bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of invasive flora species on the ecosystem of the Russian Far East
Authors: Vinogradova Yu
Published: November 2021

For the first time, based on the revision of herbarium collections, the resettlement of alien flora faction species in the Far Eastern Federal District (FEFD) was divided into four stages. Of the 117 invasive species of the Far Eastern Federal District, 47 ones were registered for the first time before the construction of the Trans Siberian railway, i.e. at the turn of the 1900s, 30 - from 1900 to World War II, 29 - from 1940 to 1980, i.e. before the targeted study of the alien flora faction, and 11 - from 1980 to the present. The data on scientists who played a key role in the study of the flora of the Far Eastern Federal District is presented. Seven species are only beginning to invade natural plant communities, 88 species are actively invading natural plant communities and 22 species belong to the “transformers”, which actively invade themselves into natural and seminatural communities, change the physiognomy of ecosystems, disrupt succession links, forming large single-species dense stands and force out and (or) obstruct the reproduction of aborigine species.
Baseline levels of radionuclides concentration in the sea of Wakatobi and Kendari
Authors: Priasetyono Y , Untara  , Makmur M , Prihatiningsih W R , Yahya M N , Putra D I P
Published: November 2021

The importance of an information about the baseline value of radionuclides in the sea of Wakatobi and Kendari to see how large the input or contamination of radionuclides in the area. This contamination can come from waste human activities such as industry and nuclear utilization activities that are biased carried by seawater currents and air gusts. Natural and anthropogenic radionuclide concentrations in the Wakatobi and Kendari seas have been measured using a Gamma spectrometer (HPGe).The monitoring results show that both 226Ra, 232Th, 40K and 137Cs indicate that they are in normal condition and do not exceed the safe limit. The data presented in this study will be very important and useful to be used as basic data in mapping the improvement of radionuclide contamination in the area.
The antibacterial activity of seagrass Enhalus acoroides against Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Nur R M , Nurafni  , Koroy K , Alwi D , Wahab I , Sulistiawati S , Dewi R , Rorano M
Published: November 2021

Enhalus acoroides is a type of seagrass found in the waters surrounding the Morotai Islands but has not been economically exploited. Enhalus acoroides can be used to treat ulcers, acne medications, and cosmetics, among other things, due to their antibacterial activity against a variety of bacteria, one of which is Staphylococcus aureus. Staphylococcus aureus can cause respiratory and gastrointestinal tract infections. Staphylococcus aureus can infect any tissue in the body, causing damage to skin tissue. This study aimed to determine the antibacterial activity of E. acoroides against S. aureus and characterize the group of bioactive compounds found in the E. acoroides extract. This study took place between September and October of 2018. Enhalus acoroides samples were collected from the waters surrounding Morotai island. Extraction of E. acoroides in maceration using methanol and n-hexane solvents and qualitative identification of bioactive compounds including alkaloid compounds, flavonoids, steroids, and saponins. The results indicated that the yield of E. acoroidesn-hexane extract was 0.35 percent and Methanol extract was 5.91 percent. Methanol extract E. acoroides (5.9 mm in diameter)1000 ppm is more antibacterial than n-hexane extract E. acoroides (5.6 mm in diameter). The Methanol extract of E. acoroides contains alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, and steroids, whereas the n-hexane extract of E. acoroides contains steroids and flavonoids.
Effects of different times of probiotic additions on floc abundance and growth of white leg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei): Laboratory scale cultivation
Authors: Samadan G M , Yuliana  , Masril R , Syazili A , Supyan
Published: November 2021

Water quality management for aquaculture is very important because water is a living medium for aquaculture organisms. One of the technological products that use microbes to create a better environment by breaking down organic matter is probiotics. This study aims to determine the effects of different probiotic administration times on water quality in white leg shrimp culture at a laboratory scale. Juveniles of white leg shrimp with PL27 size were reared for 45 days and given four treatments with probiotics at different times. The result showed that the administration of probiotics with a short period interval had a significant effect on floc volume, absolute growth, survival rate, concentrations of ammonia, nitrate, and nitrite. Provision of probiotics with a short time span tended to reduce the concentration of ammonia, nitrate and nitrite. The difference in time of giving probiotics to bio-floc media increased the growth of white leg shrimp, improved water quality, and reduced the concentration of ammonia (NH3), nitrate (NO3), and nitrite (NO2).
The nursery of Litopenaeus vannamei at different density using aeration system on pond
Authors: Suwoyo H S , Sahrijanna A , Suwardi  , Pantjara B
Published: November 2021

