bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of patient loyalty on the economic indicators of the activities of a medical organization providing paid medical services
Authors:   FGBOU VO “South Ural State Medical University” of the Ministry of Healthcare of the Russian Federation, Novikov M. S. , Solovieva Yu. A. ,   FGBOU VO “South Ural State Medical University” of the Ministry of Healthcare of the Russian Federation
Published: January 2023

I n t r o d u c t i o n . In modern conditions of the paid medical services market, the vector of competition development is shifting from the concept of classical marketing to relationship marketing, and in these circumstances the issues of forming, retaining and managing patient loyalty come to the fore. The authors propose to consider a fundamentally different approach to measuring patient loyalty by a medical organization. In their opinion, the most effective method for studying the level of loyalty in combination with economic indicators is the consumer loyalty index (English Net Promoter Score, NPS), developed and first introduced in 2003 by Fred Reichheld. T h e p u r p o s e o f t h e r e s e a r c h is to study the impact of patient loyalty on improving the economic efficiency of a medical organization providing paid medical services. M a t e r i a l s a n d m e t h o d s . A study was planned and conducted using the NPS methodology to study patient loyalty. The survey of patients was carried out through SMS messages in automatic mode using a service integrated into the medical information system (MIS) of a medical organization. Previously, patients provided consent to the processing and transfer of their personal data. The results of the survey and data on the actual payment for paid medical services for each respondent were integrated into a consolidated database for further statistical processing. R e s u l t s . The study involved 39320 patients of the dental clinic. The results obtained during the study period coincided with the calculations of Fred Reichheld and confirmed the relevance of the application of this methodology in the current conditions of the paid medical services market. It has been established that the loyalty of patients to a medical organization affects the increase in economic indicators, and achieving a sustainable growth rate of a medical organization and predictable positive financial indicators is impossible without creating a base of loyal repeat patients. In addition, increasing the level of loyalty of repeat patients has a positive effect on NPS, which is directly related to an increase in the average cost of medical appointment and net sales. C o n c l u s i o n . Thus, the level of patient loyalty has a direct impact on the main economic indicators of the medical organization activity.
Satisfaction of parents with the availability of preferential drug provision for minors
Authors:   St. Petersburg State University, Akulin I.M. , Sokolova V.V. ,   St. Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University
Published: January 2023

The health and well-being of children is in the first place in the social policy of any state. In relation to children with chronic diseases, a lot of state support measures are being developed, including preferential drug provision. At the same time, the availability and volume of benefits for each particular child can affect the further prognosis of the disease, the social and economic efficiency of the measures taken. The purpose of the study was to identify the reasons for parents' dissatisfaction with the availability and quality of the organization of preferential drug provision for minors. The study was conducted by anonymous questioning of 455 parents of children admitted for inpatient treatment at the FSBEI HE SPb SPMU and the G.I. Turner in 2020, belonging to the preferential category. The study showed that there are restrictions at all stages of the provision of drug benefits. Most parents have low awareness of the child's right to benefits, as well as low legal activity in situations where the child's right is violated. A third of parents prefer not to use the benefit, fearing obstacles to its implementation. For children eligible for a federal benefit, the availability of drug coverage is significantly higher than for children with a regional benefit.
Issues of distribution of the cost of medicines and other consumables by sources of financing in the provision of paid medical services
Authors:   Federal Research Institute for Health Organization and Informatics of Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Kadyrov F. N. ,   North-Western State Medical University I.I. Mechnikov, Chililov A.M. ,   National Medical Research Center of Surgery named after Vishnevsky
Published: January 2023

In the article, on the basis of regulatory legal acts and explanations of the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation, possible ways of distributing medicines by sources of financing are substantiated.
Multifactorial assessment of the capacity of the laboratory service of the region in the diagnosis of COVID‑19
Authors:   The Bashkir state medical university of the Russian Ministry of Health, Ismagilov R. R. , Bilalov F. S. ,   The Bashkir state medical university of the Russian Ministry of Health, Gil’manov A.Zh. ,   The Bashkir state medical university of the Russian Ministry of Health, Enikeeva D. R. ,   The Bashkir state medical university of the Russian Ministry of Health
Published: January 2023

The ubiquity of the new coronavirus infection contributed to the mobilization of all authorities, and a colossal burden fell on the health care system. An important stage in patient management is timely laboratory diagnostics, which allows you to adequately carry out medical and diagnostic, anti-epidemic and preventive measures. The integral indicator characterizing the readiness of the laboratory service to diagnose a new coronavirus infection is the capacity of the laboratory service. The material and technical base, personnel resources, labor organization, informatization exert their influence on the maximum design capacity of the laboratory, the current real productivity of the laboratory, the operational productivity of the laboratory. It was revealed that significant factors affecting the laboratory activity are the number of personnel, the presence of automatic nucleic acid isolation stations, and the number of amplifiers. Timely integrated material and technical support, qualified personnel are the basis for successful solution of the assigned tasks of laboratory diagnostics.
Pull in Analysis of Nano sized RF switches using Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: Sethuraman Seetharaman , Chaitanya Pranav , S kanthamani , Percy J.Joslin , Roomi S.Mohamed Mansoor
Published: January 2023

