bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factor Influencing Basecamp Location Selection of Highway Projects Based on Spatial Analysis
Authors: Hermawan F. , Yunianto E. , Nuroji N.
Published: November 2021

The highway project has a significant challenge in carrying out its work. The procurement of massive and constant materials is a significant problem. There are problems in basecamp selection: high transportation costs due to the distance to the raw material from the quarry, and on a managerial level, selection of basecamp location is the basis for construction firm management in controlling costs, time, and quality of the project. The literature review has mapped technical and non-technical factors in two decades. However, the lesson learned from historical data as a basis for decision-making is limited—the mileage factor between the quarry to the basecamp and from basecamp to the project site. This study aims to analyze the factors that influence determining the basecamp location for highwayprojects. The research method used is a case study, with a qualitative approach strategy using a questionnaire from experienced parties in similar projects. Analytical Hierarchy Process approach and in-depth interview with the former technical manager of highway project from a construction company were used as a decision support tool. The results showed that a priority of basecamp selection was determined based on the factor of the distance from the base camp to the project site, the distance from the basecamp to the quarry, the plan for independent material production. Apart from technical constraints, licensing and social issues were a factor in the location determination stage. This study contributes to the decision-making model for selecting basecamp locations at the managerial level in a construction company.
Spatial Model to Determine Environment-Based Disease: Leptospirosis Vulnerability Zones in Bantul District, Indonesia
Authors: Sunaryo S. , Marbawati D. , Ikawati B.
Published: November 2021

Leptospirosis is a zoonosis caused by Leptospira bacteria, transmitted through skin wounds or mucous with water or soil contaminated with leptospires from animal urine especially rodents. This paper aims to map spatially the distribution of leptospirosis and to determine a model of leptospirosis-vulnerability areas based on environment variables using the Geographic Information System. The method used was making a zoning map based on the scoring and weighting of the environmental risk variables of leptospirosis transmission. The spatial distribution of leptospirosis in Bantul District in 2019 is evenly distributed in each sub district, the most cases were in Bantul, Sewon, Kasihan sub districts. Leptospirosis vulnerability zones in the center and northern region of Bantul District. Intensive surveillance, treatment and control of leptospirosis as an early warning system in focus areas.
Spatial Economy Approach to Assess The Effectiveness of Poverty Treatment Policy Models and Regional Economic Impacts
Authors: Prasetyo A. , Gartika D.
Published: November 2021

Poverty in Indonesia is still a major problem in national development. Therefore, poverty is still a top priority program that must be carried out by various regions in Indonesia. Various models of regional policies have been created to promote poverty alleviation. This study aims to evaluate and analyze the poverty alleviation policy model that has been carried out by the Sumedang Regency Government and the Magelang Regency Government and its impact on the socio-economic sector through a spatial approach. The research was carried out with a qualitative descriptive method using secondary data derived from official government documents covering poverty alleviation policies and their performance achievements. This study is able to show a scientific deepening of the form of poverty reduction supported by the sensitivity of regional policies to provide space in the process of spatial-based regional economic development. The results of this study present a partial spatial strategy that must be carried out, including agricultural intensification from the small farming sector, the development of a more dynamic commercial agriculture sector, providing growth stimulation in the non-agricultural rural sector, shifting the productive age population and providing a safety net for those trapped in poverty. poverty as an alternative in solving poverty alleviation. This strategy can be used as a recommendation for further improvement of poverty alleviation policies by presenting policy implications and a roadmap for the action plan.
Applying Spatial Analysis in Supporting Tourism Planning Concept of Jepara Regency, Indonesia
Authors: Wijaya H. B. , Pigawati B.
Published: November 2021

This paper aims to analyze the decision-making process in determining the location of the tourism development center in Jepara district through spatial analysis using GIS. The method applied is map superimpose from several categories such as slope, rainfall, existing land use, and soil type. Another analysis carried out is network analysis with GIS to determine the level of accessibility of tourism locations. From the results of this analysis, alternative tourist locations were obtained as one of the supporting tourism development plans in Jepara Regency. With this result, it is easier for the government to determine the priority of development locations with visualization and location accuracy in accordance with tourism area standards.
Mapping of Karangsambung - Karangbolong Geopark, as an Effort to Manage Geoheritage in Kebumen Regency
Authors: Ansori C. , Raharjo P. D. , Fariji M. A.
Published: November 2021

