July 24, 2022). The qualitative analysis covered the messages of the leading state authorities, i.e. the President of Poland – in the period under review, Andrzej Duda, and the Prime Minister, at that time, Mateusz Morawiecki. The messages used in this work were obtained from the official websites of the above-mentioned bodies and ministries, i.e. the website prezydent.pl and the website of the Republic of Poland gov.pl, as well as from the official Twitter profiles of these politicians.
Improving maternal cardiovascular outcomes through collaboration between nurses and midwives
Authors: Poole Danielle , Vowles Zoë , Elder Sharon , Lovell Holly , Hargrave Joanne , Flaherty Mary-Beth , Bueser Tootie
Published: April 2023

In this comment piece, Danielle Poole and colleagues discuss clinical and research collaboration between nursing and midwifery professions to improve maternal cardiovascular outcomes.
The occupancy of Great Indian Bustard (Ardeotis nigriceps) using local people’s knowledge in the Deccan Plateau, Karnataka, India
Authors: KUMAR P. RAMESH , DEEPAK D. , KUMARA HONNAVALLI N. , BABU S.
Published: April 2023

Abstract. Kumar PR, Deepak D, Kumara HN, Babu A. 2023. The occupancy of Great Indian Bustard (Ardeotis nigriceps) using local people’s knowledge in the Deccan Plateau, Karnataka, India. Biodiversitas 24: 1400-1407. The Great Indian Bustard (Ardeotis nigriceps) (GIB) is a critically endangered species that went extinct in most of its geographical range and is facing global extinction risk. The southernmost population of this bird at present is in Siruguppa taluk of Bellary district in Karnataka State, India. Except for a few sight records, data is not available on any aspect of the species in the state. We collected sightings of GIB from the local people for an area of 359 km2. We modeled the probability of occurrence of GIB for the study site and associated it with the habitat parameters. Keeping the findings of the occupancy, we explored the study site for the GIB. The results showed that tree density and length of the metal road influenced the occupancy positively, while the number of villages and period of land use influenced it negatively. Nearly 30% of the grids were predicted to have high probability of detecting GIB in this landscape. We had 115 detections of GIB and recorded them in 70% of the grid cells where local people reported the sightings of GIBs. The use of local people’s knowledge is beneficial and less expensive for the species like GIB for the initial exploration and also to monitor them at a landscape level.
Effect of colchicine mutagen on phenotype and genotype of Vigna unguiculata var. sesquipedalis the 7th generation
Authors: FATHURRAHMAN F. , MARDALENI MARDALENI , KRISIANTO AGUNG
Published: April 2023

Abstract. Fathurrahman F, Mardaleni, Krisianto A. 2023. Title Effect of colchicine mutagen on phenotype and genotype of Vigna unguiculata var. Sesquipedalis the 7th generation. Biodiversitas 24: 1408-1416. The problem with long bean species is the low diversity of varieties, so obtaining them using chromosomal mutations was necessary. One of the ingredients used was colchicine. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of the mutagen colchicine against mutations that occur in Vigna unguiculata var. sesquipedalis the 7th generation (renek long bean). The design used was a factorial Completely Randomized Design consisting of two factors. The first factor was four colchicine concentration levels: including without colchicine (the control) and colchicine concentration (0.01%, 0.05%, and 0.09%). The second factor was the soaking of the V. unguiculata var. sesquipedalis seeds, namely without soaking of seeds and soaking seeds (6, 12, 18, and 24 hours). Further phenotype analysis was tested statistically using the DMRT test at p < 0.05, while genotypes were analyzed using karyotypes and statistical T-test at p < 0.05. The results showed that treatment with 0.09% of colchicine and soaking for 24 hours was the best combination. Phenotype analysis showed increased growth with colchicine treatment: plant height increased by 20.59%, pod weight increased by 0.88%, the number of pods increased by 47.93%, pod length increased by 22.50%, and 100 seed weight increased by 15.91%. While Genotype analysis obtained a total of 11 karyotype chromosomes and 2n = 22 chromosomes. Chromosome karyotypes obtained two types, namely metacentric and telocentric. The arm length (p+q) in the 0.09% colchicine treatment sample and 24-hour soaking time was 1.77 µm longer than the control sample, which was 1.53 µm. It turns out that colchicine can increase the growth and changes in the structure of chromosomes so that a mutated V. unguiculata var. sesquipedalis species is obtained.
Potential of sodium dichromate and sodium silicate to control in vitro growth of Bacillus cereus, a metal corrosion-causing bacterium
Authors: CIAWI YENNI , INABUY FAINMARINAT SELVIANI , TERIYANI NI MADE , RAMONA YAN
Published: April 2023

