bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Urban infrastructure design as a significant means of shaping public health.
Authors:   Federal Scientific State Budgetary Institution «N. A. Semashko National Research Institute of Public Health», Rotov V. M.
Published: September 2023

The article discusses the importance of urban infrastructure design in ensuring public health. Relevance. The growing level of urbanization of territories, the growth of cities and the formation of the urban environment currently provide relevance in the search for means to strengthen and maintain the health of the population at the proper level. One of the ways to achieve this goal is to form an eco-friendly, health-saving space that will have all the necessary resources to achieve comfort in the lives of urban residents. The purpose of the study is to analysis of the directions and methods of creating urban infrastructure design that have an impact on environmental and health-oriented characteristics of the external environment. The subject of the study is a health-oriented urban space. Research methods. The analysis of scientific information on this topic, the synthesis of opinions, statistical analysis, the method of graphical data transmission is carried out. Results. Thus, the conducted research has shown the importance of ensuring a safe urban space, eco-friendly and practical infrastructure design in ensuring public health. Conclusions. The health-oriented characteristics of urban space are the key to the successful development of sustainable urban indicators and the full socio-economic development of our country. The scope of the results. The results of the conducted research will be reflected in the development of such topics in the scientific healthcare system.
New rules of paid medical services: is a medical organization required to have an official website.
Authors:   Expert on the issues of regulatory and legal regulation of health care activities, Piven D. V. , Kitsul I. S. ,   Irkutsk State Medical Academy of Postgraduate Education – the branch of the Russian Medical Academy of Continuing Professional Education of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Ivanov I. V. ,   Federal State Budget Institution «Russian Scientific and Research Institute for Medical Engineering» of Federal Service for Supervision in the sphere of public health.
Published: September 2023

The Rules for the provision of paid medical services by medical organizations, approved by Government Decree No. 736 dated May 11, 2023, significantly expand the requirements that provide for an increase in the amount of information about the contractor and the paid medical services provided by him, which the medical provider must provide to the consumer. organization. Taking into account these requirements, the article considers in detail the question of whether medical organizations providing paid medical services are required to have their own official website. The authors substantiate that all medical organizations providing paid medical services, but not participating in the implementation of the State Guarantees Program, are required to post the information provided by law about themselves and about the paid medical services they provide on the Internet. At the same time, the specified information may be posted on the official website on the Internet and (or) in other information systems on the Internet. At the same time, all medical organizations providing paid medical services must take into account the risks associated with the use of information systems owned by foreign legal entities and citizens, the use of which is subject to the prohibitions established by Part 8 of Art. 10 of the Federal Law “On Information, Information Technologies and Information Protection”. One way to account for these risks is to create or develop your own official sites on the Internet.
Theoretical substantiation of the organization of detection of cases of tb and hiv infection in temporary issuers of territories with low population density.
Authors:   Kamchatka Regional TB Dispensary, Gromov A.V. , Mikhailova Yu.V. ,   Russian Research Institute of Health, Sterlikov S.A. ,   Russian Research Institute of Health
Published: September 2023

Detection of cases of tuberculosis in temporary detention facilities (TDF) and police reception centers (PR) makes it possible to identify TB patients among socially vulnerable segments of the population with high efficiency; a similar result is expected for HIV infection. This is especially true for low-density entities where the population is exposed to specific risk factors. However, at present there are no calculations showing the potential effectiveness of implementing the method in them. T h e p u r p o s e o f t h e s t u d y : to develop theoretical prerequisites for the introduction of a survey of detainees, suspects and accused in order to detect tuberculosis and HIV infection in PR and TDF. M a t e r i a l s a n d m e t h o d s . We used information from official statistical observation to analyze the detection rate of tuberculosis and HIV in pre-trial detention centers. Information about the number of offenders according to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and estimates of the detection of tuberculosis patients according to statistical materials. 95% confidence limits (95% CI) were used as limits for the 95% uncertainty interval. R e s u l t s . From 2018 to 2022 2,512 newly arrested people passed through the pre-trial detention center in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, among whom 94 people living with HIV were identified for the first time (detection rate is 37,4 per 1,000 examined; for comparison, in public health care – 2,1 per 1,000 examined) and 54 patients tuberculosis (detection rate is 21,5 per 1000 examined; for comparison, in public health care – 0,29 per 1000 examined). During this time, the police detained 16,282 people who, one way or another, went through the PR and IVS. Their examination would make it possible to additionally identify from 80 to 108 PLHIV and from 34 to 71 TB patients annually. C o n c l u s i o n . Screening for the detection of tuberculosis and HIV infection in TDFs and PRs is a potentially extremely effective tool that can lead to a significant improvement in the detection of patients with socially significant infectious diseases with the potential to interrupt the infection chain among socially vulnerable part of the population.
The economic effect of providing medical care using simultaneous dental implantation by one specialist.
Authors:   Izhevsk State Medical Academy of the Ministry of Health of Russia, Bezdetko G. I. , Shkatova E. Y. ,   Izhevsk State Medical Academy of the Ministry of Health of Russia, Stupak V. S. ,   Russian Research Institute of Health, Liutsko V. V. ,   Russian Research Institute of Health
Published: September 2023