Kebumen is the most underdeveloped district in Central Java Province. The area covers the mountains in the north to the coast in the south. Kebumen has a unique geological diversity, exciting and international scientific value so that it is widely used as a natural laboratory for conservation, education, and research purposes Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Decree No. 2817 K/40/MEM/2006 has designated 21,150 hectares in Karangsambung as the first geological heritage in Indonesia. At the height of Karangbolong in the southern part, there are limestones. An area of 4,089 hectares has been designated through the Decree of the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Number: 3873 K/40/MEM/2014 as a Kars Landscape Area, which has a protected function. Geopark is a concept of sustainable development in a single area with a geoheritage for conservation, education, and sustainable economic development of local communities. A place of 543,599 km2 covering 12 sub-districts and 118 villages stretching from the Karangsambung geoheritage to the Karangbolong geoheritage has been designated as the Karangsambung Karangbolong National Geopark since 2018. This geopark is planned to be upgraded to a UNESCO global geopark. This study aims to see whether the management of the two geoheritages with the geopark concept is the right choice. The research was conducted through literature studies, field research, comparative studies on geoparks in other places, and qualitative data analysis.
Experimental study on plasma actuation characteristics of nanosecond pulsed dielectric barrier discharge
Authors: ZHENG Hao , LIANG Hua , CHEN Jie , ZONG Haohua , MENG Xiangzhe , XIE Like , LI Yinghong
Published: November 2021

Combining high-speed schlieren technology and infrared imaging technology, related research has been carried out on the influence of parameters such as actuation voltage, repetition frequency, and electrode size of an actuator on the discharge characteristics, induced flow field characteristics, and thermal characteristics of nanosecond pulsed dielectric barrier discharge. The results show that increasing the value of the actuation voltage can significantly increase the actuation intensity, and the plasma discharge area is significantly extended. Increasing the repetition frequency can increase the number of discharges per unit time. Both will cause more energy input and induce more changes in the flow field. The effect of temperature rise is more significant. The width of the covered electrode will affect the potential distribution during the discharge process, which in turn will affect the extension process of the plasma discharge filament. Under the same actuation intensity, the wider the covered electrode, the larger range the induced flow field and temperature rise is. Preliminary experimental analyses of high-frequency actuation characteristics, temperature field characteristics, flow field characteristics and actuation parameter settings provide support for the parameter selection and partial mechanism analysis of plasma anti-icing.
What are the main challenges facing the sustainable development of China’s Yangtze economic belt in the future? An integrated view
Authors: Jiang Haiyan , Simonovic Slobodan P , Yu Zhongbo , Wang Weiguang
Published: November 2021

Interactions among human and natural systems are fundamental to many issues facing today’s sustainable development. Yangtze Economic Belt (hereafter Belt), one of the most dynamic regions in China, is of no exception. The economic prosperity of the Belt, however, comes at the price of ecological and environmental degradation, which poses severe challenges to its sustainable development. This paper describes the application of the ANEMI_Yangtze system dynamics model, aiming at identifying the main challenges facing the Belt and the potential way out towards its sustainable development. Three scenarios are proposed to (i) explore the potential impacts of climate change; (ii) examine how changes in birth control policy affect population dynamics and the natural-environmental systems; and (iii) investigate how policies aimed at improving the eco-environment conditions affect the Belt. Results show that a moderate rise in temperature is beneficial to the Belt’s economy and energy-food-water systems, but further temperature rise is harmful. Population in the Belt peaks around 2030, 2080, and 2100 under one-child, two-child, and three-child policies, respectively. Suppose no major changes in economic, technological, and policy developments are introduced. In that case, the Belt may face a serious energy deficit ranging from 10 to 17 billion tce. A food self-sufficiency ratio will fall from around 0.7 to 0.39 by 2100 as the country’s birth control policy loosens. Water scarcity occurs if surface water is considered as the only supply and this situation becomes even more serious when water pollution effects are considered. However, water stress will be greatly allievated if groundwater and wastewater reuse are introduced. The policy of increasing nutrient removal efficiency can save million lives. Finally, our results also suggest that the recently introduced 10-year fishing ban policy can not prevent the Yangtze fish stock from depletion in the long run.
Oil and gas wastewater as road treatment: radioactive material exposure implications at the residential lot and block scale
Authors: Bain Daniel J , Cantlay Tetiana , Garman Brittany , Stolz John F
Published: November 2021

The resurgence of oil and gas extraction in the Appalachian Basin has resulted in an excess of oil and gas brines in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Ohio. Primarily driven by unconventional development, this expansion has also impacted conventional wells and consequently, created economic pressure to develop effective and cheap disposal options. Using brine as a road treatment, directly or as a processed deicer, however, creates substantial concern that naturally occurring radioactive material in the brines can contaminate roads and road-side areas. Current decision making is based on risk exposure scenarios developed by regulatory agencies based on recreational users in rural areas and exposures to drivers during a typical commute. These scenarios are not appropriate for evaluating exposures to residential deicer users or people living near treated streets. More appropriate exposure scenarios were developed in this work and exposures predicted with these models based on laboratory measurements and literature data. Exposure scenarios currently used for regulatory assessment of brine road treatment result in predicted exposures of 0.4–0.6 mrem/year. Residential exposures predicted by the scenarios developed in this work are 4.6 mrem/year. If the maximum range of near-road soil radium concentrations observed in the region is used in this residential scenario (60 pCi/g 226Ra, 50 pCi/g 228Ra), residents living near these roads would be exposed to an estimated 296 mrems/year, above regulatory exposure thresholds used in nuclear facility siting assessments. These results underline the urgent need to clarify exposure risks from the use of oil and gas brines as a road treatment, particularly given the existing disparities in the distribution of road impacts across socioeconomic status.
Deconstructing scale-free neuronal avalanches: behavioral transitions and neuronal response
Authors: Curic Davor , Ivan Victorita E , Cuesta David T , Esteves Ingrid M , Mohajerani Majid H , Gruber Aaron J , Davidsen Jörn
Published: November 2021