The nursery of shrimp is an intermediate effort to connect hatchery and grow-out process, wherein shrimp fry was rear in a controlled process in a certain time before reared on pond. The study was aimed to evaluate the growth and, survival rate of white shrimp (L. vannamei) under different stocking density in nursery phase on pond. The nursery of L. vannamei was carried out at experimental pond installation of Research Institute for Coastal Aquaculture and Fisheries Extension (RICAFE) in Maros-South Sulawesi using a 5.5 x 11 m2 size of ponds, which was equipped with a bottom aeration system. The water depth of pond was 40 cm. Pond preparation was done by pond repairing, maintaining, drying, and eradicating using 20 ppm of saponin, flushing and water filling gradually until maximum of water level. The fry of L. vannamei (PL-10) with an average initial weight of 0.002g, which obtained from hatchery, were stocked. The treatments were stocking density of L. vannamei fry namely 1,653 individuals/m3 or 40,000 individuals/pond (A) and 909 individuals/m3 or 22,000 individuals/pond (B). Commercial powdered feed was given 3 times/day in 50–100% of biomass weight calculation base. The parameters observed were growth rate, survival rate of white shrimp and water quality condition. The results showed water quality variables including temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, salinity, and alkalinity were in a suitable range for growth and survival of L. vannamei. The survival rate of L. vannamei in 21 days nursery was 86.40-95.61% and the final weight ranging from 0.292 to 0.320g/ind.
Role of Eleutherine bulbosa (Mill.) Urb. in shrimp and fish: a mini review
Authors: Munaeni W , Muchdar F , Aris M
Published: November 2021

Medicinal plants have been commonly used in aquaculture to increase growth and immunity and control fish diseases as an effort to replace or as alternative to uses of chemical antibiotics and compounds. The use of medicinal plants in aquaculture provides safe and environmentally friendly compounds. Natural products of medicinal plants have been used in humans for thousands of years to treat disease. One of them isEleutherine bulbosa(Mill.) Urb. This article describes the potential ofE. bulbosaas an antibacterial, prebiotic, and antioxidant as well as its efficacy on aquatic organisms. Addition of extracts and powders ofE. bulbosathrough feed to white shrimpLitopenaeus vannameiwas able to improve growth performance, immune response, and resistance against infection from pathogenic bacteria. Optimal use ofE. bulbosaneeds to pay attention to dose and size of shrimp cultured. So far, administration ofE. bulbosapowder through feed was more effective and efficient than the use ofE. bulbosaextract in a large scale. Research onE. bulbosaas an immunostimulant in fish is still limited. Further research on the use ofE. bulbosashould be conducted to examine the effect ofE. bulbosaon growth performance and fish health on a large scale aquaculture.
The fishing season and the exploitation status of mud crab (Scylla serrata) in Asahan Sea, North Sumatera, Indonesia
Authors: Pane A R P , Kembaren D D , Mahiswara  , Suman A
Published: November 2021

Crab is one of the resources that can be found in almost all areas in Indonesia, and its export increases every year. However, increase in its exploitation and mangrove forest damage affect crab availability.Scylla serratais one of the crab commodities for export in Asahan sea, North Sumatera. Scientific studies are necessary to determine the fishing season and the exploitation status of crabs in the area. Therefore, this study was carried out for 3 years, i.e. in April–December 2018, February–December 2019, and March–December 2020, at one crab landing site in Asahan. The fishing season forS. serratain this area occurred all year long, with peak seasons in April–June and September–December. The crab’s carapace width (CW) was 65–175 mm, where 71.2% of which were below 120 mm. Its carapace width at first capture (CWc) increased from 103.2 mm to 112.1 mm. Its fishing mortality (F) was 1.40 per year, higher than its natural mortality (M) (0.84 per year). Therefore, its exploitation rate (E) was 0.63, indicating that the species was already overfished. Suggested measures to control the fishing activity include limiting the crab size for capture in accordance with the Regulation of the Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries No. 12 Year 2020 and improving the environment of mangrove habitats.
Feeding ground indications are based on species, seagrass density and existence of Dugong dugon in Hiri Island Sea, North Maluku, Indonesia
Authors: Akbar N , Marus I , Ridwan R , Baksir A , Paembonan R E , Ramili Y , Tahir I , Ismail F , Wibowo E S , Inayah  , Madduppa H H , Subhan B , Wahab I , Hamsah H
Published: November 2021

Seagrass ecosystems are located between mangrove ecosystems and coral reefs. Seagrass ecosystems are habitats and foraging area for many marine organisms. Eco-biological cycles in seagrass ecosystems are important for maintaining populations of many organisms. Seagrass at Hiri Island is distributed horizontally along the coast. This island is also a location where Dugong dugon is found North Maluku. Dugong dugon is a vurneable species that has been included in the IUCN and Appendix I Cites. This study aimed to identify species, density of seagrass and existence of Dugong dugong. The survey method used quadratic transect method to collect seagrass data. The Results found 6 species of seagrass at Hiri Island. Five species of those seagrass (Cymodocea serrulata, Cymodecea rotundata, Halodule uninervis, Halodule pinifolia, Halophila spinulosa) are known as food of Dugong dugon. The highest species density was shown by Halodule uninervis. The presence of Dugong dugon and its feeding trail was found during field survey. Information on seagrass species and Dugong dugon sightings location can be used for endangered species conservation policies. Management and conservation efforts need to be done to maintain seagrass ecosystem and Dugong dugon potential habitat at Hiri Island.
Social-ecological system in Depapre Bay Area of Jayapura Papua Indonesia
Authors: Paulangan Y P , Barapadang B , Amin M A Al. , Tangkelayuk H
Published: November 2021