The economic effect of the introduction of a new organizational model “dentist-implantologist-orthopedist” is considered. Optimization of work, cost savings of the Ministry of Defense and an increase in the responsibility of a dentist who owns related specialties “Orthopedic Dentistry” and “Surgical Dentistry” were obtained. Purpose: assessment of the economic effect in the provision of medical care using simultaneous dental implantation. Materials and methods. The study was conducted in the dental polyclinic of the AUZ UR “RSP MZ UR” of Izhevsk, Udmurt Republic. The economic effect was assessed by comparing two models of providing medical care in orthopedic dentistry using dental implantation: the first – medical service was provided by two separate teams (1 – surgical care; 2 – orthopedic care); the second – medical service was provided by one team entitled to provide this type of care. Results. The economic effect of providing medical care using simultaneous dental implantation by one specialist allowed to reduce the use of the area of the medical organization, the number of full-time positions of nurses and reduced the costs of the medical organization for consultation. Conclusion. With the introduction of a new organizational model “dentist-implantologist-orthopedist”, an economic effect was obtained by reducing staff positions, reducing wage costs and rational use of MO areas. All this contributes to the optimization of the work of a medical organization, saving the Ministry of Health without reducing the quality of services provided and increasing the responsibility of one specialist for the final result of the treatment at the moment and in the future, which is one of the main factors of a value-based approach in healthcare.
Rehabilitation and preventive measures for infectious and inflammatory diseases of the urinary system in children, considering the risk factors.
Authors:   N. A. Semashko National Research Institute of Public Health, Gasajnieva M. M. , Mingazova E. N. ,   N. A. Semashko National Research Institute of Public Health,   Kazan State Medical University
Published: September 2023

The article presents an analysis of the materials of domestic and foreign scientific articles on the issues of modern features of the prevalence of infectious and inflammatory diseases of the genitourinary system among children and rehabilitation and preventive measures, taking into account risk factors. Information on the so-called internal risk factors, such as congenital malformations of the genitourinary system and disorders of the immunological state of the body, leading to infectious and inflammatory diseases (pyelonephritis, urinary tract infections, cystitis, urethritis, asymptomatic bacteriuria, etc.) is considered in detail. The emergence, in particular, of pyelonephritis can be facilitated by late breastfeeding, early transfer to mixed and artificial feeding. The risk group also includes children born to mothers with pyelonephritis, which is associated with heredity and perinatal risk factors (complicated pregnancy in the mother, chronic intrauterine fetal hypoxia, intrauterine growth retardation). Taking into account the whole variety of risk factors will make it possible to build programs for medical and social prevention and rehabilitation for infectious and inflammatory diseases of the genitourinary system in children.
The use of artificial intelligence technologies as a way to ensure the quality of chest radiography.
Authors:   Research and Practical Clinical Center for Diagnostics and Telemedicine Technologies of the Moscow Health Care Department, Borisov A. A. ,   Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University (Pirogov Medical University), Vasiliev Yu.A. ,   Research and Practical Clinical Center for Diagnostics and Telemedicine Technologies of the Moscow Health Care Department, Vladzymyrskyy A.V. ,   Research and Practical Clinical Center for Diagnostics and Telemedicine Technologies of the Moscow Health Care Department, Omelyanskaya O. V. ,   Research and Practical Clinical Center for Diagnostics and Telemedicine Technologies of the Moscow Health Care Department, Arzamasov K. M. ,   Research and Practical Clinical Center for Diagnostics and Telemedicine Technologies of the Moscow Health Care Department, Kirpichev Yu.S. ,   Research and Practical Clinical Center for Diagnostics and Telemedicine Technologies of the Moscow Health Care Department
Published: September 2023

When performing radiographic studies, errors may occur that reduce the diagnostic value of the radiographs and complicate their interpretation by radiologists and diagnostic software based on artificial intelligence technology. The creation of automated quality assessment systems will optimize this process, especially in conditions of increased workload of medical personnel. Purpose: development of an automated quality control tool for chest radiographs, which allows for quality control of the patient’s positioning and the correctness of filling in meta-information about the study. Material and methods.To train and test automated quality control models, were used 61505 chest radiographs, obtained from open datasets and the Unified Radiological Information Service of the Unified Medical Information Analysis System of the City of Moscow. To create models we used transfer training of deep neural network architectures VGG19 and ResNet152V2. Results. 7 models were created: a model for determining the anatomical area of study, a model for determining projection, a model for determining photometric interpretation, models for determining incomplete visualization of the anatomical area on the frontal and lateral projections of the chest radiographs, a model for determining rotation on the lateral projection of the chest radiographs. All created models have diagnostic accuracy metrics above 95%, which allows them to be used in clinical practice. Based on the developed models, a web-based quality control tool of the chest radiographs was created, which allows analyzing the quality of X-ray datasets. Conclusion. The active use of this quality control tool will optimize the process of assessing the quality of diagnostic studies and facilitate the processes of classification of studies and the formation of datasets. Also, this tool can be used to support the decision-making of an X-ray technician and assess the quality of the study before sending the study for processing to artificial intelligence-based services.
LEGAL AND REGULATORY ISSUES OF ISLAMIC FINANCE IN TURKEY: A QUALITATIVE DISCUSSION
Authors: YAS MURAT
Published: September 2023