Observations of neurons in a resting brain and neurons in cultures often display spontaneous scale-free (SF) collective dynamics in the form of information cascades, also called ‘neuronal avalanches’. This has motivated the so called critical brain hypothesis which posits that the brain is self-tuned to a critical point or regime, separating exponentially-growing dynamics from quiescent states, to achieve optimality. Yet, how such optimality of information transmission is related to behavior and whether it persists under behavioral transitions has remained a fundamental knowledge gap. Here, we aim to tackle this challenge by studying behavioral transitions in mice using two-photon calcium imaging of the retrosplenial cortex (RSC)—an area of the brain well positioned to integrate sensory, mnemonic, and cognitive information by virtue of its strong connectivity with the hippocampus, medial prefrontal cortex, and primary sensory cortices. Our work shows that the response of the underlying neural population to behavioral transitions can vary significantly between different sub-populations such that one needs to take the structural and functional network properties of these sub-populations into account to understand the properties at the total population level. Specifically, we show that the RSC contains at least one sub-population capable of switching between two different SF regimes, indicating an intricate relationship between behavior and the optimality of neuronal response at the subgroup level. This asks for a potential reinterpretation of the emergence of self-organized criticality in neuronal systems.
Dual-Network Collaborative Matrix Factorization for predicting small molecule-miRNA associations
Authors: Wang Shu-Hao , Wang Chun-Chun , Huang Li , Miao Lian-Ying , Chen Xing
Published: November 2021

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play crucial roles in multiple biological processes and human diseases and can be considered as therapeutic targets of small molecules (SMs). Because biological experiments used to verify SM–miRNA associations are time-consuming and expensive, it is urgent to propose new computational models to predict new SM–miRNA associations. Here, we proposed a novel method called Dual-network Collaborative Matrix Factorization (DCMF) for predicting the potential SM–miRNA associations. Firstly, we utilized the Weighted K Nearest Known Neighbors (WKNKN) method to preprocess SM–miRNA association matrix. Then, we constructed matrix factorization model to obtain two feature matrices containing latent features of SM and miRNA, respectively. Finally, the predicted SM–miRNA association score matrix was obtained by calculating the inner product of two feature matrices. The main innovations of this method were that the use of WKNKN method can preprocess the missing values of association matrix and the introduction of dual network can integrate more diverse similarity information into DCMF. For evaluating the validity of DCMF, we implemented four different cross validations (CVs) based on two distinct datasets and two different case studies. Finally, based on dataset 1 (dataset 2), DCMF achieved Area Under receiver operating characteristic Curves (AUC) of 0.9868 (0.8770), 0.9833 (0.8836), 0.8377 (0.7591) and 0.9836 ± 0.0030 (0.8632 ± 0.0042) in global Leave-One-Out Cross Validation (LOOCV), miRNA-fixed local LOOCV, SM-fixed local LOOCV and 5-fold CV, respectively. For case studies, plenty of predicted associations have been confirmed by published experimental literature. Therefore, DCMF is an effective tool to predict potential SM–miRNA associations.
Multimodal neurocognitive markers of naturalistic discourse typify diverse neurodegenerative diseases
Authors: Birba Agustina , Fittipaldi Sol , Cediel Escobar Judith C , Gonzalez Campo Cecilia , Legaz Agustina , Galiani Agostina , Díaz Rivera Mariano N , Martorell Caro Miquel , Alifano Florencia , Piña-Escudero Stefanie D , Cardona Juan Felipe , Neely Alejandra , Forno Gonzalo , Carpinella Mariela , Slachevsky Andrea , Serrano Cecilia , Sedeño Lucas , Ibáñez Agustín , García Adolfo M
Published: November 2021

Neurodegeneration has multiscalar impacts, including behavioral, neuroanatomical, and neurofunctional disruptions. Can disease-differential alterations be captured across such dimensions using naturalistic stimuli? To address this question, we assessed comprehension of four naturalistic stories, highlighting action, nonaction, social, and nonsocial events, in Parkinson’s disease (PD) and behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) relative to Alzheimer’s disease patients and healthy controls. Text-specific correlates were evaluated via voxel-based morphometry, spatial (fMRI), and temporal (hd-EEG) functional connectivity. PD patients presented action–text deficits related to the volume of action–observation regions, connectivity across motor-related and multimodal-semantic hubs, and frontal hd-EEG hypoconnectivity. BvFTD patients exhibited social–text deficits, associated with atrophy and spatial connectivity patterns along social-network hubs, alongside right frontotemporal hd-EEG hypoconnectivity. Alzheimer’s disease patients showed impairments in all stories, widespread atrophy and spatial connectivity patterns, and heightened occipitotemporal hd-EEG connectivity. Our framework revealed disease-specific signatures across behavioral, neuroanatomical, and neurofunctional dimensions, highlighting the sensitivity and specificity of a single naturalistic task. This investigation opens a translational agenda combining ecological approaches and multimodal cognitive neuroscience for the study of neurodegeneration.
No Way to Run a Brothel? Prostitution and Policey in the Late Medieval Holy Roman Empire
Authors: Page Jamie
Published: November 2021