A Socio-Ecological Systems (SESs) are systems that connect human systems and natural systems by emphasizing that humans must be seen as part of, and cannot be separated from nature. Understanding SESs is very important as the main capital in planning the management of coastal and marine resources. The purpose of this study was to study SESs in Depapre Bay, Jayapura, Papua Province using the Drivers-Pressure-Impact-State-Responses (DPSIR) approach. Based on the research results, it was found that the issues and problems of SESs in Depapre Bay were related to the utilization of coastal and marine resources that were not environmentally friendly, such as the use of blast fishing and tuba root poisoning and development that did not consider the sustainability of coastal and marine resources. In addition, the response of the government and stakeholders has not focused on overcoming the damage to ecosystems and coastal and marine biological resources in an integrated manner. This can be seen from the programs carried out that are still partial, especially in the prevention of destructive fishing and the rehabilitation of coastal and marine ecosystems that have been damaged.
Dynamics of peat accumulation processes in the areas of the periglacial zone of the basin watershed of Tugur-Nimelen rivers
Authors: Chakov V V , Parkhomchuk E V , Zakharchenko E N
Published: November 2021

The paper considers the features of waterlogging of a flat watershed, unique in its structure and evolution, between the valley complexes of the two largest watercourses of Khabarovsk Territory. The Tugur and Nimelen rivers had rather powerful debit of water flows during the Pleistocene and were repeatedly redirected from the northern azimuth (the Sea of Okhotsk) to the southern one (the Amur catchment). This process continued partly at the early stages of the Holocene, as the stratigraphy of the peat deposits of the bogs formed indicates here.
Study on the Green Development Potential and International Cooperation Countermeasures of Primorsky Krai of Russia
Authors: Li F , Ji M , Cheng H , Dong S , Liu Q , Boldanov T
Published: November 2021

Green development and international cooperation are important themes of today’s social development research. As Russia’s important area to the Asia-Pacific region, the Primorsky Krai bears the responsibility of exploring international cooperation and green development methods. Based on the current situation of Russia’s development, this study constructs an evaluation index system for green development capabilities from the four aspects. Based on the entropy method, the 2015 first-level administrative unit of the Russian Federation was evaluated for green development capabilities, focusing on the status quo of the green development capabilities of the Primorsky Territory and the development direction of international cooperation. The results show that the Primorsky Krai has a relatively high level of green development capability in the Russian Federation. The price level of the Primorsky Territory has the strongest impact on the green development capability, and the industrial green development capability urgently needs to be improved. According to the evaluation results, it put forward suggestions that the Primorsky Krai needs to improve the development of green international cooperation in terms of social development, etc., and provided theoretical support.
Creation and research of new bioindifferent photocatalysts that use the energy of solar radiation to purify wastewater from pollutants
Authors: Makarevich K S , Kaminsky O I , Zaitsev A V , Kirichenko E A , Krutikova V O
Published: November 2021

This work is devoted to the study of new bioindifferent photocatalysts that use the energy of solar radiation to purify water from organic pollutants. Photocatalytic materials were obtained by a previously developed low-temperature pyrolytic synthesis. Varying the bismuth content in the percursor mixture within 15-30 %, allows controlling the phase formation of the bismuth and strontium silicate phases. The samples obtained at 25 % bismuth in the precursor mixture (in terms of Bi2O3 %, wt.) show the highest photocatalytic activity with Bi12SiO2, Bi4Si3O12 formed in the catalyst composition. Photocatalytic activity of coatings with the predominance of bismuth silicates is inferior to coatings with the predominance of strontium bismuthates, but their greater hydrolytic stability is observed.
Mapping the pyrogenic dynamics of forest geosystems on the northeastern shore of Lake Baikal
Authors: Myadzelets A V
Published: November 2021

The paper considers the impact of the pyrogenic factor on the landscapes of the Barguzinskii Range. Model representative sites with natural and disturbed mountain-taiga geosystems are identified in the territory of the Trans-Baikal National Park (Svyatoi Nos Peninsula) and the Barguzinskii Nature Reserve (Shumilikha, Tarkulik, and Davsha river valleys). We used geoinformation methods, landscape interpretation mapping, field observation data, remote sensing data and traditional comparative geographical methods for assessment and mapping. The collected data are systematized in the form of a geoinformation database for individual sections and visualized in a cartographic form. We compiled vegetation maps, taking into account the features of the relief and soil types and gave a general description of the landscape state to analyze the pyrogenic impact on local landscapes. It was also revealed that the modification processes of forest geosystems caused by the pyrogenic impact are widespread across wide swathes, but have a different character. It depends on the individual spatial geographical features of the selected representative sites and the nature and time of the direct pyrogenic factor exposure, e.g., the frequency, intensity, especially the microclimate, relief, etc. The paper shows that the restorative stages of plant dynamics in the model sites are clearly traced. We have established an insignificant difference between the current and reference states in places of weak pyrogenic impact, significant local state changes in places of extensive areal impact, and significant and catastrophic changes in places of lasting and intense pyrogenic impact. Maps of the geosystem disturbance caused by both pyrogenic and natural factors for the model sites were compiled.
Challenges and opportunities in network-based solutions for biological questions
Authors: Guo Margaret G , Sosa Daniel N , Altman Russ B
Published: November 2021