An Artificial Neural Network (ANN) model for the pull-down voltage analysis of Radio Frequency (RF) NEMS (Nano Electro-Mechanical) switch is presented in this paper. The fixed-fixed beam and cantilever beam structure have been chosen and analyzed in terms of pull-down voltage with the variation of its physical parameter values. An ANN model was trained with several training algorithms to achieve higher performance and computational efficiency. The pull-down voltage predicted from the Levenberg-Marquardt backpropagation ANN model has been compared with previous results presented in experimental and theoretical studies available in the literature. The proposed ANN model was also used to investigate the geometric and physical influence of the nano-switch on the pull-in voltage, and results were reported. The proposed ANN model performs better, with less Mean Square Error (MSE) of 0.000045 and 0.000092 for cantilever and fixed-fixed beam structures respectively.
Optimization of NGL separation process with maximum quality and energy reduction
Authors: Sabeghi Narjes , Kiani Behrooz , Ghanbari Reza , Ghorbani-Moghadam Khatere
Published: January 2023

There are different methods to separate Natural Gas Liquid (NGL) from natural gas. One of these methods is refrigeration. Temperature reduction occurs in the dew point adjustment part to condense the NGL. The aim of this paper is to present a methodology for optimizing the NGL production process by calculating the best quantity for some set-points (the temperature, pressure, and etc for some vessels or other equipment) and at the same time try to reduce the energy consumption. To do this, we use a hybrid algorithm including a Genetic Algorithm (NSGA II) and Artificial Neural Network system (ANN). Indeed, in this research, we define a multi-objective problem and try to investigate more solutions for finding the best pareto-front. Therefore, it needs more time to evaluate solutions, thus, using an ANN to evaluate the amount of objective functions according to different solutions, is faster than the simulation methods. We solve the defined multi-objective problem by using of NSGAII. In order to design a tool that is a decision-helper for selecting the appropriate set-points, the ability of the ANN algorithm along with multi-objective optimization is evaluated. We implement our proposed algorithm on one of the Iranian chemical factories, knowing as the NGL plant, which separates the Natural Gas Liquid (NGL) from natural gas, as the case study of this article. We show the effectiveness of our proposed algorithm by using the nonparametric statistical Kruskal-Wallis.
SIRT4 enhances the sensitivity of colorectal cancer cells to 5-FU by inhibiting ammonia-mediated autophagy
Authors: Xu Bo , Cai Liangliang , Xiao Hua , Cai Guohao , Sun Pingliang , Huang Guoyu
Published: January 2023

5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) has been a first-line chemotherapy agent for colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the emergence of chemoresistance has affected its use. Our preliminary results indicated that SIRT4 levels were decreased in CRC and associated with poor prognosis. Here, SIRT4 enhances the sensitivity of CRC cells to 5-FU. Mechanistically, SIRT4 inhibits autophagy flow within CRC cells, and inhibiting autophagy using bafilomycin or shATG5 counteracts the elevated sensitivity of CRC cells to 5-FU due to SIRT4. Further, SIRT4 inhibited glutamine metabolism and ammonia production in CRC cells by inhibiting glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH). In contrast, inhibition of glutamine metabolism by BPTES or adding ammonium chloride to the medium counteracted the inhibition of autophagy due to SIRT4. Therefore, inhibiting glutamine metabolism or adding ammonium chloride to the medium counteracted the difference in sensitivity of CRC cells to 5-FU because of SIRT4. Together, the current findings identify a novel role of SIRT4 in autophagy manipulation and demonstrate the molecular mechanism behind SIRT4 in enhancing the sensitivity of colorectal cancer cells to 5-FU, providing a promising strategy to increase the efficacy of 5-FU for the treatment of colorectal cancer.
The influence of drug-eluting beads transarterial chemoembolization on serum levels of soluble programed cell death protein-1 in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma patients
Authors: Ma Xiaochen , Sun Xiangyang , Xie Fubo , Jian Wencheng , Wang Qingliang , Xie Yang , Li Caixia , Kai Zhang
Published: January 2023