This article addresses the relationship between civic prostitution and the concept of ‘gute Policey’ in the late fifteenth and early sixteenth centuries. It takes as its object of discussion a series of so-called Frauenhausordnungen (brothel ordinances or brothel rules) from the cities of Nuremberg, Nördlingen, Strasbourg, Constance and Ulm. Previous discussions have characterized Frauenhausordnungen from these cities as members of a coherent genre of regulations, a grouping which this article contests. By placing the creation of new brothel regulations in these cities in the larger context of the emergence of ‘gute Policey’ as a crucial category within domestic administration, the article seeks to expose civic authorities’ moral ambiguities about the role of prostitution in society, which originated well before the Reformation, often seen as the key factor in the vanishing of public prostitution from the urban landscape in the early modern era.
Piloting targeted glaucoma screening: experiences of eye care services in Ganjam district, Odisha state, India
Authors: Buttan Sandeep , Gascoyne Ben , Das Sudeep , Schmidt Elena
Published: November 2021

Background

The number of patients with visual impairment and blindness from glaucoma is rapidly increasing with wide-ranging impacts for individuals and societies. However, the disease often goes undiagnosed for a long time, especially in low- and middle-income countries where healthcare services are limited. This paper presents the results of a pilot programme, which integrated targeted glaucoma screenings of people aged ≥40 y in community-based eye care services in the Ganjam district of Odisha state, India.

Methods

Using routine programme data, descriptive statistics were produced for the characteristics of patients participating in the screening programme and the rate and uptake of glaucoma referrals. Bivariate analysis was used to examine associations between patient characteristics, clinical risk factors and glaucoma diagnosis.

Results

Out of 23 356 individuals aged ≥40 y screened for glaucoma over a period of 18 mo, 2219 (9.5%) were referred and 2031 presented for further examination. Among them, almost half (n=968, 48%) were diagnosed with glaucoma, representing a screening to diagnosis conversion rate of 4.14% (95% CI 3.9 to 4.4%). A positive diagnosis of glaucoma among suspects was associated with female sex, age >60 y, visual impairment, vertical cap-to-disc ratio ≥0.6:1, intraocular pressure ≥30 mmHg and shallow anterior chamber (p<0.001).

Conclusions

The importance of targeted screening for glaucoma using simple referral criteria to identify patients at high risk of vision loss who can benefit from treatment is critical to slow the progression of the disease and the prevention of blindness. Further studies assessing costs of the targeted screening, the role of technology in improving programme effectiveness and efficiency and the longer term compliance with treatment are needed to support glaucoma policy frameworks, guidelines and clinical practice.
A Randomized Controlled Trial of the Prevent Alcohol and Risk-Related Trauma in Youth Program in Reducing Alcohol-Related Harms in Young Naval Trainees
Authors: Watterson Jason R , Gabbe Belinda , Dietze Paul , Rosenfeld Jeffrey V
Published: November 2021

Background

The aim of this study was to test whether participation in an alcohol risk reduction program known as Prevent Alcohol and Risk-Related Trauma in Youth (P.A.R.T.Y.) is effective in reducing the prevalence of risky drinking at 12 months’ post-intervention in a sample of Royal Australian Navy (RAN) trainees.

Methods

A non-blinded randomized controlled trial of 952 RAN trainees comparing two forms of P.A.R.T.Y. plus RAN annual alcohol and other drug awareness training with annual alcohol and other drugs awareness training only (Control). Participants were screened at baseline and at 12-month follow-up using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT). Participants were randomized to one of three arms: (1) in-hospital P.A.R.T.Y program, (2) on-base P.A.R.T.Y. program, or (3) control.

The primary outcome measure was the percentage of participants reporting an AUDIT score of 8 or above at 12 months in each group. A secondary outcome considered was reports of alcohol-related incidents in the 12-month follow-up.

Results

There was no difference in the risk of reporting an AUDIT score of 8 or above in either the in-hospital (Relative Risk (RR) 0.96, 95% CI: 0.75-1.23; P = .75) or on-base (RR 1.11, 95% CI: 0.89-1.369; P = 0.35) intervention groups, compared to the control group. Compared to the on-base group, there was no difference in the risk of reporting an AUDIT score of 8 or above in the in-hospital group (RR 1.16, 95% CI: 0.90-1.48; P = .24). The rate of reporting an alcohol-related incident was not different for the in-hospital (Hazard Ratio (HR) 0.60, 95% CI: 0.27-1.33; P = .21) or on-base (HR 0.50, 95% CI: 0.21-1.16; P = .11) intervention groups when compared to the control group.