Network biology is useful for modeling complex biological phenomena; it has attracted attention with the advent of novel graph-based machine learning methods. However, biological applications of network methods often suffer from inadequate follow-up. In this perspective, we discuss obstacles for contemporary network approaches—particularly focusing on challenges representing biological concepts, applying machine learning methods, and interpreting and validating computational findings about biology—in an effort to catalyze actionable biological discovery.
CSM-carbohydrate: protein-carbohydrate binding affinity prediction and docking scoring function
Authors: Nguyen Thanh Binh , Pires Douglas E V , Ascher David B
Published: November 2021

Protein-carbohydrate interactions are crucial for many cellular processes but can be challenging to biologically characterise. To improve our understanding and ability to model these molecular interactions, we used a carefully curated set of 370 protein-carbohydrate complexes with experimental structural and biophysical data in order to train and validate a new tool, cutoff scanning matrix (CSM)-carbohydrate, using machine learning algorithms to accurately predict their binding affinity and rank docking poses as a scoring function. Information on both protein and carbohydrate complementarity, in terms of shape and chemistry, was captured using graph-based structural signatures. Across both training and independent test sets, we achieved comparable Pearson’s correlations of 0.72 under cross-validation [root mean square error (RMSE) of 1.58 Kcal/mol] and 0.67 on the independent test (RMSE of 1.72 Kcal/mol), providing confidence in the generalisability and robustness of the final model. Similar performance was obtained across mono-, di- and oligosaccharides, further highlighting the applicability of this approach to the study of larger complexes. We show CSM-carbohydrate significantly outperformed previous approaches and have implemented our method and make all data freely available through both a user-friendly web interface and application programming interface, to facilitate programmatic access at http://biosig.unimelb.edu.au/csm_carbohydrate/. We believe CSM-carbohydrate will be an invaluable tool for helping assess docking poses and the effects of mutations on protein-carbohydrate affinity, unravelling important aspects that drive binding recognition.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease and salivary pepsin in patients with heterotopic gastric mucosa in the upper esophagus
Authors: Xiong Xin , He Suyu , Xu Fei , Xu Zhihong , Zhang Xiumei , Wang Hanmei , Liu Tianyu , Jia Yingdong
Published: November 2021

Background

Heterotopic gastric mucosa in the upper esophagus (HGMUE) is reported to be related to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This study investigated the prevalence of GERD and the use of salivary pepsin to diagnose gastroesophageal reflux, especially proximal reflux, in HGMUE patients.

Methods

One hundred and fifty-three HGMUE patients and 50 healthy volunteers were studied. All subjects took a reflux symptom index questionnaire (RSI); underwent endoscopy, barium esophagogram, high-resolution manometry (HRM), and 24-hour multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH-metry (MII-pH); and salivary pepsin test.

Results

Ninety-five (62.1%) HGMUE patients but no control subjects were diagnosed with GERD. The salivary pepsin concentration, RSI score, DeMeester score, acid exposure time (AET), total reflux episodes, proximal acidic reflux episodes, and proximal weakly acidic reflux episodes were significantly higher in the HGMUE group than in the control group (P < 0.05). The salivary pepsin test showed a sensitivity of 85.9% and specificity of 56.9% for diagnosing GERD using the optimal cut-off value of 75 ng/mL. One hundred and seven (69.9%) and 46 (30.1%) HGMUE patients were categorized as pepsin (+) and pepsin (−), respectively when 75 ng/mL was used as a cut-off value. Male sex, RSI, AET, and proximal acid reflux episodes were positive predictive factors for the occurrence of pepsin (+) in HGMUE patients.

Conclusions

GERD, especially GERD with proximal acid reflux and related symptoms, was common in HGMUE patients. The salivary pepsin test could be an additional useful test for testing reflux in HGMUE patients, but it will not replace the MII-pH.
Clinical, Endoscopic, and Safety Placebo Rates in Induction and Maintenance Trials of Crohn’s Disease: Meta-Analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials
Authors: Almradi Ahmed , Sedano Rocio , Hogan Malcolm , Zou G Y , MacDonald John K , Parker Claire E , Hanzel Jurij , Crowley Eileen , Singh Siddharth , D’Haens Geert , Sandborn William J , Feagan Brian G , Ma Christopher , Jairath Vipul
Published: November 2021

Background

Precision in estimating placebo rates is important for clinical trial design.

Aim

To quantify placebo rates across relevant endpoints in Crohn’s disease [CD] trials and identify the factors influencing these rates in a contemporary meta-analysis.

Methods

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CENTRAL from inception to March 2021. Eligible studies were placebo-controlled trials of pharmacological interventions for CD. Placebo response and remission rates for induction and maintenance trials were extracted and pooled by random-effects to quantify placebo rates across studies. Mixed-effects meta-regression was used to evaluate the effects of study-level characteristics on placebo rates.