Aims: To investigate the implications of soluble programmed cell death protein 1 (sPD-1) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients treated with drug-eluting beads transarterial chemoembolization (D-TACE) and to evaluate the potential value of sPD-1 to guide selection of the optimal time to begin combination therapy with D-TACE and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs).
Materials and methods:Forty-four HCC patients suitable for TACE and fifty-five healthy volunteers were enrolled in this study. Three milliliters of peripheral venous blood of patients were collected on 1 day before TACE and 3, 7, and 30 days after TACE respectively for assay of sPD-1 using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The associations of the sPD-1 level with the clinical features, outcomes, and the fluctuation of sPD-1 during the treatment were analyzed.
Results: The initial sPD-1 level of patients was significantly higher than that of the control group. Although the initial level of sPD-1 showed a decreasing trend with the increase of BCLC stage, there were no significant differences among patients with different BCLC stages. The sPD-1 level of 3 days after TACE was significantly lower than the initial level but the level of sPD-1 after 7 days of TACE was similar to that after 3 days of TACE. The sPD-1 level of 30 days after TACE was significantly higher than that of 7 days after TACE. When it came to 30 days after TACE, sPD-1 level nearly elevated to the initial level before TACE. The level of sPD-1 of CR and PD patients was lower than that of PR, SD patients, but the differences were not significant.
Conclusion: The level of sPD-1 was significantly elevated in patients with HCC but further research is necessary to better understand the value of sPD-1 in onset, development, and prognosis of HCC as a potential biomarker. The decreases in sPD-1 after D-TACE suggested that D-TACE could probably reduce immune effector cells as well as weaken immune function, which indicated that the ICIs shouldn’t be administered shortly after D-TACE.
Trial registration:
Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (中国临床试验注册中心), ChiCTR1800018846. Registered 14 Octorbor 2018, http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=31528
Amniotic membrane-derived stromal cells release extracellular vesicles that favor regeneration of dystrophic skeletal muscles
Authors: Sandonà Martina , Esposito Federica , Cargnoni Anna , Silini Antonietta , Romele Pietro , Parolini Ornella , Saccone Valentina
Published: January 2023

Background
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a muscle disease caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene characterized by myofiber fragility and progressive muscle degeneration. The genetic defect results in a reduced number of self-renewing satellite cells (MuSCs) and an impairment of their activation and differentiation which lead to the exhaustion of skeletal muscle regeneration potential and muscle replacement by fibrotic and fatty tissue.
In this study we focused on an unexplored strategy to improve MuSC function and their niche based on the regenerative properties of mesenchymal stromal cells from the amniotic membrane (hAMSCs), multipotent cells that have been recognized to have a role in tissue repair in different disease models.
Methods
The myogenic capacity of the hAMSC secretome (CM-hAMSC) and of their extracellular vesicles (EVs) were tested on human myoblasts, muscle fibers and dystrophic muscle stem cells in terms of ability to favor MuSC activation and differentiation both in vitro and in vivo.
Specifically, the regenerative ability of EV-hAMSC was assessed by histological and molecular analyses after intra-muscular injection in the mouse model of DMD –mdx-.
Results
We demonstrate that CM-hAMSC and EVs isolated thereof are able to directly stimulate the in vitro proliferation and differentiation of human myoblasts and mouse MuSC from dystrophic muscles. Indeed, they significantly increased both nuclei numbers (p<0.0001) and fusion index (p<0.0001). Furthermore, we give evidence that EV-hAMSC provide a direct modulation of the muscle stem cell niche in mdx mice.
Interestingly, local injection of EV-hAMSCs in mdx muscles correlated with an increase in the number of activated Pax7+/Ki67+ MuSCs (p<0.001) and in new fiber formation (p<0.0001). EV-hAMSCs reduced muscle collagen deposition by almost 50% (p<0.01), thus counteracting fibrosis and MuSCs exhaustion, two hallmarks of DMD.
Conclusions
In this study, for the first time, we demonstrate that the hAMSC secretome (CM-hAMSC) and mainly EVs derived thereof are able to promote the muscle regeneration potential supporting proliferation and differentiation of resident muscle stem cells.
This study paves the way to develop a novel regenerative treatment to counteract DMD progression based on the capacity of EV-hAMSC to reduce fibrosis and enhance myogenesis in dystrophic muscles.
SOST gene suppression stimulates osteocyte Wnt/β-catenin signaling to prevent bone resorption and attenuates particle-induced osteolysis
Authors: Jiao Zixue , Chai Hao , Wang Shendong , Sun Chunguang , Huang Qun , Xu Wei
Published: January 2023

Background
The most common cause for prosthetic revision surgery is wear particle-induced periprosthetic osteolysis, which leads to aseptic loosening of the prosthesis. Both SOST gene and its synthetic protein, sclerostin, are hallmarks of osteocytes. According to our previous findings, blocking SOST induces bone formation and protects against bone loss and deformation caused by titanium (Ti) particles by activating the Wnt/β-catenin cascade. Although SOST has been shown to influence osteoblasts, its ability to control wear-particle-induced osteolysis via targeting osteoclasts remains unclear.
Methods
Mice were subjected to development of a cranial osteolysis model. Micro CT, HE staining and TRAP staining were performed to evaluate bone loss in the mouse model. Bone marrow-derived monocyte-macrophages (BMMs) made from the C57BL/6 mice were exposed to the medium of MLO-Y4(co-cultured with Ti particles) to transform them into osteoclasts. Bioinformatics methods were used to predict and validate the interaction among SOST, Wnt/β-catenin, RANKL/OPG, TNF-α, and IL-6.
Results
Local bone density and bone volume improved after SOST inhibition, both the number of lysis pores and the rate of skull erosion decreased. Histological research showed that β-catenin and OPG expression were markedly increased after SOST inhibition, whereas TRAP and RANKL levels were markedly decreased. In-vitro, Ti particle treatment elevated the expression of sclerostin, suppressed the expression of β-catenin, and increased the RANKL/OPG ratio in the MLO-Y4 cell line. TNF-α and IL-6 also elevated after treatment with Ti particles. The expression levels of NFAT-1, CTSK, and TRAP in osteoclasts were significantly increased, and the number of positive cells for TRAP staining was increased. Additionally, the volume of bone resorption increased at the same time. In contrast, when SOST expression was inhibited in the MLO-Y4 cell line, these effects produced by Ti particles were reversed.
Conclusion
All the results strongly show that SOST inhibition triggered the osteocyte Wnt/β-catenin signaling cascade and prevented wear particle-induced osteoclastogenesis, which might reduce periprosthetic osteolysis.
Obstetric and neonatal outcomes: Antiseizure medication profile and seizure types in pregnant women in a vulnerability state, Brazil
Authors: Leite Magnúcia De Lima , Silva José Claudio da , de Oliveira Tales Lyra , Mota-Ortiz Sandra Regina , Almeida Daniel dos Santos , Toporcov Tatiana Natasha
Published: January 2023