This study aims to explore issues related to Islamic financial regulations in Turkey through the use of semi-structured interviews. A total of 12 respondents were involved, including regulators, members of the Central Advisory Board (CAB), the Advisory Board of Islamic Financial Institutions (IFIs), and managers from IFIs in Turkey. The results highlight consistent calls for the establishment of an act for the Participation finance industry. This act is seen as a means to ensure tax neutrality, reinforce norm hierarchy, prevent the imitation of conventional financial products, and mitigate Shari’ah non-compliance risk. Additionally, our empiricalfindings emphasise the importance of enhancing stakeholder engagement, clarifying roles, establishing a robust organizational structure, and enhancing transparency and independence for regulatory authorities. Improved regulatory governance is crucial for enhancing regulatory outcomes. Lastly, the study underscores the need for standardised guidelines for PFIs and emphasises the significance of their voluntary implementation.
ANALYSISING THE EFFECT OF CORPORATE ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE ON CORPORATE FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE: DOES A NONLINEAR RELATIONSIP OCCUR?
Authors: Septiavin Qori'atul , Feriansyah  , Rico Ricardo  , Achmad Kautsar  , Eka Puspitawati  , Syifa Salsabila
Published: September 2023

Climate change as a part of environmental degradation has become a topic widely discussed in recent decades. This study analyses the relationship between corporate environmental performance and corporate financial performance by studying cases at the company level. The company level was chosen to focus the research since companies are the main actors in economic activity as producers of both goods and services. The method used is unbalanced panel data regression with the Random Effects Model with a sample of 175 firms from 2003 to 2021 in 20 countries. This research also captures the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic. Empirical results show that there is no nonlinear relationship between corporate environmental performance and corporate financial performance with the Lind-Mehlum test. It indicates that there is a trade-off between profit and the environment. As such, the effort of businesses to drive investors from the profit-oriented to become green-oriented needs significant effort. A key policy priority should therefore be the long-term reinforcement of businesses in green activities.
CRISIS, HAZARD, AND DISASTER MANAGEMENT: A STUDY OF REGULATORY FORMULATION AND INSTITUTIONAL COORDINATION
Authors: Shalehanti Nadhia , Wardhono R. Dwi Tjahja K , Muhardini Retno , Simatupang Dian Puji Nugraha
Published: September 2023

Management crises, hazards, and disasters should be carried out with an integrated and patterned approach through the formulation of clear regulations and efficient coordination of disaster management institutions. Both will provide effective management in responding to crises, averting hazards, and managing disasters that have the potential to occur across various countries. In developed countries where regulations are well structured, using mitigation protocols, all parties have understood their duties, functions, and responsibilitiesin dealing with these risks. However, in countries where unstructured regulation is unstructured, there are complexities and multiple interpretations of regulations and there are intersections of institutional authority, which creates vulnerabilities in dealing with risk. This study concludes the importance of an integrated risk mitigation system, both in terms of rules and regulatory formulation as well as coordination of institutions in one container. In addition to these factors, economic, sociological, and demographic characteristics in a country are also structural conditions that determine the optimal implementation of regulations and institutional coordination.
Investigating the effect of edible pineapple on the ripening of the cervix and the onset of labor.
Authors: Moghani Sedigheh Shariat , Ramezani Mahjobeh , Eslami Saeed , Mazloom Reza , Yousefi Razieh
Published: September 2023