Results

In 125 studies [91 induction, 46 maintenance], placebo clinical remission and response rates for induction studies were 18% (95% confidence interval [CI] 16, 21%], and 32% [95% CI 29, 35%], respectively, and for maintenance studies were 28% [95% CI 23, 34%] and 30% [95% CI 24, 37%], respectively. Endoscopic remission and response rates in induction studies were 8% [95% CI 4, 18%] and 16% [95% CI 11, 23%], respectively. Trials enrolling patients with prior biologic exposure, longer disease duration, and higher CD activity index scores were associated with lower placebo clinical remission rates. Increased duration of follow-up, more follow-up visits, and a greater proportion of patients with colonic disease distribution were associated with higher clinical placebo rates.

Conclusions

Placebo remission and response rates in CD trials vary according to the phase of the trial, endpoint assessed, and induction or maintenance design. These contemporary estimates will help to inform future CD trial design.
Barriers and facilitators to virtual education in cardiac rehabilitation: a systematic review of qualitative studies
Authors: Vanzella Lais Manata , Oh Paul , Pakosh Maureen , Ghisi Gabriela Lima de Melo
Published: November 2021

Background

Due to restrictions imposed by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 pandemic much attention has been given to virtual education in cardiac rehabilitation (CR). Despite growing evidence that virtual education is effective in teaching patients how to better self-manage their conditions, there is very limited evidence on barriers and facilitators of CR patients in the virtual world.

Aims

To identify barriers and facilitators to virtual education participation and learning in CR.

Methods

A systematic review of peer-reviewed literature was conducted. Medline, Embase, Emcare, CINAHL, PubMed, and APA PsycInfo were searched from inception through April 2021. Following the PRISMA checklist, only qualitative studies were considered. Theoretical domains framework (TDF) was used to guide thematic analysis. The Critical Appraisal Skills Program was used to assess the quality of the studies.

Results

Out of 6662 initial citations, 12 qualitative studies were included (58% ‘high’ quality). A total of five major barriers and facilitators were identified under the determinants of TDF. The most common facilitator was accessibility, followed by empowerment, technology, and social support. Format of the delivered material was the most common barrier. Technology and social support also emerged as barriers.

Conclusion

This is the first systematic review, to our knowledge, to provide a synthesis of qualitative studies that identify barriers and facilitators to virtual education in CR. Cardiac rehabilitation patients face multiple barriers to virtual education participation and learning. While 12 qualitative studies were found, future research should aim to identify these aspects in low-income countries, as well as during the pandemic, and methods of overcoming the barriers described.
Type IV Pili: dynamic bacterial nanomachines
Authors: Ellison Courtney K , Whitfield Gregory B , Brun Yves V
Published: November 2021

Bacteria and archaea rely on appendages called type IV pili (T4P) to participate in diverse behaviors including surface sensing, biofilm formation, virulence, protein secretion and motility across surfaces. T4P are broadly distributed fibers that dynamically extend and retract, and this dynamic activity is essential for their function in broad processes. Despite the essentiality of dynamics in T4P function, little is known about the role of these dynamics and molecular mechanisms controlling them. Recent advances in microscopy have yielded insight into the role of T4P dynamics in their diverse functions and recent structural work has expanded what is known about the inner workings of the T4P motor. This review discusses recent progress in understanding the function, regulation, and mechanisms of T4P dynamics.
Genetic Diversity in Chimpanzee Transcriptomics Does Not Represent Wild Populations
Authors: Shukla Navya , Shaban Bobbie , Gallego Romero Irene
Published: November 2021

Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) are a genetically diverse species, consisting of four highly distinct subspecies. As humans’ closest living relative, they have been a key model organism in the study of human evolution, and comparisons of human and chimpanzee transcriptomes have been widely used to characterize differences in gene expression levels that could underlie the phenotypic differences between the two species. However, the subspecies from which these transcriptomic data sets have been derived is not recorded in metadata available in the public NCBI Sequence Read Archive (SRA). Furthermore, labeling of RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) samples is for the most part inconsistent across studies, and the true number of individuals from whom transcriptomic data are available is difficult to ascertain. Thus, we have evaluated genetic diversity at the subspecies and individual level in 486 public RNA-seq samples available in the SRA, spanning the vast majority of public chimpanzee transcriptomic data. Using multiple population genetics approaches, we find that nearly all samples (96.6%) have some degree of Western chimpanzee ancestry. At the individual donor level, we identify multiple samples that have been repeatedly analyzed across different studies and identify a total of 135 genetically distinct individuals within our data, a number that falls to 89 when we exclude likely first- and second-degree relatives. Altogether, our results show that current transcriptomic data from chimpanzees are capturing low levels of genetic diversity relative to what exists in wild chimpanzee populations. These findings provide important context to current comparative transcriptomics research involving chimpanzees.
Understanding the Aggressive Practices of Nonprofit Hospitals in Pursuit of Patient Debt
Authors: Eliason Erica L , MacDougall Hannah , Peterson Lauren
Published: November 2021