Objectives
To describe obstetric and neonatal outcomes, antiseizure medication (ASM) use, and types of seizures in pregnant women with epilepsy (PWWE).
Methods
This retrospective cohort study used data collected from the medical records of high-risk maternity hospitals in Alagoas. PWWE aged < 40 years, with controlled or refractory seizures and pregnant women without epilepsy (control group) between 2008 and 2021 were included in the study.
Results
The obstetric and neonatal outcomes observed in PWWE were pregnancy-related hypertension (PrH), vaginal bleeding, preeclampsia, oligohydramnyos, polyhydramnios, stillbirth, greater likelihood of PrH in those with generalized tonic-clonic seizures (GTCS), maternal ICU admission in those with GTCS and status epilepticus and phenytoin and lamotrigine use. PWWE with GTCS had a higher risk of stillbirth. and premature delivery. PWWE with status epilepticus were treated with lamotrigine. Phenobarbital(PB) with diazepam was commonly used in GTCS and status epilepticus. 14% of the patients did not use antiseizure medication (ASM), 50.2% used monotherapy, and 35.8% used polytherapy. 60.9% of patients used PB and 25.2% used carbamazepine.
Conclusion
This study describes the association between adverse obstetric and neonatal outcomes and severe seizure types in PWWE.
Comparison of "Internet +" CBL and traditional CBL in CPPT teaching mode
Authors: Wang Xinqi , Wang Jiale , Hu Haoyuan , Zhao Jiahui , Wang Songyun
Published: January 2023

Objective To study the difference between "Internet +" case-based learning(CBL) and traditional CBL in the CPPT teaching mode and provide foundation and basis for medical teaching reform.
Methods In August 2022, the fourth-year students of the First Clinical College of a medical university received the "Learning Experience" survey, which was conducted to evaluate the teaching satisfaction and learning gain.
Results Both CBL methods have preponderances and weaknesses. "Internet +" CBL is better in teaching satisfaction, understanding and utilization of knowledge, and can effectively improve students' ability to collect and analyze information and improve students' teamwork ability in terms of learning gain. On the basis of being able to complete the syllabus, traditional CBL reduces the study burden before and after class, provides students with more spare time, but challenges students' consciousness.
Conclusion Under the Clinical Pathophysiology &Therapeutics (CPPT) teaching mode, the teaching satisfaction and learning gain of Internet + "CBL" are superior to traditional CBL in different degrees, but Internet + "CBL" increases the burden on students to a certain extent.
Sustainability Factors of Building Information Modeling (BIM) implementing for Successful Construction Project Managemet Life Cycle in Indonesia
Authors: Latupeirissa Josefine Ernestine , Arrang Hermin
Published: January 2023

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is an important asset in construction projects from conceptual planning, pre-construction to operation stage. While many construction projects in developed countries are gradually implementing BIM, the development of this technology in developing countries is still lagging behind. Some research results state that the application of BIM for certain uses can improve the performance of construction projects, but in Indonesia its use is still very less. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to analyze the factors what can answer the challenges in the sustainability of BIM implementation in construction projects in Indonesia for success in its life cycle.. Data were obtained from 44 respondents who answered the questionnaire questions, are owners, supervisory consultants, and contractors representing construction parties in Indonesia. Empirical analysis using multiple linear regression states that there are five factors which, if sustainably support the application of BIM, will affect the success of construction project management in its life cycle. The ranking of five factors based on the results of the analysis is Understanding and Awareness of the importance of BIM; Establishment of BIM standards, codes, rules, and regulations; Competencies and Skills; Commitment and Consistency; and Monitoring and Evaluation. The development of BIM has resulted in new work processes and new ways to interact in a construction project throughout its life cycle.
Whey protein supplementation improves hypoalbuminemia in critically ill neurological patients: a single-center randomized study
Authors: Tian Fei , Liu Gang , He Hong-Mei , Chen Wei-Bi , Fan Lin-Lin , Cui Li-Li , Zhang Yan
Published: January 2023