Background Labor induction in post-term pregnancies is still one of the most common midwifery interventions, and preparation of the cervix before labor induction is one of the most important reasons for the success of labor. Therefore, this research was conducted to investigate the effect of edible pineapple on ripening the cervix and the onset of labor. Methods In this randomized controlled clinical trial, 66 pregnant women with a gestational age of 40–41 weeks, referring to the maternity of Omo Albanin Hospital in Mashhad, were selected and randomly divided into two intervention and control groups, and the Bishop Cervix score at the time of study entry. It is registered. Women in the intervention group consumed a 250-gram packet of edible pineapple every 24 hours for 3 consecutive days. In the control group, routine care was performed. Research units were followed up in terms of Bishop's Cervix score and labor onset symptoms 48 and 72 hours later and during hospitalization. Data collection tools were personal and midwifery information questionnaires, observation and examination forms, daily records, and follow-ups, which were used for content validity and simultaneous observation to check the tool’s reliability. The data was analyzed using SPSS 18 repeated measures comparison test. A significance level of 0.05 was considered. Results According to T-test, two groups were homogeneous in terms of age (p = 0.439). The average Bishop score was the same at the beginning of the study and according to the analysis of variance test with repeated values, the changes in the first 48 hours, 72 hours after the start of the study, and hospitalization time were significantly different between the two groups (p < 0.001). There was a significant difference (p < 0.001) in the time of labor and the amount of oxytocin used in the intervention and control groups. The two intervention and control groups had no significant differences between the Apgar scores of the first and fifth minutes of the newborns, the contamination of the amniotic fluid with meconium, the type of delivery, and the condition of the fetal heart during hospitalization. Conclusion Daily consumption of edible pineapple positively affects the progress of labor to prepare the cervix and induce labor and does not harm the mother and the fetus. It is also suggested to use a larger sample size and time to start consumption at a gestational age of fewer than 40 weeks and a longer duration of pineapple consumption in future research.
Nanopore creation in graphene at the nanoscale for water desalination.
Authors: Abdelkader Sidi Abdelmajid Ait , Benabdallah Ismail , Amlieh Mohammed , fatimy abdelouahad el
Published: September 2023

Creating nanopores in graphene is a powerful tool for engineering its properties. Nanopores in graphene tune their electrical, optical, magnetic, and mechanical properties. However, controlling nanopores formation at the nanoscale level remains a significant challenge. We report an easy method to control nanopore sizes using argon-plasma magnetron sputtering. By calculating and measuring Raman spectra, we show that the nano-pores in graphene are controllable and size-tunable. Furthermore, we report that the graphene Raman mode around 1450 cm-1 is only due to nanopores and was attributed to the substrate effect.
Here, we also propose a novel graphene device-based water filtration. Our proposed concept of two graphene electrodes with nanopores on the substrate (SiC and SiO2) makes it possible to have the highest permeability value, keeping a 100 % salt rejection and improving its mechanical properties. These reported results are essential for developing water desalination membranes based on graphene devices.
Enhancing Inactivation of Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria and Removal of Antibiotic Resistance Genes from Surface Water and Secondary Effluent Samples through Electrified membrane-Assisted NaClO system
Authors: Zhang Bo , Zhang Yunxin , Kong Bo , Wang Zhiguo , Ren Jianxin , Ni Xiaoyu , Ma Defang , Li Qian , Wang Yan
Published: September 2023

The dissemination of antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) through water streams poses significant risks to human health and the environmental ecosystem. In this study, we developed a novel coupled treatment system that integrates NaClO with an electrified membrane to effectively inactivate ARB and remove ARGs from surface water and secondary effluent samples. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the coupled treatment system in inactivating ARB and removing ARGs. By utilizing a CeO2 modified carbon nanotube (CeO2@CNT) electrified membrane as the cathode, H2O2 was generated through the electro-Fenton reaction. And these H2O2 molecules can be reactived to •OH on the catalytic sites of the CeO2@CNT membrane. The combined action of H2O2, •OH, and NaClO resulted in complete inactivation of ARB and high-efficiency removal of ARGs from the surface water and secondary effluent samples. The findings of this study offer an alternative water treatment technology to mitigate the dissemination of ARB and ARGs.
Kasner-like description of spacelike singularities in spherically symmetric spacetimes with scalar matter
Authors: Li Warren
Published: September 2023

We study the properties of spacelike singularities in spherically symmetric spacetimes obeying the Einstein equations, in the presence of matter. We consider in particular matter described by a scalar field, both in the presence of an electromagnetic field and without. We prove that if a spacelike singularity obeying several reasonable assumptions is formed, then the Hawking mass, the Kretschmann scalar, and the matter fields have inverse polynomial blow-up rates near the singularity that may be described precisely.
Furthermore, one may view the resulting spacetime in the context of the BKL heuristics regarding spacelike singularities in relativistic cosmology. In particular, near any point p on the singular boundary in our spherically symmetric spacetime, we obtain a leading order BKL-type expansion, including a description of Kasner exponents associated to p.
This provides a rigorous description of a detailed correspondence between Kasner-like singularities most often associated to the cosmological setting, and the singularities observed in (spherically symmetric) gravitational collapse. Moreover, we outline a program concerning the study of the stability and instability of spacelike singularities in the latter picture, both outside of spherical symmetry and within (where the electromagnetic field acts as a proxy for angular momentum) – in particular we signify the importance of cosmological phenomena including subcritical regimes and Kasner bounces in the collapse setting.
Developmental trajectories of EEG aperiodic and periodic power: Implications for understanding the timing of thalamocortical development during infancy.
Authors: Wilkinson Carol , Yankowitz Lisa , Chao Jerry , Gutierrez Rodrigo , Rhoades Jeff , Shinnar Shlomo , Purdon Patrick , Nelson Charles
Published: September 2023