Conclusion

Participation in either an on-base or an in-hospital P.A.R.T.Y. program did not affect the proportion of naval trainee participants screening positive for risky drinking on the AUDIT.
Low back pain prevalence, beliefs and treatment-seeking behaviour in multi-ethnic Suriname
Authors: Ho-A-Tham Nancy , Ting-A-Kee Beverly , Struyf Niels , Vanlandewijck Yves , Dankaerts Wim
Published: November 2021

Objectives

The aims were to determine, for the first time, the prevalence of low back pain (LBP) in urban and rural communities and to assess back beliefs and treatment-seeking behaviour in Suriname, a multi-ethnic country in the Caribbean community.

Methods

A cross-sectional community-based survey using the Community Oriented Program for the Control of Rheumatic Diseases methodology was performed between April 2016 and July 2017. Information was collected on LBP prevalence and LBP-related treatment seeking, beliefs about LBP [Back Beliefs Questionnaire (BBQ)], level of disability (Oswestry Disability Index) and the risk of developing persistent disabling pain (Start Back Screening Tool).

Results

A total of 541 out of 2902 individuals reported current acute or chronic LBP. It was more prevalent in urban (20.2%) than in rural (13.7%) communities, especially in females and older adults (>55 years of age). Individuals from rural areas [median BBQ = 18.00 (14.00–22.00)] had significantly more negative beliefs than the urban population [median BBQ = 25.00 (19.00–31.00); P < 0.001]. Maroons displayed more negative beliefs than Creole (P = 0.040), Hindustani (P < 0.001), Javanese (P < 0.001) and mixed ethnicity (P < 0.001) groups. At least 75% of the LBP population sought care, especially from a western health-care practitioner. Seeking treatment and having a higher risk of developing persistent disabling pain was significantly associated with more disability (P < 0.001). Age ≥45 years (P < 0.001), Indigenous ethnicity (P < 0.05) and functional disability (P < 0.001) were factors influencing treatment seeking.

Conclusion

Low back pain is a prevalent health problem in the Surinamese urban community, especially in older adults and among females. Most individuals experiencing LBP visited a western health-care practitioner and had more negative beliefs compared with other communities.
Proboscis sensory cells in Nemertea: comparative morphology and phylogenetic implications
Authors: Magarlamov Timur Yu , Chernyshev Alexei V
Published: November 2021

Analyses of molecular data have clarified the phylogenetic relations between classes and orders of the phylum Nemertea as a whole, but the ‘deficit’ of morphological synapomorphies characterizing main clades remains problematic. Characters identified with classic histological studies of nemerteans reveal a high level of homoplasy, thus complicating the search for synapomorphies. To identify more potential synapomorphies, sensory cells of the proboscis epithelium of 39 nemertean species were studied with electron and confocal laser-scanning microscopes. Three types of sensory cells were described: monociliated (found in nemerteans from all orders), multiciliated (found only in polystiliferous hoplonemerteans) and nonciliated (found in two species of monostiliferous hoplonemerteans) sensory cells. Monociliated sensory cells of the proboscis have a common structure, differing from monociliated sensory cells of the epidermis and cerebral organ canals. Each monociliated cell consists of a cilium with a bulb-like expanded tip surrounded by a cone-like collar of microvilli, an intra-epithelially located body (perikaryon) and a single basal process (axon). Some features of the monociliated sensory cell structure are thought to provide solid mechanical support. Specific features in the structure of the axial rootlets, cilia, microvillus collars and their microfilaments, considered synapomorphies/autapomorphies, were revealed in the representatives of some nemertean taxa.
Recognition of Microbe- and Damage-Associated Molecular Patterns by Leucine-Rich Repeat Pattern Recognition Receptor Kinases Confers Salt Tolerance in Plants
Authors: Loo Eliza P.-I. , Tajima Yuri , Yamada Kohji , Kido Shota , Hirase Taishi , Ariga Hirotaka , Fujiwara Tadashi , Tanaka Keisuke , Taji Teruaki , Somssich Imre E. , Parker Jane E. , Saijo Yusuke
Published: November 2021

In plants, a first layer of inducible immunity is conferred by pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) that bind microbe- and damage-associated molecular patterns to activate pattern-triggered immunity (PTI). PTI is strengthened or followed by another potent form of immunity when intracellular receptors recognize pathogen effectors, termed effector-triggered immunity. Immunity signaling regulators have been reported to influence abiotic stress responses as well, yet the governing principles and mechanisms remain ambiguous. Here, we report that PRRs of a leucine-rich repeat ectodomain also confer salt tolerance in Arabidopsis thaliana, following recognition of cognate ligands such as bacterial flagellin (flg22 epitope) and elongation factor Tu (elf18 epitope), and the endogenous Pep peptides. Pattern-triggered salt tolerance (PTST) requires authentic PTI signaling components; namely, the PRR-associated kinases BAK1 and BIK1 and the NADPH oxidase RBOHD. Exposure to salt stress induces the release of Pep precursors, pointing to the involvement of the endogenous immunogenic peptides in developing plant tolerance to high salinity. Transcriptome profiling reveals an inventory of PTST target genes, which increase or acquire salt responsiveness following a preexposure to immunogenic patterns. In good accordance, plants challenged with nonpathogenic bacteria also acquired salt tolerance in a manner dependent on PRRs. Our findings provide insight into signaling plasticity underlying biotic or abiotic stress cross-tolerance in plants conferred by PRRs.

