bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Peran Big Data dalam Membangun Smart City untuk Sistem Perpajakan Daerah
Authors: Puspita Ayu Fury , Rusydi Mohamad Khoiru , Purwanti Lilik
Published: April 2023

The Role of Big Data to Establish Smart City for Local Taxation System
Purpose: This study aims to analyze the opportunities and challenges of big data in building smart cities, especially for local taxation systems.
Method: The method used in this research is descriptive method with a qualitative approach.
Results: Big data is able to make the work of local governments as regulators more efficient and on target, especially in the field of taxation. This is because big data is able to provide data needed by the government in formulating and implementing policies, such as technology-based tax collection and supervision.
Novelty: This research examines the opportunities and challenges of big data in building a smart city from the aspect of the local taxation system.
Contribution: This research can be used as material for consideration for the City Government as a regulator in the local taxation system
 
Peran Big Data dalam Membangun Smart City untuk Sistem Perpajakan Daerah
Tujuan: Penelitian ini memiliki tujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh peluang dan tantangan big data dalam membangun smart city khusus untuk sistem perpajakan daerah.
Metode: Metode yang digunakan pada penelitian ini adalah metode deskriptif dengan pendekatan kualitatif.
Temuan: Big data mampu membuat kerja pemerintah daerah sebagai regulator menjadi lebih efisien dan tepat sasaran, khususnya di bidang perpajakan. Pasalnya, big data mampu menyediakan data yang dibutuhkan pemerintah dalam merumuskan dan melaksanakan kebijakan, seperti pemungutan dan pengawasan pajak berbasis teknologi.
Kebaharuan: Penelitian ini mengkaji peluang dan tantangan big data dalam membangun smart city dari aspek sistem perpajakan daerah.
Kontribusi: Penelitian ini dapat dijadikan sebagai bahan pertimbangan bagi pemerintah kota sebagai regulator dalam sistem perpajakan daerah.
Peran Insentif Pajak dalam Peningkatan Daya Beli Masyarakat Terdampak COVID-19
Authors: Nurul Aisyah Rachmawati  , Rizka Ramayanti  , Yunita Fitra Andriana
Published: April 2023

The Role of Tax Incentives in Increasing the Purchasing Power of Society Affected by Covid-19 Purpose: This study examines the effects of article 21 income tax incentives and income levels on the purchasing power of society affected by COVID-19.
Method: A quantitative research design has been used in this study. Data were analyzed using the Structural Equation Modeling approach.
Results: Tax incentives and income levels positively and significantly impact on the purchasing power of people affected by COVID-19. This study cannot prove the indirect effect of tax incentives on the purchasing power of people affected by COVID-19 through income levels.
Novelty: Different from previous research, this study focuses on examining the effect of article 21 income tax incentives on the purchasing power of people affected by COVID-19 which is still limited.
Contribution: In addition to income levels, article 21 income tax incentives can affect people's purchasing power, which will eventually have an impact on the national economy.
 
Peran Insentif Pajak dalam Peningkatan Daya Beli Masyarakat Terdampak Covid-19
Tujuan: Studi ini menguji pengaruh insentif Pajak Penghasilan Pasal 21 dan tingkat penghasilan terhadap daya beli masyarakat yang terdampak COVID-19.
Metode: Penelitian ini menggunakan desain penelitian kuantitatif dan data dianalisis dengan pendekatan Structural Equation Modelling.
Hasil: Insentif pajak dan tingkat penghasilan berpengaruh positif dan signifikan terhadap daya beli masyarakat terdampak COVID-19. Penelitian ini tidak dapat membuktikan pengaruh tidak langsung insentif pajak terhadap daya beli masyarakat terdampak COVID-19 melalui tingkat penghasilan.
Kebaruan: Berbeda dari penelitian sebelumnya, studi ini terfokus pada pengujian pengaruh insentif PPh 21 DTP terhadap daya beli masyarakat yang terdampak COVID-19 yang masih terbatas.
Kontribusi: Selain tingkat penghasilan, insentif PPh 21 DTP dapat memengaruhi daya beli masyarakat, yang hingga akhirnya akan berdampak pula pada perekonomian nasional.
Hur mår hon?
Authors: Robertsson Carin , Spångberg Lovisa , Pettersson Anna , Ask Sandra
Published: April 2023

Vi är fyra studenter från Linköpings universitet som upplever att det finns en problematik inom sjukvården när det gäller kvinnors hälsa. Baserat på egna upplevelser och upprörande konversationer förstod vi ganska snart att det finns ett behov för förändring. Idén och syftet bakom Hur Mår Hon? är att skapa ett utrymme för att diskutera, reflektera och dela upplevelser om kvinnohälsa och genom att göra detta hoppas vi på att synliggöra och ge kunskap för en mer jämställd hälso- och sjukvård.
Magin som försvann
Authors: Alenius Emma , Andersson Tess
Published: April 2023