Background:Whether whey protein supplementation can reduce the occurrence of hypoproteinemia in patients with acute critically ill neurological diseases on the basis of standard intact EN has not been confirmed by randomized controlled clinical trials.
Objective:We evaluated the effect of whey protein powder on serum albumin in acute critically ill neurological patients.
Methods:Critically ill neurological patients expected to stay longer than 7 days were randomized. For the intact protein formula (IPF) group, only an intact protein formula was given. For the whey protein supplementation formula (WPF) group, whey protein powder was added on the basis of an intact protein formula.
Results: The serum albumin level in the WPF group was higher than that in the IPF group (31.92 ± 4.48 / 29.55 ± 4.31, P = 0.005, 95%CI 0.746 −3.981). There was no significant difference in the complications of enteral nutrition treatment between the two groups (p＞0.05). The serum albumin levels in the WPF group was higher than that in the IPF group for patients 60 years or older and for stroke patients respectively (P＜0.05). Interleukin-6 (OR = -0.023, P = 0.018, 95%CI -0.042 − -0.004) and procalcitonin (OR = -8.331, P = 0.004, 95%CI -13.931 − -2.730) were negatively independently correlated with the serum albumin levels respectively. There was no significant difference in the mRS between the two groups at 14 days and 90 days after onset (p＞0.05).
Conclusion: Whey protein supplementation can improve the severity of hypoproteinemia in critically ill patients with neurological disease, especially in elderly patients and in patients with stroke. At the same time, we need to pay more attention to persistent inflammatory responses and secondary infections. Further clinical studiesat different levels are needed to discover more evidence to help better managethese patients.
URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04361357?term=04361357&draw=2&rank=1.
Registration ID: NCT04361357
Quantifying the observed impacts of sea level rise on saltwater intrusion in the Pearl River estuary
Authors: Hu Haiju , Chen Gedun , Lin Rui , Huang Xing , Wei Zhidong , Chen Guoheng
Published: January 2023

The saltwater intrusion occurs in many coastal areas worldwide and has become a serious menace to freshwater quality. In the Pearl River estuary, saltwater intrusion has threatened the water supply for residential, agricultural, and industrial uses in the past decades, and resulted in economic losses. In this study, the observed saltwater intrusion records of 10 years (2012~2021) at 9 stations in Modaomen waterway, the largest inlet of the Pearl River estuary, were compiled and analyzed with the reported sea level heights and river discharge volumes during the same period. Along the Modaomen waterway, the annual saltwater intrusion days have inversely correlated exponential relationship (R2 = 0.97) with distance away from the Pearl River estuary mouth. The results from a multiple linear regression show that the observed annual saltwater intrusion days near the main Pearl River estuary mouth could be quantitatively explained by the combination of river discharge volumes and sea level rise values. Every 1 mm increase of annual sea level rise, would led to an extended saltwater intrusion for 0.410±0.116 day in the same year near the main estuary mouth of the Pearl River. This work presents an example to investigate the sea level rise impacts on saltwater intrusion with annually compiled observed data and from a time-change perspective.
Deep-Learning-Based Neural Network for Design of Dual-Band Coupled-Line Trans-Directional Coupler
Authors: Sallam Tarek , Eldesouki Eman M. , Attiya Ahmed M.
Published: January 2023

A deep-learning-based model to automate the design of dual-band coupled-line trans- directional (CL-TRD) coupler can greatly improve upon the current techniques that rely on complicated analysis. In this paper, we propose a convolutional neural network (CNN), which is a type of deep learning, which can rapidly output the parameters of dual-band directional couplers corresponding to theoretical (ideal) specifications of the electrical parameters through an inverse model. The neural network training data is generated by the use of electromagnetic simulation tool HFSS by varying the geometrical design parameters of the coupler. In order to validate the robustness of the CNN inverse model, it is applied on a 3-dB dual-band CL-TRD coupler operating at 1.2/4 GHz, and compared with a shallow neural network namely, radial basis function neural network (RBFNN). The coupler parameters designed by both neural networks are verified by HFSS. The results reveal that the CNN simulated S-parameters and output ports phase difference are in good agreements with the ideal ones compared to those of RBFNN with more accuracy and speed. The designed coupler is fabricated and measured for verification.
Native bamboo increases biotic resistance to Pinus contorta invasion in temperate forest ecosystems
Authors: Ulloa Javier , Fuentes-Lillo Eduardo , Fuentes-Ramírez Andres , Pauchard Aníbal , García Rafael A.
Published: January 2023