The development of neural circuits over the first years of life has long-lasting effects on brain function, yet our understanding of early circuit development in humans remains limited. Here, aperiodic and periodic EEG power features were examined from longitudinal EEGs collected from 592 healthy 2–44 month-old infants, revealing age-dependent nonlinear changes suggestive of distinct milestones in early brain maturation. Consistent with the transient developmental progression of thalamocortical circuitry, we observe the presence and then absence of periodic alpha and high beta peaks across the three-year period, as well as the emergence of a low beta peak (12-20Hz) after six months of age. We present preliminary evidence that the emergence of the low beta peak is associated with thalamocortical connectivity sufficient for anesthesia-induced alpha coherence. Together, these findings suggest that early age-dependent changes in alpha and beta periodic peaks may reflect the state of thalamocortical network development.
Modeling human wellbeing on a finite planet towards 2100 with Earth4All
Authors: Collste David , Barbour Felix , Callegari Beniamino , Cornell Sarah , Gaffney Owen , Spittler Nathalie , Stoknes Per Espen
Published: September 2023

How can wellbeing for all be reached while reducing risks of destabilizing the planet? This ambition underlies the 2030 Agenda but analyzing whether it is possible requires linking global socioeconomic developments with life-supporting Earth systems, incorporating feedback between them. Our new integrated systems model, Earth4All, enables exploration of plausible developments of human wellbeing and environmental pressures, 1980-2100. The relatively simple model focuses on quantifying and capturing high-level feedback between socioeconomic and environmental domains. It can analyze economic transformations towards increased wellbeing with reduced pressures on planetary boundaries. The model includes two key novelties: a social tension index and a wellbeing index, to track societal progress this century. Modeling results indicate that decision-making as usual likely leads to rising social tensions, worsening environmental pressures and declining wellbeing. We propose five turnarounds that in the model can shift the human world off the current trajectory, improve global wellbeing and ease environmental pressures.
Glutamate helps unmask the differences in driving forces for phase separation versus clustering of FET family proteins in sub-saturated solutions
Authors: Pappu Rohit , Kar Mrityunjoy , Vogel Laura , Chauhan Gaurav , Ausserwoeger Hannes , Welsh Timothy , Kamath Anjana , Knowles Tuomas , Hyman Anthony , Seidel Claus
Published: September 2023

Multivalent proteins undergo coupled segregative and associative phase transitions. Phase separation, a segregative transition, is driven by macromolecular solubility, and this leads to coexisting phases above system-specific saturation concentrations. Percolation is a continuous transition that is driven by multivalent associations among cohesive motifs. Contributions from percolation are highlighted by the formation of heterogeneous distributions of clusters in sub-saturated solutions, as was recently reported for Fused in sarcoma (FUS) and FET family proteins. Here, we show that clustering and phase separation are defined by a separation of length- and energy-scales. This is unmasked when glutamate is the primary solution anion. Glutamate is preferentially excluded from protein sites, and this enhances molecular associations. Differences between glutamate and chloride are manifest at ultra-low protein concentrations. These differences are amplified as concentrations increase, and they saturate as the micron-scale is approached. Therefore, condensate formation in supersaturated solutions and clustering in sub-saturated are governed by distinct energy and length scales. Glutamate, unlike chloride, is the dominant intracellular anion, and the separation of scales, which is masked in chloride, is unmasked in glutamate. Our work highlights how components of cellular milieus and sequence-encoded interactions contribute to amplifying distinct contributions from associative versus segregative phase transitions.
Socioeconomic determinants of Child Malnutrition: Evidence from Ethiopia
Authors: Gebregergis CHERKOS Meaza
Published: September 2023

In this research I have studied the socioeconomic variations in the prevalence of stunting and underweight prevalence of child health in Ethiopia. With regard to the disparities in child malnutrition, the study sought to identify the key health factors that influence them using concentration index, concentration curve, and regression-based decomposition analysis. The relative and absolute gaps between various demographic and socioeconomic groups appear to have increased in Ethiopia, despite a notable decline in the mean of stunting and underweight prevalence. According to the empirical investigation, mothers’ educational level and household wealth benefited children with better socioeconomic positions, who were less likely to suffer from malnutrition. The difference in socioeconomic positions is the driving force towards the inequalities in child malnutrition. The empirical findings suggest that in order to reduce the disparities in child malnutrition, national health policy should promote mother literacy and target interventions for these underprivileged groups.
Exploring Factors Affecting Acceptance of Fecal Microbiota Transplantation for Female Patients with Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections: A Descriptive Qualitative Study
Authors: Liu Hongyuan , Wei yaodi , Xu zhenyi , Lin hao , Zhao yu , Wang shiyu , Gao fengbao , Feng Ninghan , Wolfe Alan J. , Liu Fengping
Published: September 2023