Nonprofit hospitals have attracted scrutiny for aggressive collection activities against patients, which persist despite the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act’s attempt to limit particularly egregious practices, called “extraordinary collection actions” (ECAs). This study examines the prevalence of ECAs and characteristics of nonprofit hospitals that reported this behavior as of 2016. Using Community Benefit Insight data, characteristics of hospitals that reported ECAs are compared with hospitals that did not report these practices. ECAs include reporting patient debt to credit agencies, filing lawsuits, placing liens on residences, and issuing civil arrest. Predictors of ECAs among nonprofit hospitals are identified using logistic regression analysis. The prevalence of ECAs is examined for the 2010–2016 time period, and nonprofit hospitals that reported ECAs are mapped to show the geographic distribution. Hospitals reporting ECAs significantly differed in total revenue, system membership, bed size, urban location, financial assistance policy use, and use of poverty guidelines for discounted care. In full logistic regression models, lower total hospital revenue was a significant predictor of ECAs. As social workers, it is vital to understand the landscape of nonprofit hospital collection actions to advocate for policy that protects patients from predatory practices while holding nonprofit hospitals accountable.
In patients with localized bronchiectasis, does thoracoscopic lung resection result in improved clinical outcomes compared to open surgery?
Authors: Kamal Yasser Ali , Elkhayat Hussein
Published: November 2021

A best evidence topic was constructed according to a structured protocol. The question addressed was whether video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), compared to open lung resection, resulted in improved postoperative clinical outcomes, in patients with localized bronchiectasis indicated for surgery. A total of 1352 papers were found using the reported search, of which 5 papers represented the best evidence to answer the clinical question. The authors, journal, date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes and results of these papers are tabulated. All of the identified studies were retrospective. The conversion rate from VATS to open procedure ranged from 0% to 15.3%. In comparison to thoracotomy, VATS resulted in a significant reduction of postoperative blood loss (1 study), length of hospital stay (2 studies), postoperative complication rate (2 studies), pain scales (2 studies) and chest tube duration (1 study). However, there was a significant increase in operative time (1 study) and whole cost (2 studies). There was no significant difference in the clinical recovery, which was defined by the disappearance or improvement of preoperative symptoms during the follow-up period (3 studies). We conclude that although there is limited high-level evidence, retrospective studies have suggested that VATS could significantly reduce complications rate, postoperative blood loss, pain scales, length of hospital stay and chest tube duration compared to open lung resection in selected patients with localized bronchiectasis.
Rare case of severe non-calcific aortic stenosis in an achondroplastic dwarf: surgical consideration
Authors: Mikami Tsubasa , Kainuma Satoshi , Toda Koichi , Sawa Yoshiki
Published: November 2021

A 41-year-old patient with achondroplasia who had undergone surgery for congenital aortic stenosis >20 years ago presented with dyspnoea due to severe aortic stenosis. Computed tomography confirmed a small (16-mm) aortic annulus, thickened aortic valve leaflets without calcification and subaortic fibrous tissues. Intraoperatively, 3 non-calcific aortic leaflets were observed. Enlargement of the aortic root using a modified Manouguian technique for good exposure enabled the resection of subaortic tissues and replacement of the valve with a mechanical valve. The aortic root can be extremely small in patients with aortic stenosis and achondroplasia. The anatomy of the aortic root should be carefully assessed to enable appropriate surgical planning.
Surgical outcomes of reoperation after Fontan completion
Authors: Nakayama Yuki , Shinkawa Takeshi , Hoki Ryogo , Yoshida Hisashi , Katagiri Junko , Inai Kei , Niinami Hiroshi
Published: November 2021

OBJECTIVES

Patients who have achieved Fontan circulation may require reoperation. We reviewed the outcomes of reoperation after Fontan completion and assessed the risk factors for poor outcomes.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study of 106 patients undergoing open-heart reoperations after Fontan completion in 2003 at a single institution.

RESULTS

The mean age at reoperation was 24.6 ± 8.3 years. A history of Fontan failure or end-organ dysfunction was noted in 30 patients. The reoperations included 73 total cavopulmonary connection conversions, 29 atrioventricular or semilunar valve operations (17 with total cavopulmonary connection conversions) and 4 other operations. Eight early deaths occurred. During a median follow-up of 5.5 (0.01–16.2) years, there were 3 late deaths and 9 second cardiac operations. The 10-year survival rate after reoperation was 89.8%, and the 5-year second cardiac operation-free survival was 84.3%. The 10-year survival rates were significantly lower in patients who underwent surgery before 2011 (75.8% vs 100%), had a history of Fontan failure or end-organ dysfunction (71.7% vs 97.3%), had preoperative central venous pressure >15 mmHg (64.9% vs 96.5%) and were operated on with deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (DHCA) (60.0% vs 91.3%). A history of Fontan failure or end-organ dysfunction, preoperative central venous pressure >15 mmHg and requirement of DHCA were identified as risk factors for mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Reoperation after Fontan completion resulted in excellent mid-term outcomes. A history of failed Fontan circulation and the requirement of DHCA negatively affected survival outcomes.
Long time behavior of finite volume discretization of symmetrizable linear hyperbolic systems
Authors: Jung Jonathan , Perrier Vincent
Published: November 2021