Välkomna till Magin som försvann, en blogg som handlar om Disneys live-action remakes, dvs fotorealistiska nyinspelningar av deras tecknade klassiker. Syftet med denna blogg är att lyfta den debatt som finns kring filmerna och själva bidra till den med våra egna åsikter.Vi som driver bloggen heter Emma och Tess och går båda sista året på utbildningen Språk, litteratur och medier på Linköpings Universitet. Som en del av en av våra kurser (Att publicera i den medierande offentligheten, 10hp) hade vi som uppdrag att starta en blogg och här ser ni resultatet.Hoppas ni kommer finna våra texter både lärorika och underhållande vare sig ni är inbitna Disneyfans eller bara någon som hittat hit av ren nyfikenhet!Väl mött!
The Green Way
Authors: Linge Sara , Mircan Iulia
Published: April 2023

Vi som står bakom The Green Way Project är Iulia och Sara, två studenter som läser vår sista termin på Linköpings Universitets program SLM (Språk, Litteratur och Medier).
Projektidén The Green Way fick vi eftersom vi tyckte att det saknades en samlingsplats för fakta om miljön, gröntvättning, företags miljöpåverkan och vad man som enskild individ kan göra själv för att leva och agera hållbart i ett konsumtionsbaserat samhälle.
Informationen finns utspridd över hela internet, men vi ville ha den samlad på ett ställe, både för oss och alla andra.
Association of age at menarche with valvular heart disease: An analysis based on electronic health record (CREAT2109)
Authors: Sun Zhiyu , Zhu Yongjie , Sun Xiaoyan , Lian Zhexun , Guo Mengqi , Lu Xiaohong , Song Ting , Feng Luxin , Zhang Yi , Xu Yawei , Ji Hongwei , Guo Junjie
Published: April 2023

Background

The association between age at menarche and coronary heart disease has been reported, but the association between age at menarche and valvular heart disease (VHD) has not been described. We aimed to examine the association between age at menarche and VHD.

Methods

By collecting data from four medical centers of the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University (QUAH) from January 1, 2016, to December 31, 2020, we sampled 105,707 inpatients. The main outcome of this study was newly diagnosed VHD, which was diagnosed based on ICD-10 coding, and the exposure factor was age at menarche, which was accessed through the electronic health records. We used logistic regression model to investigate the association between age at menarche and VHD.

Results

In this sample (mean age 55.31 ± 13.63 years), the mean age at menarche was 15. Compared with women with age at menarche 14–15 years, the odds ratio of VHD in women with age at menarche ≤13, 16–17, and ≥18 years was 0.68 (95% CI 0.57–0.81), 1.22 (95% CI 1.08–1.38), and 1.31 (95% CI 1.13–1.52), respectively (P for all < 0.001). By restricting cubic splines, we found that later menarche was associated with increased odds of VHD (P < 0.001). Furthermore, in subgroup analysis of different etiologies, the similar trend persisted for non-rheumatic VHD.

Conclusions

In this large inpatient sample, later menarche was associated with higher risk of VHD.
Biventricular longitudinal strain as a predictor of functional improvement after D-shant device implantation in patients with heart failure
Authors: Zhou Yi , Li He , Fang Lingyun , Wu Wenqian , Sun Zhenxing , Zhang Ziming , Liu Manwei , Liu Jie , He Lin , Chen Yihan , Xie Yuji , Li Yuman , Xie Mingxing
Published: April 2023

Background

The creation of an atrial shunt is a novel approach for the management of heart failure (HF), and there is a need for advanced methods for detection of cardiac function response to an interatrial shunt device. Ventricular longitudinal strain is a more sensitive marker of cardiac function than conventional echocardiographic parameters, but data on the value of longitudinal strain as a predictor of improvement in cardiac function after implantation of an interatrial shunt device are scarce. We aimed to investigate the exploratory efficacy of the D-Shant device for interatrial shunting in treating heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), and to explore the predictive value of biventricular longitudinal strain for functional improvement in such patients.

Methods

A total of 34 patients were enrolled (25 with HFrEF and 9 with HFpEF). All patients underwent conventional echocardiography and two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiogram (2D-STE) at baseline and 6 months after implantation of a D-Shant device (WeiKe Medical Inc., WuHan, CN). Left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LVGLS) and right ventricular free wall longitudinal strain (RVFWLS) were evaluated by 2D-STE.

Results

The D-Shant device was successfully implanted in all cases without periprocedural mortality. At 6-month follow-up, an improvement in New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class was observed in 20 of 28 patients with HF. Compared with baseline, patients with HFrEF showed significant reduced left atrial volume index (LAVI) and increased right atrial (RA) dimensions, as well as improved LVGLS and RVFWLS, at 6-month follow-up. Despite reduction in LAVI and increase in RA dimensions, improvements in biventricular longitudinal strain did not occur in HFpEF patients. Multivariate logistic regression demonstrated that LVGLS [odds ratio (OR): 5.930; 95% CI: 1.463–24.038; P = 0.013] and RVFWLS (OR: 4.852; 95% CI: 1.372–17.159; P = 0.014) were predictive of improvement in NYHA functional class after D-Shant device implantation.