[Formula: see text] Copyright © 2022 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license .
Effect of Noise Reduction on Cortical Speech-in-Noise Processing and Its Variance due to Individual Noise Tolerance
Authors: Kim Subong , Wu Yu-Hsiang , Bharadwaj Hari M. , Choi Inyong
Published: November 2021

Objectives:

Despite the widespread use of noise reduction (NR) in modern digital hearing aids, our neurophysiological understanding of how NR affects speech-in-noise perception and why its effect is variable is limited. The current study aimed to (1) characterize the effect of NR on the neural processing of target speech and (2) seek neural determinants of individual differences in the NR effect on speech-in-noise performance, hypothesizing that an individual’s own capability to inhibit background noise would inversely predict NR benefits in speech-in-noise perception.

Design:

Thirty-six adult listeners with normal hearing participated in the study. Behavioral and electroencephalographic responses were simultaneously obtained during a speech-in-noise task in which natural monosyllabic words were presented at three different signal-to-noise ratios, each with NR off and on. A within-subject analysis assessed the effect of NR on cortical evoked responses to target speech in the temporal-frontal speech and language brain regions, including supramarginal gyrus and inferior frontal gyrus in the left hemisphere. In addition, an across-subject analysis related an individual’s tolerance to noise, measured as the amplitude ratio of auditory-cortical responses to target speech and background noise, to their speech-in-noise performance.

Results:

At the group level, in the poorest signal-to-noise ratio condition, NR significantly increased early supramarginal gyrus activity and decreased late inferior frontal gyrus activity, indicating a switch to more immediate lexical access and less effortful cognitive processing, although no improvement in behavioral performance was found. The across-subject analysis revealed that the cortical index of individual noise tolerance significantly correlated with NR-driven changes in speech-in-noise performance.

Conclusions:

NR can facilitate speech-in-noise processing despite no improvement in behavioral performance. Findings from the current study also indicate that people with lower noise tolerance are more likely to get more benefits from NR. Overall, results suggest that future research should take a mechanistic approach to NR outcomes and individual noise tolerance.
Pulse Granuloma–Like Reaction on the Forearm Following an Accidental Wound
Authors: Gil-Pallares Pedro , Vilas-Sueiro Alejandro , Monteagudo Benigno , Mosquera-Martínez María Teresa , Fernandez-Flores Angel
Published: November 2021

Pulse granulomas are uncommon reactions to vegetable exogenous matter characterized by the presence of hyaline rings. Although they are usually found in the oral cavity or along the gastrointestinal or respiratory tracts, there are a few cases described outside those regions. We present the first case of a granulomatous reaction with hyaline rings in the skin reaction after an accidental wound and suggest the term pulse granuloma-like to describe lesions that resemble pulse granulomas but with no connection to the gastrointestinal or respiratory tracts. Moreover, we provide a graphic comparison of the hyaline rings observed in our case and the histologic sections of some plants that could have been involved.
Cutaneous Actinomycosis of the Perineum in an Immunocompetent Man
Authors: Sanford Jeffrey A. , Rush Walter L. , Klassen-Fischer Mary K. , Allbritton Jill I.
Published: November 2021

We present a case of primary cutaneous actinomycosis of unclear pathogenesis. A 30-year-old-man with no significant medical or surgical history presented to the emergency department with a 2-week history of a tender perineal mass. The patient denied trauma or perforating injury to the area. Examination of the area revealed an indurated, nonfluctuant, erythematous papulonodule located 2 cm from the anus. The lesion was unresponsive to oral and topical antibiotics and was therefore excised. The excision specimen revealed a dense mixed infiltrate partially filling the reticular dermis and extending into the subcutaneous fat. The infiltrate surrounded grains of basophilic material with an outer rim of eosinophilic radiating Splendore–Hoeppli material. Within the grains, filamentous bacteria were highlighted with Periodic acid-Schiff and Grocott's methenamine silver. The organisms were gram-positive and acid-fast negative. Given the clinical and histopathologic findings, actinomycosis was diagnosed. Two weeks later, the patient reported resolution of symptoms. The patient was lost to follow-up. This case highlights an unusual presentation of actinomycosis and the crucial role histopathology plays in diagnosis.
Mitochondrial DNA methylation drift and postoperative delirium in mice
Authors: Liu Yue , Song Fen , Yang Yan , Yang Shuai , Jiang Ming , Zhang Wei , Ma Zhengliang , Gu Xiaoping
Published: November 2021

BACKGROUND

Mitochondrial dysfunction is linked to the etiopathogenesis of postoperative delirium (POD), which severely affects the prognosis of elderly patients undergoing surgery. The methylation of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), a new and incompletely described phenomenon that regulates the structure and function of mitochondria, is associated with ageing. However, the relationship between mtDNA methylation and POD has not been established.