One of the tree species with the greatest invasive potential worldwide is Pinus contorta Douglas ex Loundon, which is characterized by producing a great number of individuals in short periods of time, generating different impacts on the ecosystems it invades. The genus Chusquea is present in a diverse number of ecosystems in South America. In the temperate forests of Chile and Argentina, it forms dense thickets in the undergrowth as well as in open areas. Its rapid growth and vegetative reproduction, with large numbers of individuals, allow the species to dominate and restrict the establishment of other plant species. This study focused on analyzing the effect of the presence of individuals of Chusquea culeou E. Desv. on the establishment of the invasive species Pinus contorta, as well as on other native herbaceous and shrub species in Araucaria-Nothofagus forest. With this aim, we established 204 plots within the Malalcahuello National Reserve (in the Andes of south-central Chile) along a gradient of P. contorta invasion, where the presence or absence of these species was recorded through different percentages of Chusquea cover. The results showed that the probability of presence of P. contorta decreases significantly in areas where Chusquea cover is greater than 25%. Native species also decrease their presence, but to a lesser extent compared to P. contorta. Our results demonstrate the inhibitory effect of Chusquea for the establishment of other plant species, but more markedly for invasive conifers.
Association of GLUT2 and TAS1R2 polymorphisms with dental caries susceptibility in children: a meta-analysis
Authors: zheng bo , zhang Chunli , Zhang Xixi , Chen Xiabing , Zhang Difei
Published: January 2023

Background: This meta-analysis evaluated the association of sweet taste 1 receptor 2 (TAS1R2) and glucose transporter 2 (GLUT2) polymorphisms with dental caries susceptibility in children.
Methods: We searched the PubMed, Web of Science, Embase and Cochrane Library databases to retrieve articles published up to 14th December 2022. Stata/SE 17.0 (TX 77845 USA) software was used to estimate the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The cohort study, case-control study focusing on the TAS1R2 and GLUT2 polymorphism and dental caries in children were retrieved. The data included basic information of each study and the genotypes and allele frequencies.
Results: Three studies were finally included, including 233 cases and 319 controls for rs35874116 in TAS1R2, 268 cases and 183 controls for rs5400 in GLUT2. Allelic model, homozygote model, recessive model, dominant model, and heterozygous model were established to assess the relationship between these two polymorphisms and dental caries susceptibility in children. The GLUT2 rs5400 was associated with caries in Allelic model (A vs. G), Recessive model (AA vs. AG+GG) and Homozygote model (AA vs.GG). The TAS1R2 rs35874116 was associated with caries in Dominant model (CC+CT vs. TT). The outcome from GLUT2 rs5400 and TAS1R2 rs35874116 were not stable in the sensitivity analysis.
Conclusions: The results of this meta-analysis showed that the Allelic model, Recessive model and Homozygote model of the GLUT2 rs5400 and the Dominant model of TAS1R2 rs35874116 were associated with an increased risk of caries in the case group compared with the control group. But the outcome from TAS1R2 rs35874116 was not stable.
PROSPERO registration number: CRD42022379301
Identification of A Coprinellus Strain and Its Application in Eucommia ulmoides Gum Extraction by Fermenting Leaves
Authors: Yang Yu
Published: January 2023

White rot fungi are a kind of filamentous fungi which can degrade lignin, hemicellulose and cellulose effectively. In this study, a wild macrofungi collected from Pingba Town, Bijie City of China was identified as Coprinellus disseminatus (fruiting body) based on morphological and molecular identification. The hyphae of C. disseminatus were pure-cultured to form Coprinus disseminatus (mycelium). The mycelium cultured in the medium with glucose as carbon source represented round in shape with gray color and the mycelia in the center were densely with loose margin, while the mycelium grew in the medium with xylan as carbon source appeared nearly round shape with white color and the mycelia were relatively dense from the center to the margin during all growth stages. The results of C. disseminatus mycelium culture under condition of xylan as sole carbon showed that the xylanase (XLE) activity and cellulase (CLE) activity were significantly higher than that of the control group (carbon-free), indicating that xylan could induce the high expression of XLE and CLE. Meanwhile, combined the mycelium culture with the determination of enzyme activity, the medium contained xylan as sole carbon was selected as the initial nutrient slution for fermentation of Eucommia ulmoides leaves in the following experiments. Further, the activities of tissue degradation-related enzymes including XLE, CLE, acetyl xylanesterase (AXE) and α-L-arabinofuran glycosidase (α-L-AF) were determined after fermenting Eucommia ulmoides leaves by inoculating C. disseminatus mycelium. The results showed that the activities of XLE, CLE, AXE and α-L-AF reached the maximum at 5 d after inoculation, which were 777.606 ± 4.248 U·mL-1, 9.594 ± 0.008 U·mL-1, 4.567 ± 0.026 U·mL-1 and 3.497 ± 0.10 U·mL-1 respectively. The results showed that xylan could be used as a potential carbon source for E. ulmoides leaf fermentation. At this moment, the activities of XLE and CLE in mycelium cultured in Glu-contained medium were 815.074 ± 7.102 U·mL-1 and 9.704 ± 0.030 U·mL-1 respectively, and the former was significantly higher than that of mycelium grew in Xyl-contained medium while the latter was equivalent to CLE activity of mycelium in xylan medium. Also, the activities of AXE and α-L-AF both reached the maximum in C. disseminatus mycelium cultured in glucose medium, which demonstrated the glucose could be optimal carbon source for the fermentation of E. ulmoides leaves with C. disseminatus. By comparing the yield of gutta-percha under different fermentation treatments, the extraction yield of gutta-percha were 2.156 ± 0.031% and 2.142 ± 0.044% at 7 d and 14 d after fermentation with mycelium supplemented xylan as carbon source, which were significantly higher than other groups. This study provides a theoretical reference for the preparation of gutta-percha by large-scale fermentation of E. ulmoides leaves with C. disseminatus.
Preparation of peanut shell biochar-based composite hydrogel and its effects on the growth and development of tobacco seedlings under Cd stress
Authors: Du Fu , Wang Jian , Liu Liping , Pan Yong , Wu Chuang , Wang Ronghao , Hu Jie , Wang Yanyan , Li Ziwei , Shi Youzhi
Published: January 2023