Conclusion

Improvements in clinical and functional status are observed in patients with HF 6 months after implantation of a D-Shant device. Preoperative biventricular longitudinal strain is predictive of improvement in NYHA functional class and may be helpful to identify patients who will experience better outcomes following implantation of an interatrial shunt device.
The role of the pregnancy heart team in clinical practice
Authors: Lucà Fabiana , Colivicchi Furio , Parrini Iris , Russo Maria Giovanna , Di Fusco Stefania Angela , Ceravolo Roberto , Riccio Carmine , Favilli Silvia , Rossini Roberta , Gelsomino Sandro , Oliva Fabrizio , Gulizia Michele Massimo
Published: April 2023

Significant maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality risk has been shown to be associated with cardiovascular disease in pregnancy. Several determinants, such as the increasing number of females with corrected congenital heart disease in reproductive age, a more advanced maternal age associated with cardiovascular risk factors, and a greater prevalence of preexisting comorbidities related to cardiac disorders such as cancer and COVID-19), lead to a higher incidence of cardiac complications in pregnancy in the last few decades. However, adopting a multidisciplinary strategy may influence maternal and neonatal outcomes. This review aims at assessing the role of the Pregnancy Heart Team, which should ensure careful pre-pregnancy counseling, pregnancy monitoring, and delivery planning for both congenital and other cardiac or metabolic disorders, addressing several emerging aspects in the multidisciplinary team-based approach.
Percutaneous closure versus surgical repair for ruptured sinus of valsalva aneurysm: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Mao Yong , Wang Cingting , Li Yongnan , Guan Xinqiang , Zhang Xiaopeng , Wu Xiangyang
Published: April 2023

Objectives

Ruptured sinus of Valsalva aneurysm (RSVA) often has an abrupt onset, and can chest pain, acute heart failure, and even sudden death. The effectiveness of different treatment modalities remains controversial. Thus, we completed a meta-analysis to evaluate the efficiency and safety of traditional surgery vs. percutaneous closure (PC) for RSVA.

Methods

We carried out a meta-analysis using PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), WanFang Data, and the China Science and Technology Journal Database. The primary outcome was comparing in-hospital mortality between the two procedures, and the secondary outcome was documenting postoperative residual shunts, postoperative aortic regurgitation, and length of hospital stay in the two groups. Differences were expressed as odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to assess the relationships between predefined surgical variables and clinical outcomes. This meta-analysis was conducted using Review Manager software (version 5.3).

Results

The final qualifying studies included 330 patients from 10 trials (123 in the percutaneous closure group, and 207 in the surgical repair group). When PC was compared to surgical repair, there were no statistically significant differences in in-hospital mortality (overall OR: 0.47, 95%CI 0.05–4.31, P = 0.50). However, percutaneous closure did significantly decrease the average length of hospital stay (OR: −2.13, 95% CI −3.05 to −1.20, P < 0.00001) when compared to surgical repair, but there were no significant between-group differences in the rates of postoperative residual shunts (overall OR: 1.54, 95%CI 0.55–4.34, P = 0.41) or postoperative aortic regurgitation (overall OR: 1.54, 95%CI 0.51–4.68, P = 0.45).

Conclusion

PC may become a valuable alternative to surgical repair for RSVA.
Identifying developments over a decade in the digital health and telemedicine landscape in the UK using quantitative text mining
Authors: Geifman Nophar , Armes Jo , Whetton Anthony D.
Published: April 2023

The use of technologies that provide objective, digital data to clinicians, carers, and service users to improve care and outcomes comes under the unifying term Digital Health. This field, which includes the use of high-tech health devices, telemedicine and health analytics has, in recent years, seen significant growth in the United Kingdom and worldwide. It is clearly acknowledged by multiple stakeholders that digital health innovations are necessary for the future of improved and more economic healthcare service delivery. Here we consider digital health-related research and applications by using an informatics tool to objectively survey the field. We have used a quantitative text-mining technique, applied to published works in the field of digital health, to capture and analyse key approaches taken and the diseases areas where these have been applied. Key areas of research and application are shown to be cardiovascular, stroke, and hypertension; although the range seen is wide. We consider advances in digital health and telemedicine in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Multi-sensor and multi-temporal approach in monitoring of deformation zone with permanent monitoring solution and management of environmental changes: A case study of Solotvyno salt mine, Ukraine
Authors: Pukanská Katarína , Bartoš Karol , Bakoň Matúš , Papčo Juraj , Kubica Lukáš , Barlák Ján , Rovňák Martin , Kseňak Ľubomír , Zelenakova Martina , Savchyn Ihor , Perissin Daniele
Published: April 2023