Abstract. Ciawi Y, Inabuy FS, Teriyani NM, Ramona Y. 2023. Potential of sodium dichromate and sodium silicate to control in vitro growth of Bacillus cereus, a metal corrosion-causing bacterium. Biodiversitas 24: 1530-1537. The maintenance cost of metal-based objects in industrial and construction sectors has been found to significantly increase due to corrosion. Most corrosion is caused by metal oxidation, and about 2% of this corrosion is induced by microbial activity (MIC). The main objectives of this research were to isolate, and identify corrosion-causing bacteria, and to find out the optimum concentration of sodium dichromate and sodium silicate to control their growth in vitro. These compounds have been used to protect the metal surface from corrosion caused by non-microbial-induced corrosion. Three different bacterial isolates were obtained in this study and the black colony (the predominant isolate) was further investigated in the determination of their optimum inhibitory concentrations. Application of sodium dichromate and sodium silicate at the rates of 0.1% w/v and 2% w/v, respectively were found to be optimum to inhibit the in vitro growth of this black bacterial isolate in our study. The predominant isolate found in our study was identified as Bacillus cereus, following the alignment of its 16s rDNA sequence with those deposited at the GenBank (NCBI). Additionally, Enterobacter asburiae was also found on the surface of corroded water tanks.
Floristic diversity and economic importance of wild relatives of cultivated plants in Uzbekistan (Central Asia)
Authors: ABDURAIMOV OZODBEK S. , MAXMUDOV AZIZBEK V. , KOVALENKO IGOR , ALLAMUROTOV AKMAL L. , MAVLANOV BEKZOD J. , SHAKHNOZA SARIBAEVA U. , MAMATKASIMOV ODILBEK T.
Published: April 2023

Abstract. Abduraimov OS, Maxmudov AV, Kovalenko I, Allamurotov AL, Mavlanov BJ, Shakhnoza SU, Mamatkasimov OT. 2023. Floristic diversity and economic importance of wild relatives of cultivated plants in Uzbekistan (Central Asia). Biodiversitas 24: 1668-1675. The countries of Central Asia are considered one of the Centers of origin of cultivated plants and their wild relatives. Indigenous people have used these plants for several centuries. Our study was carried out in 2020-2022 in different biogeographical regions of Uzbekistan. Data from field studies and literature showed that in the flora of Uzbekistan, there are 24 families, including 202 species belonging to 102 genera. In the current investigation, an attempt has been made to document the floristic diversity and economic importance of wild relatives of cultivated plants in Uzbekistan. Wild Relatives of Cultivated Plants (WRCP) and cultivated species form an integral part of the genetic resources of plants that determine the food security of the assessment and are subject to conservation at the international level. The WRCP includes species of natural flora that are evolutionarily close to cultivated plants, are included in the same genus, and are potentially suitable for introducing into culture for creating or improving cultivated plant varieties. Most wild relatives of crop plants worldwide need to be addressed and utilized, recognizing their real potential. Humans have been using these plants for several centuries. In recent years, the demand for food has been increasing. Our study suggests making them possible to use these varieties of plants regularly.
Diversity of bat ectoparasites from the caves of selected Key Biodiversity Areas in Central Visayas, Philippines
Authors: BEJEC GILBERT A. , BUCOL LILIBETH A. , ANCOG AGUSTIN B. , PAGENTE ALBERT C. , PANERIO JAZZE JANE M. , BEJEC ANNA LEE N. , BELANIZO JACINTO D. , TUASTOMBAN DENNY JANE S. , JOSE REIZL P.
Published: April 2023

Abstract. Bejec GA, Bucol LA, Ancog AB, Pagente AC, Paneiro JJM, Bejec ALN, Belanizo JD, Tuastomban DJS, Jose RP. 2023. Diversity of bat ectoparasites from the caves of selected Key Biodiversity Areas in Central Visayas, Philippines. Biodiversitas 24(3): 1693-1703. Bats harbor numerous species of ectoparasites, such as ticks and mites. Many bat ectoparasites are implicated as vectors of pathogens ranging from bacteria to protozoa and viruses. Recent studies verified bats as a natural reservoir of multiple zoonotic viruses, including Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) coronaviruses. This study assessed the composition, diversity, and prevalence of ectoparasites of cave-dwelling bats in the four Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) of Central Visayas. A total of 20 species of bats were recorded in the 30 surveyed caves. Of these, 30 species of ectoparasites belonging to eight families (dipteran flies Streblidae and Nycteribiidae, mites Spinturnicidae, Macronyssidae and Trombiculidae, ticks Argasidae and Ixodidae, and Ischnopsyllidae fleas) were collected and identified. Leptotrombidium sp. had the highest number of individuals (n=1,684) harbored in 12 bat host species. The highest prevalence (100%) was noted in four bat host species: Philippine pygmy fruit bat Haplonycteris fischeri Lawrence 1939, Philippine forest roundleaf bat Hipposideros obscurus Peters 1861, Philippine pygmy roundleaf batHipposideros pygmaeus Waterhouse 1843, and Common bent-winged bat Miniopterus schreibersii Kuhl 1817. The lowest prevalence was noted in the Round-eared tube-nosed bat Murina cyclotis Dobson 1872, where no ectoparasite was collected. The highest intensity (n=65) of ectoparasites was observed in the Common Asian ghost bat Megaderma spasma Linnaeus 1758. This study provides essential data for future reference in monitoring bat population status and conservation efforts in the region. Given the close relationship between the local human community and bats (e.g., hunting and consumption), more work is needed to address the potential pathogen risks from zoonotic transmission from bats and ectoparasites.