Background Patients with recurrent urinary tract infections (rUTIs) pose complex management challenges. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has emerged as a superior therapeutic modality for chronic infectious diseases. However, limited patient knowledge about FMT can significantly impact their decision to accept or decline this treatment.
Methods A descriptive qualitative approach was employed, utilizing semi-structured interviews conducted with patients experiencing rUTIs who expressed hesitancy towards FMT. The interviews took place between September 2021 and December 2022. Thematic analysis was conducted on the semi-structured interviews to identify perceived facilitators and barriers associated with FMT.
Results The analysis included interviews with thirty adult female patients with rUTIs. Four facilitators influencing patients’ decision-making regarding FMT were identified: (1) the motivating role of hope and expectations for active patient participation; (2) the influence of healthcare providers, as well as family members and friends on patients’ decisions to pursue FMT; (3) the patients’ perception of FMT as a low-risk treatment option; and (4) the dedication to the advancement of medical treatments. In contrast, two primary barriers to accepting FMT were identified: (1) that conventional treatment controls disease activity, while FMT effects remain uncertain; and (2) that safety concerns surrounding FMT.
Conclusions Acceptance of FMT among patients with rUTIs is influenced by multiple factors. To ensure informed consent, it is crucial for patients and their families to receive comprehensive information regarding various aspects ofFMT. This includes detailed explanations of donor selection criteria, fecal sample processing procedures, the FMT process itself, potential pain and discomfort experienced during FMT, and the integration of FMT into clinical practice. By providing this knowledge, healthcare providers can empower patients to make well-informed decisions regarding their treatment options.
Registration The trial registration number, CHiCTR2100048970, was registered on July 19, 2021.
Alone but Not Lonely: Awe Fosters Positive Attitudes Toward Solitude
Authors: Jiang Tonglin , Yin Yige , Yuan Wenying , Hao Chenxiao , Du Yuhui , Xu Zhengbo , Hicks Joshua
Published: September 2023

Research in psychological science has predominantly focused on the importance of social interaction to health and well-being, neglecting how solitude relates to optimal functioning. Although solitude is sometimes perceived as an aversive state associated with loneliness and ostracism, solitude can also serve as a time for self-reflection and spiritual awakening. The aim of the current set of studies was to examine if the experience of awe might serve as an important state influencing people’s attitudes toward solitude. We propose that experiencing awe makes people feel alone but not lonely—dispelling the myth that solitude incurs loneliness—and, importantly that awe leads to positive attitudes toward solitude. Seven studies, using complementary designs (big data analytics, experiments, experience sampling, and intervention), tested these hypotheses. We found that awe changes people’s preference for solitude via self-transcendence. Furthermore, we probed the downstream consequences of this effect, showing that a brief awe intervention enhanced spiritual well-being and peace of mind by augmenting positive attitudes toward solitude.
Shared Genetic Architecture Contributes to Risk of Major Cardiovascular Diseases
Authors: Pauklin Siim , Qiao Jun , Cai Liuyang , Chang Minjing , Wang Can , Zhao Rong , Song Shan , Tan Ning , He Pengcheng , Jiang Lei , Feng Yuliang
Published: September 2023

The extensive co-occurrence of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), as evidenced by epidemiological studies, aligns with positive genetic correlations identified in comprehensive genetic investigations. However, the precise nature and mechanisms governing these multifaceted effects remain elusive. By assessing genome-wide and local genetic correlations, polygenic overlaps, and causal connections, we aimed to shed light on common genetic underpinnings among major CVDs. Employing a multi-trait analysis, we pursued diverse strategies to unveil shared genetic elements. These encompassed genomic loci, single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), genes, biological pathways, functional categories, and protein targets with pleiotropic implications. Our study confirmed elevated genetic resemblance across CVDs and pinpointed 40 genomic loci with pleiotropic influence across multiple CVDs. Notably, 11 of these loci presented consistent evidence from both Metasoft and HyPrColoc's multitrait colocalization analyses, displaying congruent directional effects. Examination of genes linked to these genomic loci unveiled robust associations with circulatory system development processes. Intriguingly, distinct patterns predominantly driven by atrial fibrillation, coronary artery disease, and venous thromboembolism underscored significant disparities between clinically-defined CVD classifications and underlying biological mechanisms. In summary, our findings provide invaluable insights into shared genetic mechanisms spanning CVDs. This knowledge holds potential to guide a biologically-informed restructuring of cardiovascular nosology and innovative therapeutic advancements.
Sde Proteins Coordinate Ubiquitin Utilization and Phosphoribosylation to Promote Establishment and Maintenance of the Legionella Replication Vacuole
Authors: Isberg Ralph , Kotewicz Kristin , Zheng Mengyun , Kim Seongok , Tai Albert
Published: September 2023