Salt deposits were a rich source of mineral resources in the past, and some are still mined today. However, salt mines, especially abandoned ones, pose a threat to populated areas, infrastructure and the natural environment. Solotvyno (Ukraine) is one of the most significantly affected areas, with a deformation zone where significant year-on-year subsidences occur. Mining activities have caused a disturbance of the balance in the mountain massif, and as a consequence, the mountains are being reshaped, and the land cover is deformed. Deformation zone of the historical salt mine Solotvyno (Ukraine), Tyachiv district of Zakarpattia region is situated on the right bank of the Tisza river in the border area with Romania in Central Europe. This paper deals with the multi-sensor monitoring of the active deformation zone over the Solotvyno salt mine using satellite radar data (Sentinel-1), optical satellite imagery (Pleiades, SPOT) and in-situ UAV photogrammetry. Since the area represents a significant geohazard from a hydrogeological (Tisza River) and civil security standpoints (infrastructure of the inhabited regions), the design of a high-precision monitoring system to monitor and evaluate current environmental changes is proposed. Multi-temporal InSAR analysis exposed steeper subsidence tendencies of >−2 cm in the central part of the monitored area. Optical satellite and UAV images confirmed the increase in water surface in sinkhole areas up to 28,500 m2 and proved the emergence of new sinkholes in the central part of the Solotvyno mine. The aim of this study is to describe the post-collapse deformation processes by Pleiades and SPOT multi-spectral sensors and Sentinel-1 satellite SAR sensors since the 2010 collapse in order to describe the trends of deformation due to undermining and propose a high-precision permanent monitoring system based on satellite radar interferometry (InSAR).
Receptors that bind to PEDF and their therapeutic roles in retinal diseases
Authors: Xu Manhong , Chen Xin , Yu Zihao , Li Xiaorong
Published: April 2023

Retinal neovascular, neurodegenerative, and inflammatory diseases represented by diabetic retinopathy are the main types of blinding eye disorders that continually cause the increased burden worldwide. Pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) is an endogenous factor with multiple effects including neurotrophic activity, anti-angiogenesis, anti-tumorigenesis, and anti-inflammatory activity. PEDF activity depends on the interaction with the proteins on the cell surface. At present, seven independent receptors, including adipose triglyceride lipase, laminin receptor, lipoprotein receptor-related protein, plexin domain-containing 1, plexin domain-containing 2, F1-ATP synthase, and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2, have been demonstrated and confirmed to be high affinity receptors for PEDF. Understanding the interactions between PEDF and PEDF receptors, their roles in normal cellular metabolism and the response the initiate in disease will be accommodating for elucidating the ways in which inflammation, angiogenesis, and neurodegeneration exacerbate disease pathology. In this review, we firstly introduce PEDF receptors comprehensively, focusing particularly on their expression pattern, ligands, related diseases, and signal transduction pathways, respectively. We also discuss the interactive ways of PEDF and receptors to expand the prospective understanding of PEDF receptors in the diagnosis and treatment of retinal diseases.
Perspectives on geologic carbon storage
Authors: Albertz Markus , Stewart Simon A. , Goteti Rajesh
Published: April 2023

Geologic carbon storage (GCS) is a fundamental pillar of carbon management that helps mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and addresses the negative effects of climate change. Viable CO2 storage sites share some of the same elements required for successful petroleum systems. For example, while reservoir, seal, and trap are required, migration pathway and timing are not important for CO2 storage, because rather than withdrawing fluid from a trap, CO2 storage involves injection into a geologic trap. Conceptually, this represents a form of reverse production. Numerous petroleum traps around the world, as well as naturally occurring CO2-producing fields and natural gas storage sites attest that safe, long-term storage is possible. Research over the past two decades identified five methods of Geologic Carbon Storage which have been validated through several demonstration and pilot projects around the world: (1) storage in depleted oil and gas fields, (2) use of CO2 in enhanced hydrocarbons recovery (3) storage in saline formations/aquifers, (4) injection into deep unmineable coal seams, and (5) in-situ/ex-situ carbon mineralization. The greatest volumetric potential for GCS is found in saline aquifers which are present throughout the world’s sedimentary basins.
A safety check method to maximize the effective reserve by optimizing the power of the tie-line in the power market
Authors: Wu Yang , Wanyan Xingxing , Su Xiangyang , Zou Wentao , Zhu Xinchun , Liu Shuangquan , Shao Qizhuan
Published: April 2023

To ensure the stability of the electricity spot market and the safety of the provincial and regional power systems, a safety check method is proposed to maximize the effective reserve resources in the power system by optimizing the power of each tie-line. This safety check method accurately models the tie-line equipment and the effective reserve resources and is coupled with each constraint of the electricity spot market clearing model to form a safety check algorithm to optimize the power of tie-line power. The model involved in this paper is a linear model, which has a clear implementation method in practical dispatching applications. Through this method, the power configuration scheme of each tie-line to meet the electricity spot market constraints can be obtained, and the safety check results have the executability of the power market. The rationality and feasibility of the safety check algorithm results are verified by simulating the provincial-scale electricity spot market. According to the simulation results, this method can release effective reserve resources and provide more guarantees for the safe operation of the power grid. In addition, this method can save up to 4.9% of the total operation cost of the power system and improve the dispatching economy of the power system. This method is of great significance to ensure the safe operation of the power system and the day-ahead market and real-time market scheduling in the actual power spot system. In addition, this method also has great guiding significance for the analysis of the actual reserve situation of the power market after the event.
Mechanisms of As, Cd, Pb, and Zn hyperaccumulation by plants and their effects on soil microbiome in the rhizosphere
Authors: Asare Michael O. , Száková Jiřina , Tlustoš Pavel
Published: April 2023