A novel peanut shell biochar-based composite hydrogel (AM/CMC/B) was synthesized and utilized to alleviate the toxicity of tobacco seedlings under Cd stress. The composition and structure of AM/CMC/B analyzed by Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The performance of AM/CMC/B in the removal of Cd2+ was evaluated through a comparative experiment between AM/CMC/B and AM/CMC. A pot experiment was conducted to explore the effects of composite hydrogel AM/CMC/B on the growth and development of tobacco seedlings under Cd stress. The results showed that when the initial concentration of Cd2+ was 200 mg L-1, the temperature was 25 ℃ and pH was 5.0, the maximum adsorption capacity of Cd2+ by composite hydrogel AM/CMC/B could reach 164.83 mg g-1. Application of exogenous AM/CMC/B enhanced the growth of tobacco seedings under Cd stress. When 10 mg kg-1 Cd was added, AM/CMC/B supply obviously improved the phenotype of tobacco seedlings and made the roots of tobacco seedlings more developed, compared to the treatment blank control. The fresh and dry weight of the aboveground and underground parts of tobacco seedlings increased by 98.39%, 130.67% and 84.22%, 231.82%, respectively. The photosynthesis and chlorophyll content (SPAD value) of tobacco seedlings increased significantly, stomatal conductance (Gs) and stomatal number increased. In addition, AM/CMC/B increased the antioxidant activity of tobacco seedlings, significantly reduced MDA content and leaf cell mortality. Composite hydrogel AM/CMC/B had the most significant effect on alleviating Cd stress of tobacco seedlings. This study has a potential application prospect. It can provide guidance for sewage purification, and this study also has a high feasibility in alleviating the toxicity of Cd stress in tobacco and other plants.
Blue LED light promoting the growth, accumulation of high-value isoflavonoids and astragalosides, antioxidant response, and biosynthesis gene expression in Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bunge hairy root cultures
Authors: Gai Qing-Yan , Feng Xue , Jiao Jiao , Xu Xiao-Jie , Fu Jin-Xian , He Xiao-Jia , Fu Yu-Jie
Published: January 2023

The root of Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bunge is one of the most frequently used herbs in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formulae for fighting COVID-19 infections, due to the presence of isoflavonoids and astragalosides associated with antiviral and immune-enhancing activities. For the first time, the exposure of A. membranaceus hairy root cultures (AMHRCs) to different colors of LED lights i.e., red, green, blue, red/green/blue (1/1/1, RGB), and white, was conducted to promote the root growth and accumulation of isoflavonoids and astragalosides. LED light treatment regardless of colors was found beneficial for root growth, which might be a result of the formation of more root hairs upon light stimulation. Blue LED light was found most effective for enhancing phytochemical accumulation. Results showed that the productivity of root biomass in blue-light grown AMHRCs with an initial inoculum size of 0.6% for 55 days was 1.40-fold higher than that in dark (control), and yields of high-value isoflavonoids and astragalosides including calycosin, formononetin, astragaloside IV, and astragaloside I increased by 3.17-fold, 2.66-fold, 1.78-fold, and 1.52-fold relative to control, respectively. Moreover, the photooxidative stress together with transcriptional activation of biosynthesis genes might contribute to the enhanced accumulation of isoflavonoids and astragalosides in blue-light grown AMHRCs. Overall, this work offered a feasible approach for obtaining higher yields of root biomass and medicinally important compounds in AMHRCs via the simple supplementation of blue LED light, which made blue-light grown AMHRCs industrially attractive as plant factory in controlled growing systems.
Psychological Impact of COVID-19 Among New and Experienced Nurses in an Outpatient Oncology Setting
Authors: Lam Chanel Wei Jie
Published: January 2023