The Legionella pneumophilaSde family of translocated proteins promote host tubular endoplasmic reticulum (ER) rearrangements that are tightly linked to phosphoribosyl-ubiquitin (pR-Ub) modification of Reticulon 4 (Rtn4). Sde proteins have two additional activities of unclear relevance to the infection process: K63 linkage-specific deubiquitination and phosphoribosyl modification of polyubiquitin (pR-Ub). We show here that the deubiquitination activity (DUB) stimulates ER rearrangements while pR-Ub protects the replication vacuole from cytosolic surveillance by autophagy. Loss of DUB activity was tightly linked to lowered pR-Ub modification of Rtn4, consistent with the DUB activity fueling the production of pR-Ub-Rtn4. In parallel, phosphoribosyl modification of polyUb, in a region of the protein known as the isoleucine patch, caused an absolute block in binding by the autophagy adapter p62. An inability of Sde mutants to modify polyUb resulted in immediate p62 association, a critical precursor to autophagic attack. The ability of Sde WT to block p62 association decayed quickly after bacterial infection, as predicted by the presence of previously characterized L. pneumophila effectors that inactivate Sde and remove polyUb. In sum, these results show that the accessory Sde activities act to stimulate ER rearrangements and protect from host innate immune sensing in a temporal fashion.
Vernier Microcombs for Integrated Optical Atomic Clocks
Authors: Wu Kaiyi , OMalley Nathan , Fatema Saleha , Wang Cong , Girardi Marcello , Alshaykh Mohammed , Ye Zhichao , Leaird Daniel , Qi Minghao , Torres-Company Victor , Weiner Andrew
Published: September 2023

CMOS-compatible Kerr microcombs have drawn substantial interest as mass-manufacturable, compact alternatives to bulk frequency combs. This could enable deployment of many comb-reliant applications previously confined to laboratories. Particularly enticing is the prospect of microcombs performing optical frequency division in compact optical atomic clocks. Unfortunately, it is difficult to meet the self-referencing requirement of microcombs in these systems due to the ∼THz repetition rates typically required for octave-spanning comb generation. Additionally, it is challenging to spectrally engineer a microcomb system to align a comb mode with an atomic clock transition with sufficient signal-to-noise ratio. Here, we adopt a Vernier dual-microcomb scheme for optical frequency division of a stabilized ultranarrow-linewidth continuous-wave laser at 871 nm to a ∼235 MHz output frequency. In addition to enabling measurement of the comb repetition rates, this scheme brings the freedom to pick comb lines from either or both of the combs. We exploit this flexibility to shift an ultra-high frequency (∼100 GHz) carrier-envelope offset beat down to frequencies where detection is possible and to place a comb line close to the 871 nm laser - tuned so that if frequency-doubled it would fall close to the clock transition in 171Yb+. Moreover, we introduce a novel scheme which suppresses frequency noise arising from interferometric phase fluctuations in our dual-comb system and reduces the frequency instability down to our measurement limit. Our dual-comb system can potentially combine with an integrated ion trap toward future chip-scale optical atomic clocks.
Knowledge of cytology results affects the performance of colposcopy: a crossover study
Authors: Lalande Eva , Clarke Holly , Undurraga Manuela , Nguyen Vu Quoc Huy , Jaksic Cyril , Goffin Frederic , Arbyn Marc , Jeronimo Jose , Tille Jean-Christophe , Saiji Essia , Vassilakos Pierre , Petignat Patrick
Published: September 2023

Objective – To determine whether knowledge of cytology affects the colposcopist’s diagnostic accuracy in the identification of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 and worse (≥ CIN2). Method – In this cross-over study, healthcare professionals interpreted colposcopy images from 80 patient cases with known histological diagnoses. For each case, 2 images taken with a colposcope were provided (native and after acetic acid application). Inclusion criteria consisted of women with a transformation zone type 1 or 2, who had both a cytological and histological diagnosis. Cases were distributed across two online surveys, one including and one omitting the cytology. A wash-out period of six weeks between surveys was implemented. Colposcopists were asked to give their diagnosis for each case as < CIN2 or ≥ CIN2 on both assessments. Statistical analysis was conducted to compare the two interpretations. Results – Knowledge of cytology significantly improved the sensitivity when interpreting colposcopic images, from 51.1% [95%CI: 39.3 to 62.8] to 63.7% [95%CI: 52.1 to 73.9] and improved the specificity from 63.5% [95%CI: 52.3 to 73.5] to 76.6% [95%CI: 67.2 to 84.0]. Sensitivity was higher by 38.6% when a high-grade cytology (ASC-H, HSIL, AGC) was communicated compared to a low-grade cytology (inflammation, ASC-US, LSIL). Specificity was higher by 31% when a low-grade cytology was communicated compared to a high-grade. Conclusion – Our data suggests that knowledge of cytology increases sensitivity and specificity for diagnosis of ≥ CIN2 lesions at colposcopy. Association between cytology and histology may have contributed to the findings.
Prevalence and correlates of common mental disorders among participants of the Uganda Genome Resource: Opportunities for psychiatric genetics research
Authors: Kalungi Allan , Kinyanda Eugene , Akena Dickens , Gelaye Bizu , Ssembajjwe Wilber , Mpango Richard , Ongaria Terry , Mugisha Joseph , Makanga Ronald , Kakande Ayoub , Kimono Beatrice , Amanyire Philip , Kirumira Fred , Lewis Cathryn , McIntosh Andrew , Kuchenbaecker Karoline , Nyirenda Moffat , Kaleebu Pontiano , Fatumo Segun
Published: September 2023