Excess potentially toxic elements (PTEs), including arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn), above permissible limits in the environment, have detrimental effects on trophic levels. Hence, imperative to devise advertent measures to address this situation, especially in the soil ecosystem: the major reservoir of many PTEs. Using aerial plant parts (shoot) to accumulate As, Cd, Pb, and Zn - hyperaccumulators are considered a permanent approach to PTE removal from soils. This communication expatiated the principles that govern the hyperaccumulation of plants growing on As, Cd, Pb, and Zn-contaminated soils. The contribution of soil microbial communities during hyperaccumulation is well-elaborated to support the preference for this remediation approach. The study confirms a flow direction involving PTE uptake–translocation–tolerance–detoxification by hyperaccumulators. Rhizosphere microbes exhibit a direct preference for specific hyperaccumulators, which is associated with root exudations, while the resultant formation of chelates and solubility of PTEs, with soil physicochemical properties, including pH and redox potential, promote uptake. Different compartments of plants possess specialized transporter proteins and gene expressions capable of influx and efflux of PTEs by hyperaccumulators. After PTE uptake, many hyperaccumulators undergo cellular secretion of chelates supported by enzymatic catalysis and high transport systems with the ability to form complexes as tolerance and detoxification mechanisms. The benefits of combining hyperaccumulators with beneficial microbes such as endophytes and other rhizosphere microbes for PTE removal from soils are vital in enhancing plant survival and growth, minimizing metal toxicity, and supplying nutrients. Inoculation of suitable rhizosphere microbes can promote efficient cleaning of PTEs contaminated sites utilizing hyperaccumulator plants.
The contribution and interactive relationship of tourism industry development and technological innovation to the informatization level: Based on the context of low-carbon development
Authors: Zimeng Guo , Wei Yang , Qiuxia Chen , Xiaoting Huang
Published: April 2023

Research background: Informatization is a new economic form arising from a new round of technological and industrial changes. Information technology has been used to promote the integrated development of the tourism industry and propel technological innovation, which will help accelerate the achievement of the strategic goals of carbon emission peaking and carbon neutrality. China’s informatization level has improved to a certain extent due to the concentration of capital and technological innovation brought about by the government-led model, and also owing to the consumer dynamics released by the industry-side reform.

Research contents and methods: This study constructs a panel vector auto-regression model to investigate the impact of tourism industry development and technological innovation on informatization based on Chinese provincial statistics from 2010 to 2019. This study adopts the entropy method, Monte Carlo simulation, variance decomposition, and pulse response to investigate the impact, characteristics, and trends of their interactions.

Results: First, tourism industry development, technological innovation, and informatization all experience inertia development and have self-reinforcing mechanisms during the research period. Second, tourism industry development and technological innovation have a significantly positive impact on the enhancement of informatization, and their influence presents a trend, from upward to downward. Third, tourism industry development has a positive impact on technological innovation, and the response trend presents a curve approximately inverted U-shape. Fourth, from the results of variance decomposition, the contribution of technological innovation to the improvement of informatization level increases rapidly and reaches 18.5% and then levels off. The contribution rate of tourism industry development to the improvement of informatization level gradually rises and reaches 5.1%, finally tending to be stable.

Contribution: This study reveals that tourism industry development and technological innovation will exert different pulling effects on informatization at different development stages in China and their advantages and provides theoretical contributions to tourism industry development and technological innovation on the advancement of informatization level. The research results provide a reference basis for the government and related industrial sectors in how to effectively facilitate the development of informatization in the context of the low-carbon economy.
Potential of RFID telemetry for monitoring ground-dwelling beetle movements: A Mediterranean dry grassland study
Authors: Blight Olivier , Geslin Benoît , Mottet Lola , Albert Cécile H.
Published: April 2023

Better understanding insects’ movements could help preserve and restore the insect communities that are key to the functioning of grasslands. Recent technological advances have led to spectacular achievements in movement ecology, making it possible to track the individual movements of a wide variety of organisms, including the smallest. However, monitoring systems such as RFID tags may negatively impact an organism’s life history, with potential consequences on the reliability of data and conclusions. This study explored the potential of passive RFID tags to track the movements of three small ground-dwelling beetle species, a predator (Poecilus sericeus, Carabidae), a detritivore (Asida sericea, Tenebrionidae) and a granivore (Acinopus picipes, Carabidae), in a Mediterranean dry grassland degraded by years of cultivation. First, we tested whether carrying tags might impact individuals’ behaviour, using a before-and-after design under laboratory conditions. Despite a trend toward shorter displacements, we found no significant short-term effect of the tags on individuals’ movements. Second, we tracked a total of 25 tagged beetles in their natural environment every 4 h for 48 h. We highlight the principal limitation of using passive tags with small terrestrial beetles: the antenna has to pass over the tags to detect them, which restricts tracking to a few consecutive days after which the probability of locating an individual is low. However, the data obtained sheds light on the biological rhythms and daily movement capabilities of our target species: A. sericea is more mobile and P. sericeus less mobile than expected. Such knowledge could help predict the species’ ability to recolonise degraded areas, enabling appropriate restoration actions to be designed based on landscape ecology principles.
Trait based niche differentiation in tetrakas (Bernieridae) endemic to Madagascar: A multi-isotope approach
Authors: Yohannes Elizabeth , Berthoud Jean-Louis , Woog Friederike
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Tropical rainforest species interact with each other and their environment over a wide range of spatiotemporal scales. However, our understanding of resource partitioning and the mechanisms of avian species coexistence is largely restricted to subjective visual observations or acoustic monitoring. Therefore, the relative magnitudes of interspecific and intraspecific differences in resource use have remained difficult to quantify, particularly regarding different diets and habitat use. The eastern rainforest belt of Madagascar is inhabited by several species of insectivorous tetrakas belonging to an endemic bird family of Madagascar (Bernieridae). These species occupy similar habitats in the forest understory and are morphologically similar but because of likely differences (e.g., in foraging behaviors) we expect their foraging niches to be segregated allowing coexistence.