OBJECTIVE

To explore the potential roles of mitochondrial epigenetic regulation in POD.

DESIGN

A randomised animal study.

PARTICIPANTS

Eighty-eight 6-month-old and one hundred seventy-six 18-month-old male C57BL/6N mice.

INTERVENTIONS

POD was induced by abdominal surgery under 1.4% isoflurane for 2 h. Behavioural tests were performed at 24 h before surgery and at 6, 9 and 24 h after surgery.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

5-methylcytosine (5-mC) at five CpG sites of the displacement loop (D-loop) and at 60 CpG sites of coding gene loci in the mitochondrial genome after surgery of the hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, amygdala and anterior cingulate cortex in 6 and 18-month-old mice were detected using bisulfite pyrosequencing. Mitochondrial structure, mitochondrial gene expression and mtDNA copy number were also examined using Electron microscopy and real time PCR to find the association with mtDNA methylation.

RESULTS

The mtDNA methylation drift manifested as a decrease in the methylation levels at the D-loop and an increase or decrease in the methylation levels at several coding gene loci, ultimately resulting in reduced mtDNA copy numbers, altered mitochondrial gene expression and damaged mitochondrial structures in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex after surgery. The activation of Silent information regulator-1 (SIRT1) ameliorated anaesthesia-induced and surgery-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and delirium-like behaviours by regulating mtDNA methyltransferase-mediated mtDNA methylation.

CONCLUSION

These data support the existence of epigenetic mtDNA regulation in POD; however, further studies are required to explore the specific mechanisms.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

No 20181204 Drum tower hospital.
Interindividual Variability in the Bioavailability of Gabapentin Enacarbil Extended Release in Healthy Adults: An Analysis of Data From 6 Phase I Studies
Authors: Lal Ritu , Ellenbogen Aaron , Gidal Barry
Published: November 2021

Background:

The absorption and bioavailability of oral gabapentin are associated with a high degree of interindividual variability. Gabapentin enacarbil, a prodrug of gabapentin, is well absorbed and provides sustained, dose-proportional exposure to gabapentin. The aim of this analysis was to describe the interindividual variability in the bioavailability of gabapentin after gabapentin enacarbil administration in healthy subjects.

Methods:

Gabapentin pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters after an oral dose of gabapentin enacarbil 1200 mg (2 600-mg tablets) were compared across 6 phase I studies in healthy adults (n = 12 per study). The distribution of bioavailability values was assessed in all studies.

Results:

The mean PK parameters of gabapentin were consistent across the trials: maximum concentration range: 6.4–7.9 μg/mL, time to maximum concentration range: 5.2–8.2 hours, area under the plasma–concentration curve extrapolated from time 0 to infinity or at steady state range: 70.8–109.4 μg·h/mL, and bioavailability range: 64.8%–82.9%. Overall, the mean bioavailability was 74.1% (SD, 14.1; coefficient of variation, 19.1%). Individual bioavailability across all studies ranged from 42% to 100%.

Conclusions:

Gabapentin PK after gabapentin enacarbil administration was consistent across studies, with low interindividual variability in bioavailability. Gabapentin enacarbil may provide more consistent and predictable exposure to gabapentin than oral gabapentin formulations.
Surgical Reconstruction of Severe Tophaceous Gout in the Hand: A Customized Approach
Authors: Galeano Mariarosaria , Colonna Michele R. , Pfanner Sandra , Ceruso Massimo
Published: November 2021

Tophaceous gout can represent a major problem for hand surgeons when it turns into aggressive nodules, spreading and destroying soft tissue and bone. The combination of ablative and reconstructive surgery may also be complex when the patient refuses amputations and multiple segments are involved. We present a difficult case, where a customized approach, chosen according to the different features of the osteoarticular and tendon involvement of fingers, adopted different solutions for the four affected rays. A patient suffering from severe gout arthritis with osteoarticular destruction in both hands refused amputations and was treated with several reconstructive procedures. After excision of the tophaceous deposits, a long bone autograft, two segmental cement spacers together with distal arthrodeses, and an osteoarticular allograft were used. Functional pinches were maintained in both hands, even at a 13-year follow up, with the allograft preserved and working. On the other hand, significant osteolysis and bone resorption in all the segments that had undergone stabilization was documented, producing extrusion of both cement and distal interphalangeal joint fusion screws. Pre- and postoperation range of motion, visual analogue scale, disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand score, and pinch strength tests showed reduced pain and improved function. A review of literature is presented in particular regarding different reconstructive approaches. Combining different techniques in the same hand can lead to successful osteoarticular reconstruction after tophi resection, above all to avoid amputation. However, long-term follow up shows that functional osteoarticular reconstructions seem to be more stable, whereas osteolysis may damage bone grafts used for arthrodesis and produce screw extrusion.
Enrollment and Adherence to Early Outpatient and Maintenance Cardiac Rehabilitation Programs
Authors: Ozemek Cemal , Squires Ray W.
Published: November 2021