This article is dedicated to the long time behavior of a finite volume approximation of general symmetrizable linear hyperbolic system on a bounded domain. In the continuous case this problem is very difficult, and the $\omega $–limit set (namely the set of all the possible long time limits) may be large and complicated to depict if no dissipation is introduced. In this article we prove that in general, with a stable finite volume scheme, the discrete solution converges to a steady state when the time goes to infinity. This property is a direct consequence of the numerical dissipation mechanisms used for stabilizing the discretization. We apply this result for determining the long time limit for several stabilizations of the wave system, and perform a formal link with the low Mach number problem of the nonlinear Euler system. Numerical experiments with the wave system are performed for confirming the theoretical results obtained.
God’s Wrath in the Era of the Digidemic: Religious Interpretations of Covid-19 in Ethiopia
Authors: Østebø Terje , Tronvoll Kjetil , Østebø Marit Tolo
Published: November 2021

During the first phase of the Covid-19 pandemic, many Ethiopians viewed the pandemic as an expression of God’s punishment for sin. Although such interpretations reflect historical continuity, an analysis of these sentiments and of how the pandemic unfolded in Ethiopia reveal an interesting conundrum. Whereas the Covid-19 pandemic clearly has had devastating impacts all over the world, the very experiences that historically generated interpretations of divine punishment and judgement—violent human suffering and mass deaths—have been close to absent in Ethiopia. To understand why many Ethiopians interpreted Covid-19 as an expression of God’s wrath, we develop the concept of the digidemic, allowing us to recognize how the circulation of images, norms, ideas, and goods, via global and digital networks—in addition to fueling fear—created connectedness and a felt proximity, wherein far-away hot-spots and phenomena were made real and near as threats to people’s livelihood and religious worldviews.
Assessment of digestible lysine requirements in lipopolysaccharide-challenged pigs
Authors: Barcellos Joyce , Alves Warley Júnior , Arnaut Pedro Riguetti , Fonseca Lucimauro , Muniz Jorge Cunha Lima , Dorigam Juliano César de Paula , Campos Paulo Henrique R Furtado , Silva Fabyano Fonseca e , Dilger Ryan N , Hannas Melissa Izabel
Published: November 2021

To evaluate the effect of an Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge on the digestible lysine (Lys) requirement for growing pigs, a nitrogen (N) balance assay was performed. Seventy-two castrated male pigs (19 ± 1.49 kg body weight [BW]) were allocated in a 2 × 6 factorial design composed of two immune activation states (control and LPS-challenged) and six dietary treatments with N levels of 0.94, 1.69, 2.09, 3.04, 3.23, and 3.97% N, as fed, where Lys was limiting, with six replicates and one pig per unit. The challenge consisted of an initial LPS dose of 30 μg/kg BW via intramuscular (IM) injection and a subsequent dose of 33.6 μg/kg BW after 48 h. The experimental period lasted 11 d and was composed of a 7-d adaptation and a subsequent 4-d sampling period in which N intake (NI), N excretion (NEX), and N deposition (ND) were evaluated. Inflammatory mediators and rectal temperature were assessed during the 4-d collection period. A three-way interaction (N levels × LPS challenge × time, P < 0.05) for IgG was observed. Additionally, two-way interactions (challenge × time, P < 0.05) were verified for IgA, ceruloplasmin, transferrin, haptoglobin, α-1-acid glycoprotein, total protein, and rectal temperature; and (N levels × time, P < 0.05) for transferrin, albumin, haptoglobin, total protein, and rectal temperature. LPS-challenged pigs showed lower (P < 0.05) feed intake. A two-way interaction (N levels × LPS challenge, P < 0.05) was observed for NI, NEX, and ND, with a clear dose–response (P < 0.05). LPS-challenged pigs showed lower NI and ND at 2.09% N and 1.69 to 3.97% N (P < 0.05), respectively, and higher NEX at 3.23% N (P < 0.05). The parameters obtained by a nonlinear model (N maintenance requirement, NMR and theoretical maximum N deposition, NDmaxT) were 152.9 and 197.1 mg/BWkg0.75/d for NMR, and 3,524.7 and 2,077.8 mg/BWkg0.75/d for NDmaxT, for control and LPS-challenged pigs, respectively. The estimated digestible Lys requirements were 1,994.83 and 949.16 mg/BWkg0.75/d for control and LPS-challenged pigs, respectively. The daily digestible Lys intakes required to achieve 0.68 and 0.54 times the NRmaxT value were 18.12 and 8.62 g/d, respectively, and the optimal dietary digestible Lys concentration may change depending on the feed intake levels. Based on the derived model parameters obtained in the N balance trial with lower cost and time, it was possible to differentiate the digestible Lys requirement for swine under challenging conditions.
In vitroreconstitution of theEscherichia coli70S ribosome with a full set of recombinant ribosomal proteins
Authors: Aoyama Ryo , Masuda Keiko , Shimojo Masaru , Kanamori Takashi , Ueda Takuya , Shimizu Yoshihiro
Published: November 2021