Methods

We examined the niche differentiation of four of these species: the Grey-crowned Tetraka (Xanthomixis cinereiceps), Long-billed Tetraka (Bernieria madagascariensis), Spectacled Tetraka (Xanthomixis zosterops), and White-throated Oxylabes (Oxylabes madagascariensis) in the Maromizaha rainforest in eastern Madagascar combining morphometry with stable carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur isotope ratios (δ13C, δ15N, and δ34S) from feathers.

Results

We show considerable variation in isotopic niche positions, niche breadth and interspecific niche overlap. In two species, the Long-billed Tetraka and Spectacled Tetraka, we found an indication of sex-specific niche space, with males exhibiting a larger isotopic niche-area relative to females. Morphological traits of five species (including the Wedge-tailed Tetraka, Hartertula flavoviridis) coupled with stable isotope data provided explanations of patterns of niche overlap and isotopic position.

Discussion

The observed isotopic niche differences may be explained by differences in resource acquisition strategies that might be associated with specific morphological traits and spatial distribution. This may play an important role in niche differentiation among coexisting and phylogenetically closely related species.
MicroRNA: role in macrophage polarization and the pathogenesis of the liver fibrosis
Authors: Yu Wen , Wang Shu , Wang Yangyang , Chen Hui , Nie Hao , Liu Lian , Zou Xiaoting , Gong Quan , Zheng Bing
Published: April 2023

Macrophages, as central components of innate immunity, feature significant heterogeneity. Numerus studies have revealed the pivotal roles of macrophages in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis induced by various factors. Hepatic macrophages function to trigger inflammation in response to injury. They induce liver fibrosis by activating hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), and then inflammation and fibrosis are alleviated by the degradation of the extracellular matrix and release of anti-inflammatory cytokines. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), a class of small non-coding endogenous RNA molecules that regulate gene expression through translation repression or mRNA degradation, have distinct roles in modulating macrophage activation, polarization, tissue infiltration, and inflammation regression. Considering the complex etiology and pathogenesis of liver diseases, the role and mechanism of miRNAs and macrophages in liver fibrosis need to be further clarified. We first summarized the origin, phenotypes and functions of hepatic macrophages, then clarified the role of miRNAs in the polarization of macrophages. Finally, we comprehensively discussed the role of miRNAs and macrophages in the pathogenesis of liver fibrotic disease. Understanding the mechanism of hepatic macrophage heterogeneity in various types of liver fibrosis and the role of miRNAs on macrophage polarization provides a useful reference for further research on miRNA-mediated macrophage polarization in liver fibrosis, and also contributes to the development of new therapies targeting miRNA and macrophage subsets for liver fibrosis.
Enhancedanti-tumor efficacy through a combination of intramuscularly expressed DNA vaccine and plasmid-encoded PD-1 antibody
Authors: Liu Xun , Yang Yueyao , Zheng Xiufeng , Liu Ming , Wang Gang
Published: April 2023

Immune check inhibitors (ICIs) have moderate response rates (~20%–30%) in some malignancies clinically, and, when used in combination with other immunotherapeutic strategies such as DNA tumor vaccines, there is evidence to suggest that they could optimize the efficacy of cancer treatment. In this study, we validated that intramuscular injection of plasmid DNA (pDNA) encoding OVA combined with pDNA encoding α-PD-1 (abbreviated as α-PD-1 in the following treatment groups) may enhance therapeutic efficacy by means of in situ gene delivery and enhanced muscle-specific potent promoter. Mice treated with pDNA-OVA or pDNA-α-PD-1 alone showed weak tumor inhibition in the MC38-OVA-bearing model. In comparison, the combined treatment of pDNA-OVA and pDNA-α-PD-1 resulted in superior tumor growth inhibition and a significantly improved survival rate of over 60% on day 45. In the B16-F10-OVA metastasis model, the addition of the DNA vaccine enhanced resistance to tumor metastasis and increased the populations of CD8+ T cells in blood and spleen. In conclusion, the current research shows that a combination of pDNA-encoded PD-1 antibody and DNA vaccine expressed in vivo is an efficient, safe, and economical strategy for tumor therapy.
Exposure of wild Caspian seals (Pusa caspica) to parasites, bacterial and viral pathogens, evaluated via molecular and serological assays
Authors: Kydyrmanov Aidyn , Karamendin Kobey , Kassymbekov Yermukhammet , Kumar Marat , Mazkirat Shynar , Suleimenova Symbat , Baimukanov Mirgaliy , Carr Ian M. , Goodman Simon J.
Published: April 2023