Genetics research has the potential to alleviate the burden of mental disorders in low- and middle-income countries through the identification of new mechanistic pathways which can lead to efficacious drugs or new drug targets. However, there is currently limited genetics data from Africa. The Uganda Genome Resource is a well-characterized genomic database which provides opportunities for psychiatric genetics research among underrepresented people from Africa. We determined the prevalence and correlates of major depressive disorder (MDD), suicidality, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), alcohol abuse, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and probable attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) among 985 participants of the Uganda Genome Resource. The prevalence of the disorders were: current MDD 19.3 %, lifetime MDD 23.3%, suicidality 10.6%, PTSD 3.1%, alcohol abuse 5.7%, GAD 12.9% and probable ADHD 9.2%. This is the first study to determine the prevalence of probable ADHD among adult Ugandans from a general population. We found a significant association between sex and alcohol abuse (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]=0.26 [0.14,0.45], p<0.001), alcohol abuse and GAD (AOR=1.78 [1.09,2.49], p=0.019). We also found a significant association between body mass index and suicidality (AOR=0.85 [0.73,0.99], p=0.041), alcohol abuse (AOR=0.86 [0.78,0.94], p=0.003) and GAD (AOR=0.93 [0.87,0.98], p=0.008). We also found a significant association between high blood pressure and lifetime MDD (AOR =2.87 [1.08,7.66], p=0.035) and probable ADHD (AOR =1.99 [1.00,3.97], p=0.050). We also found a statistically significant association between tobacco smoking and alcohol abuse (AOR=3.2 [1.56,6.67], p=0.002). In conclusion, the Uganda Genome Resource presents opportunity for psychiatric genetics research among underrepresented people from Africa.
Identification of the susceptible genes of systemic lupus erythematosus and sepsis: based on immune and oxidative stress-related genes
Authors: Ye Xiangsheng , He Ran , Jin Meng , Fu Danqing , Shen Yanbin , Yu Ao , Fan Yongsheng , JI Lina
Published: September 2023

Background: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune inflammatory connective tissue disease involving multiple organs. As one of the serious complications of SLE, sepsis (SEP) has a high risk of death. Here, the goal of this study was to identify vulnerable biomarkers that could be used to diagnose SLE and SEP.
Methods: We used the Limma R software tool and the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database to find differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in SLE. Additionally, genes associated with oxidative stress and immune system function were chosen from the MSigDB database and the Genecard database, respectively. Weighted gene Coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) was used to identify the important module genes associated with SEP. With the help of WGCNA, machine learning, and logistic regression, immunological and oxidative stress-related hub genes were discovered and validated by an external validation set. The analysis was put to the test using consensus clustering. Immune cell infiltration was investigated in SLE and SEP patients.
Results: We obtained 957 genes from the GSE6163 dataset and 2559 genes from the significant module of WGCNA, which yielded 46 genes after taking intersection with immune and oxidative stress-related genes. According to the enrichment analysis's findings, the two diseases share a lot of similar immunological and inflammation-related pathways. Machine learning was utilized to pick 11 hub genes, and ROC was employed to evaluate the diagnostic effectiveness. Furthermore, the expression profiles of the hub genes revealed by logistic regression modeling have a significant diagnostic value. Moreover, consensus clustering revealed a favorable correlation between the severity of immunological and oxidative stress and disease activity in SLE and SEP. Analysis of immune infiltration revealed a more consistent immune cell infiltration behavior between SLE and SEP.
Conclusion: In this study, the expression of 11 potential hub genes, including TLR2, IL1RN, IRF9, ISG20, TXK, SH2D1A, IL7R, CD28, ITK, CD3E, and CCR7, were thoroughly analyzed using bioinformatics. An efficient logistic regression model was created, and it was possible to identify a correlation between the progression of SLE and SEP disease and the expression of immunological and oxidative stress by consensus clustering. In addition, there is a similar immunoinvasive behavior between the two diseases. It is helpful to identify the biological markers with potential diagnostic value.