Many studies of the reconstitution of the Escherichia coli small ribosomal subunit from its individual molecular parts have been reported, but contrastingly, similar studies of the large ribosomal subunit have not been well performed to date. Here, we describe protocols for preparing the 33 ribosomal proteins of the E. coli 50S subunit and demonstrate successful reconstitution of a functionally active 50S particle that can perform protein synthesis in vitro. We also successfully reconstituted both ribosomal subunits (30S and 50S) and 70S ribosomes using a full set of recombinant ribosomal proteins by integrating our developed method with the previously developed fully recombinant-based integrated synthesis, assembly and translation. The approach described here makes a major contribution to the field of ribosome engineering and could be fundamental to the future studies of ribosome assembly processes.
Multichannel adaptive deconvolution based on streaming prediction-error filter
Authors: Wang Qinghan , Liu Yang , Liu Cai , Zheng Zhisheng
Published: November 2021

Deconvolution mainly improves the resolution of seismic data by compressing seismic wavelets, which is of great significance in high-resolution processing of seismic data. Prediction-error filtering/least-square inverse filtering is widely used in seismic deconvolution and usually assumes that seismic data is stationary. Affected by factors such as earth filtering, actual seismic wavelets are time- and space-varying. Adaptive prediction-error filters are designed to effectively characterise the nonstationarity of seismic data by using iterative methods, however, it leads to problems such as slow calculation speed and high memory cost when dealing with large-scale data. We have proposed an adaptive deconvolution method based on a streaming prediction-error filter. Instead of using slow iterations, mathematical underdetermined problems with the new local smoothness constraints are analytically solved to predict time-varying seismic wavelets. To avoid the discontinuity of deconvolution results along the space axis, both time and space constraints are used to implement multichannel adaptive deconvolution. Meanwhile, we define the parameter of the time-varying prediction step that keeps the relative amplitude relationship among different reflections. The new deconvolution improves the resolution along the time direction while reducing the computational costs by a streaming computation, which is suitable for handling nonstationary large-scale data. Synthetic model and field data tests show that the proposed method can effectively improve the resolution of nonstationary seismic data, while maintaining the lateral continuity of seismic events. Furthermore, the relative amplitude relationship of different reflections is reasonably preserved.
The Curious Case of Stablecoins—Balancing Risks and Rewards?
Authors: Ferreira Agata
Published: November 2021

Stablecoins is a blockchain-driven innovation and a new subset of crypto assets. Even though they could transform how payments are made, regulators paid little attention to them until recently. The announcement of the Libra project in 2019 elevated stablecoins to the top of the regulatory agenda. Libra’s global scale and its capacity to reach billions of potential users through a user-centric social network platform that is already seamlessly integrated within the lives of the global population and the potential impact of a global yet fast and cheap payment solution raised many issues and concerns among authorities related to not only financial stability, monetary policy, and competition, but also money laundering, financing of terrorism, and others. Addressing stablecoins has proven challenging for many regulators as they face a difficult task of balancing financial stability, with innovation. This paper analyzes how the official perception of stablecoins has evolved, from dismissiveness and underestimation to serious concern. It evaluates existing regulatory responses, highlights regulatory dilemmas, and makes recommendations regarding future regulatory approaches. To reap the benefits of stablecoin innovation, regulators need to take a broader long-term view of stablecoins beyond the perceived risks and embrace their advantages. Regulations should not stifle this innovation but support a diverse ecosystem of stablecoins and foster competition.
Symptoms and health-related quality of life in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma: a multicenter prospective cohort study
Authors: Suzuki Nana , Okuyama Toru , Akechi Tatsuo , Kusumoto Shigeru , Ri Masaki , Inagaki Atsushi , Kayukawa Satoshi , Yano Hiroki , Yoshida Takashi , Shiraga Kazuhide , Hashimoto Hiroya , Aiki Sayo , Iida Shinsuke
Published: November 2021

Objective

Existing cross-sectional observational studies indicate that patients with multiple myeloma experience negative physical and psychological symptoms and low health-related quality of life. The study aim was to determine symptom prevalence, health-related quality of life and symptoms associated with health-related quality of life in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma.

Methods

This multicenter longitudinal cohort study was conducted in four hospitals in Japan. Patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma were asked to report their symptom intensity and health-related quality of life using validated questionnaires at three points: at diagnosis (T1), 1 month (T2) and 12 months after diagnosis (T3). Symptoms associated with health-related quality of life were explored using a mixed-effects model.

Results

A total of 106 patients completed the assessment at T1. The symptoms more than 30% of patients reported were pain, disturbed sleep and distress at T1, pain, dry mouth, disturbed sleep and fatigue at T2, fatigue, numbness of tingling and pain and numbness or tingling at T3. Pain and depression were significantly associated with health-related quality of life negatively.

Conclusions

The finding suggests that more than 30% of multiple myeloma patients suffered from pain and various symptoms and they received suboptimal palliative care within a year after starting initial chemotherapy. Pain and depression should be the main targets of interventions to improve health-related quality of life in this population.