Disease surveillance of marine mammal populations is essential to understand the causes of strandings, identify potential threats to animal health, and to support development of conservation strategies. Here we report the first large multi-pathogen screening of prevalence for viruses, bacteria and parasites in a sample of 177 live, healthy, wild Caspian seals (Pusa caspica), captured and released during satellite telemetry studies 2007-2017. Employing molecular and serological assays we assess prevalence of pathogens known to be of significance for marine mammal health worldwide, and evaluate the results in relation to Caspian seal health and conservation. RT-PCR, and PCR assays find evidence for infection by Canine Distemper Virus (CDV), Phocine herpes virus, phocine adenovirus and Influenza A at prevalences of 5%, 6.4%, 21.7%, and 4% respectively. The genomes of CDV isolates collected in 2008 showed 99.59% identity with the 2000 Caspian seal CDV epizootic strain. A partial coding sequence for the Us2 gene from the Caspian seal herpes virus was identical to PhHV-1 isolate PB84, previously reported from a harbor seal (Phoca vitulina), while amplicon sequences for the adenovirus polymerase gene indicated a novel strain. ELISA assays detected exposure to Influenza A (55% of tested samples), adenovirus (25%), coronavirus (6%), CDV (8%), herpes virus (94%), Toxoplasma gondii (2.6%) and heartworm (1%). Hemagglutination inhibition (HI) tests detected exposure to Influenza B at a prevalence of 20%, and Leptospira microscopic agglutination tests detected suspected exposure to Leptospira serovars in 9% of tested samples. Overall, the risks, profile and prevalence of pathogens in Caspian seals appear comparable to other wild phocid seal populations. Our results suggest Caspian seals have exposure pathways to pathogens with epizootic potential or ability to cause significant morbidity, and that disease impacts could reduce the resilience of the population to other conservation threats. Caspian seals are listed as Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and we recommend that resources are invested to support further surveillance programs and to understand how anthropogenic pressures may influence future disease risks. A translated version of this abstract is available in Russian and Kazakh in the Supplementary Material (Presentation 1 and Presentation 2)
The magnitude of pediatric mortality and determinant factors in intensive care units in a low-resource country, Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Molla Misganew Terefe , Endeshaw Amanuel Sisay , Kumie Fantahun Tarekegn , Lakew Tigist Jegnaw
Published: April 2023

Background

Pediatric mortality after being admitted to a pediatric intensive care unit in Ethiopia is high when compared to high-income countries. There are limited studies regarding pediatric mortality in Ethiopia. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the magnitude and predictors of pediatric mortality after being admitted to an intensive care unit in Ethiopia.

Methods

This review was conducted in Ethiopia after retrieving peer-reviewed articles and evaluating their quality using AMSTAR 2 criteria. An electronic database was used as a source of information, including PubMed, Google Scholar, and Africa Journal of Online Databases, using AND/OR Boolean operators. Random effects of the meta-analysis were used to show the pooled mortality of pediatric patients and its predictors. A funnel plot was used to assess the publication bias, and heterogeneity was also checked. The final result were expressed as an overall pooled percentage and odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of < 0.05%.

Results

In our review, eight studies were used for the final analysis with a total population of 2,345. The overall pooled mortality of pediatric patients after being admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit was 28.5% (95% CI: 19.06, 37.98). The pooled mortality determinant factors were included the use of a mechanical ventilator with an odds ratio (OR) of 2.64 (95% CI: 1.99, 3.30); the level of Glasgow Coma Scale <8 with an OR of 2.29 (95% CI: 1.38, 3.19); the presence of comorbidity with an OR of 2.18 (95% CI: 1.41, 2.95); and the use of inotropes with an OR of 2.36 (95% CI: 1.65, 3.06).

Conclusion

In our review, the overall pooled mortality of pediatric patients after being admitted to the intensive care unit was high. Particular caution should be taken in patients on the use of mechanical ventilators, the level of Glasgow Coma Scale of <8, the presence of comorbidity, and the use of inotropes.

Systematic review registration

https://www.researchregistry.com/browse-the-registry#registryofsystematicreviewsmeta-analyses/, identifier: 1460.
Overview and comparison of the clinical scores in hidradenitis suppurativa: A real-life clinical data
Authors: Daoud Mathieu , Suppa Mariano , Benhadou Farida , Daxhelet Mathilde , Njimi Hassane , White Jonathan , Jemec Gregor , del Marmol Véronique
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Partly due to its clinical heterogeneity, hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is difficult to score accurately; illustrated by the large number of disease scores. In 2016, a systematic review by Ingram et al. reported the use of about thirty scores, and since then, this number has increased further. Our aim is twofold: to provide a succinct but detailed narrative review of the scores used to date, and to compare these scores with each other for individual patients.