Background
Emerging reports tell us of the serious emotional and psychological impact that working in healthcare in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic is having on the nursing workforce. Newly employed nurses who joined the healthcare sector in this climate also face a unique set of challenges. These issues may not be formally assessed when a newly employed nurse joins the workforce, and if so, go about unnoticed and unaddressed.
Objective
This study aims to understand the psychological impact and prevalence of burnout amongst new and experienced nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods
A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted at an outpatient cancer centre, during the lock-down period in Singapore. Convenient sampling was conducted for existing nurses (n=140), while all new nurses (n=28) were surveyed 3 weeks after their official start of deployment. The questionnaire survey issued included demographics, generalized anxiety disorder, Maslach Burnout Inventory, and measured fear, confidence in healthcare workers, and risk perceptions.
Results
There was no significant difference in the prevalence of anxiety between the two groups, though there was a higher prevalence seen in new nurses (17.9%) as compared to experienced nurses (10.7%). Experienced nurses reported higher prevalence in every component of “fear, anxiety, anger, disgust, helplessness” as compared to new nurses. New nurses were found to be more fearful that they “will not be prioritised for treatment in intensive care units if they were to contract COVID-19”. Experienced nurses reported higher levels of emotional exhaustion (28.6%) as compared to new nurses (14.3%); higher levels of depersonalization (37.9%), as compared to (28.6%), and lower levels of professional accomplishment (62.9%), as compared to 82.1%.
Conclusion
Nurses play a critical role in health promotion, disease prevention, and delivering primary and community care. It is therefore important that they should be of good mental health and in a good state to do so. This may be facilitated not only by providing the practical support (adequate PPE, training etc), but also psychological assessment and support to be able to work in this “new normal” clinical environment.
History repeats itself: the relevance of the 1918 influenza pandemic to the medical school curriculum
Authors: Jones Molly , Quenby Siobhan , Odendaal Joshua
Published: January 2023

BACKGROUND
The dramatic global impact of the coronavirus pandemic has increased consideration on epidemiological progressions of pandemics. Measures implemented to reduce viral transmission have been largely historical comparable in nature with the 1918 H1N1 influenza pandemic, demonstrating the importance of clinicians’ awareness on historical pandemics. Despite this, literature suggests medical students’ knowledge on previous pandemics is poor. This study aims to gather stakeholder information from UK medical students on the importance of including the history of Medicine in the medical school curriculum.
METHODS:
A cross-sectional cohort study conducted via a mixed question type online survey was distributed to all UK medical schools to explore stakeholder views on teaching on the history of Medicine in the curriculum. Grounded theory emergent coding was used to generate themes to free-text answers and SPSS and Excel were used to analyse quantitative data using pivot tables and Fishers exact tests.
RESULTS:
Two hundred and forty-one students consented to take part with a response rate of 98% (n = 237). 34% of students reported having teaching on pandemics with 78% of students stating it would be beneficial. Knowledge was poor with 5.7% of students achieving 100% on knowledge-based questions. 72% of students believed that learning about the history of medicine would be beneficial with 87% of these students referring to ‘benefiting (the) future’ in their answers. Additionally, 79% of students thought it would be beneficial to learn about the H1N1 Influenza 1918 pandemic with reference to the current COVID-19 pandemic.
CONCLUSIONS:
To date, this is the only UK based study assessing stakeholders’ views on including the history of Medicine in the medical school curriculum. Our findings demonstrate that medical students wish to have more historical content included in their degree to better prepare tomorrow’s doctors for situations that may occur when history repeats itself.
Reduction of spondylolisthesis and restoration of lumbar lordosis after anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF)
Authors: Aspalter Stefan , Stefanits Harald , Maier Christoph Johannes , Radl Christian , Wanger Helga , Hermann Philipp , Aichholzer Martin , Stroh Nico , Gruber Andreas , Senker Wolfgang
Published: January 2023

Background
Anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) is a well-established surgical treatment option for various diseases of the lumbar spine, including spondylolisthesis. This study aimed to evaluate the postoperative correction of spondylolisthesis and restoration of lumbar and segmental lordosis after ALIF
Methods
Patients with spondylolisthesis who underwent ALIF between 2013 and 2019 were retrospectively assessed. We assessed the following parameters pre-and postoperatively (6-months follow-up): Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), lumbar lordosis (LL), segmental lordosis (SL), L4/S1 lordosis, and degree of spondylolisthesis.
Results
96 patients were included. In 84 cases (87.50%), additional dorsal instrumentation was performed. The most frequent diagnosis was isthmic spondylolisthesis (73.96%). VAS was reduced postoperatively, from 70 to 40, as was ODI (50–32%). LL increased from 59.15° to 64.45°, as did SL (18.95° to 28.55°) and L4/S1 lordosis (37.90° to 44.00°). Preoperative spondylolisthesis was 8.90mm and was reduced to 6.05mm postoperatively. Relative spondylolisthesis was 21.63% preoperatively and 13.71% postoperatively. All clinical and radiological improvements were significant (all p < 0.001). No significant difference considering the lordosis values nor spondylolisthesis was found between patients who underwent ALIF surgery without dorsal instrumentation and patients who received additional dorsal instrumentation. Venous laceration was the most frequent complication (10.42%).
Conclusions
With ALIF, good clinical results and safe and effective reduction of spondylolisthesis and restoration of lordosis can be achieved. Additional dorsal instrumentation does not significantly affect postoperative lordosis or spondylolisthesis. Individual vascular anatomy must be reviewed preoperatively before considering ALIF.