Materials and methods

The review of the literature was done among articles in English and French, on Google, Google scholar, Pubmed, ScienceDirect and Cochrane. To illustrate the differences between scores, data from some Belgian patients included in the European Registry for HS were selected. A first series of patients compares the severity of the following scores: Hurley, Hurley Staging refined, three versions of Sartorius score (2003, 2007, 2009), Hidradenitis Suppurativa Physician Global Assessment (HS-PGA), International Hidradenitis Suppurativa Severity Scoring System (IHS4), Severity Assessment of Hidradenitis Suppurativa (SAHS), Hidradenitis Suppurativa Severity Index (HSSI), Acne Inversa Severity Index (AISI), the Static Metascore, and one score that is not specific to HS: Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). A second set of patients illustrates how some scores change over time and with treatment: Hurley, Hurley Staging refined, Sartorius 2003, Sartorius 2007, HS-PGA, IHS4, SAHS, AISI, Hidradenitis Suppurativa Clinical Response (HiSCR), the very new iHS4-55, the Dynamic Metascore, and DLQI.

Results

Nineteen scores are detailed in this overview. We illustrate that for some patients, the scores do not predictably and consistently correlate with each other, either in an evaluation of the severity at a time-point t, or in the evaluation of the response to a treatment. Some patients in this cohort may be considered responders according to some scores, but non-responders according to others. The clinical heterogeneity of the disease, represented by its many phenotypes, seems partly to explain this difference.

Conclusion

These examples illustrate how the choice of a score can lead to different interpretations of the response to a treatment, or even potentially change the results of a randomized clinical trial.
Revealing the relative importance among plant species, slope positions, and soil types on rhizosphere microbial communities in northern tropical karst and non-karst seasonal rainforests of China
Authors: Zhang Xingming , Wang Bin , Chen Ting , Guo Yili , Li Xiankun
Published: April 2023

Rhizosphere microbes have an extremely close relationship with plants and the study on the relationship between rhizosphere microorganisms and their influencing factors is conducive to the protection of vegetation and the maintenance of biodiversity. Here we investigated how plant species, slope positions and soil types affect the rhizosphere microbial community. Slope positions and soil types were collected from northern tropical karst and non-karst seasonal rainforests. The results indicated that soil types played a predominant role in the development of rhizosphere microbial communities (28.3% of separate contribution rate), more than plant species identity (10.9% of separate contribution rate) and slope position (3.5% of separate contribution rate). Notably, environmental factors closely related to soil properties were the major influence factors that controlling the rhizosphere bacterial community structure in the northern tropical seasonal rainforest, especially pH. Additionally, plant species also influenced the rhizosphere bacterial community. In low nitrogen content soil environments, rhizosphere biomarkers of dominant plant species were often nitrogen-fixing strains. It suggested that plants might have a selective adaptation mechanism to rhizosphere microorganisms to obtain the advantages of nutrient supply. Overall, soil types exerted the biggest influence on rhizosphere microbial community structure, followed by plant species and finally slope positions.
Genetic diversity and phylogenetic characteristics of viruses in lily plants in Beijing
Authors: Chen Ling , Guo Cheng , Yan Chenge , Sun Rui , Li Yongqiang
Published: April 2023

Lily (Lilium) is an important bulbous perennial herb that is frequently infected by one or more viruses. To investigate the diversity of lily viruses, lilies with virus-like symptoms in Beijing were collected to perform small RNA deep sequencing. Then, the 12 complete and six nearly full-length viral genomes, including six known viruses and two novel viruses were determined. Based on sequence and phylogenetic analyses, two novel viruses were considered to be members of the genera Alphaendornavirus (Endornaviridae) and Polerovirus (Solemoviridae). These two novel viruses were provisionally named lily-associated alphaendornavirus 1 (LaEV-1) and lily-associated polerovirus 1 (LaPV-1). Based on sequence, phylogenetic and recombination analyses, strawberry latent ringspot virus (SLRSV) in the genus Stralarivirus (Secoviridae) was identified for the first time in China, and shown to exhibit the highest nucleotide (nt) diversity among the available full-length SLRSV genome sequences, with the highest identities of 79.5% for RNA1 and 80.9% for RNA2. Interestingly, the protease cofactor region in RNA1 was 752 aa in length, whereas those of the other 27 characterized isolates ranged from 700–719 aa in length. The genome sequences of lily virus A (Potyvirus), lily virus X (Potexvirus), and plantago asiatica mosaic virus (Potexvirus) exhibited varying degrees of sequence diversity at the nucleotide level compared with their corresponding characterized isolates. In addition, plantago asiatica mosaic virus (PlAMV) tended to cluster on a host species-basis. One identified lily mottle virus (Potyvirus) isolate was detected as a recombinant, and which clustered in a different group with four other isolates. Seven identified lily symptomless virus (Carlavirus) isolates, including one recombinant, were clustered into three clades. Our results revealed the genetic diversity of lily-infecting viruses, and sequence insertion, host species and recombination are factors that likely contribute to this diversity. Collectively, our results provide useful information regarding the control of viral disease in lily.