Early outpatient (ECR) and maintenance cardiac rehabilitation (MCR) programs are essential, evidence-based services that have received unequivocal endorsement by national and international professional organizations. However, the latest data characterizing ECR enrollment and adherence fell well short of what would be expected for a therapy that has accumulated decades of empirical evidence touting the associated physiologic, physical, psychosocial, and financial benefits. Although national participation levels have remained stagnant, a series of recent publications showcase effective strategies that could bolster both ECR enrollment and adherence levels at the institutional level. Unlike ECR, fewer reports on enrollment and adherence rates exist for MCR, partly due to the lack of standardization of this service. In this review, we aim to highlight current data on enrollment and adherence to ECR and MCR and discuss evidence-based programmatic strategies to support utilization of both services.
Rethinking Rehabilitation
Authors: Overstreet Brittany , Kirkman Danielle , Qualters Wanda Koester , Kerrigan Dennis , Haykowsky Mark J. , Tweet Marysia S. , Christle Jeffrey W. , Brawner Clinton A. , Ehrman Jonathan K. , Keteyian Steven J.
Published: November 2021

Although cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is safe and highly effective for individuals with various cardiovascular health conditions, to date there are only seven diagnoses or procedures identified by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services that qualify for referral. When considering the growing number of individuals with cardiovascular disease (CVD), or other health conditions that increase the risk for CVD, it is important to determine the extent for which CR could benefit these populations. Furthermore, there are some patients who may currently be eligible for CR (spontaneous coronary artery dissection, left ventricular assistant device) but make up a relatively small proportion of the populations that are regularly attending and participating. Thus, these patient populations and special considerations for exercise might be less familiar to professionals who are supervising their programs. The purpose of this review is to summarize the current literature surrounding exercise testing and programming among four specific patient populations that either do not currently qualify for (chronic and end-stage renal disease, breast cancer survivor) or who are eligible but less commonly seen in CR (sudden coronary artery dissection, left ventricular assist device). While current evidence suggests that individuals with these health conditions can safely participate in and may benefit from supervised exercise programming, there is an immediate need for high-quality, multisite clinical trials to develop more specific exercise recommendations and support the inclusion of these populations in future CR programs.
Validity of the Controlling Nutritional Status score as a Nutritional Assessment Tool early after stroke
Authors: Lee Eun Chae , Jeong Yeon Gyu , Jung Jin Hee , Moon Hyun Im
Published: November 2021

Malnutrition is relatively common in stroke survivors and it also affects weight loss and muscle strength. Various nutritional assessment tools have been used to monitor changes in nutritional status. Among such tools, the Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) score is a convenient and cost-effective index calculated from serum albumin level, total peripheral lymphocyte count, and total cholesterol level. This study investigated the prognostic role of malnutrition, as assessed by the CONUT scoring system. We hypothesized that malnutrition negatively affects outcomes as expressed by Functional Independence Measure (FIM) motor or Berg Balance Scale (BBS) change in stroke patients. This was a retrospective cohort study involving 117 individuals including first-time subacute stroke inpatients from March 2017 to February 2020. All participants were evaluated with BBS and FIM. We used multiple linear regression analysis with backward stepwise selection to examine the association between CONUT and changes during rehabilitation. After adjusting for independent predictors, we found the CONUT score to be associated with FIM motor (B = –1.848 ± 5.811, P < 0.001) and BBS change (B = –2.035 ± 0.424, P < 0.001). The present study showed that the malnutritional status calculated by the CONUT score at admission might help to predict the functional outcomes of stroke patients. The CONUT score is a comprehensive and feasible marker that could provide information for the nutritional management of stroke patients to significantly improve their clinical outcomes.
Amino acid substitutions in the H5N1 avian influenza haemagglutinin alter pH of fusion and receptor binding to promote a highly pathogenic phenotype in chickens
Authors: Sealy Joshua E. , Howard Wendy A. , Molesti Eleonora , Iqbal Munir , Temperton Nigel J. , Banks Jill , Slomka Marek J. , Barclay Wendy S. , Long Jason S.
Published: November 2021

Highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza viruses cause devastating outbreaks in farmed poultry with serious consequences for animal welfare and economic losses. Zoonotic infection of humans through close contact with H5N1 infected birds is often severe and fatal. England experienced an outbreak of H5N1 in turkeys in 1991 that led to thousands of farmed bird mortalities. Isolation of clonal populations of one such virus from this outbreak uncovered amino acid differences in the virus haemagglutinin (HA) gene whereby the different genotypes could be associated with distinct pathogenic outcomes in chickens; both low pathogenic (LP) and high pathogenic (HP) phenotypes could be observed despite all containing a multi-basic cleavage site (MBCS) in the HA gene. Using reverse genetics, three amino acid substitutions in HA were examined for their ability to affect pathogenesis in the chicken. Restoration of amino acid polymorphisms close to the receptor binding site that are commonly found in H5 viruses only partially improved viral fitness in vitro and in vivo. A third novel substitution in the fusion peptide, HA2G4R, enabled the HP phenotype. HA2G4R decreased the pH stability of HA and increased the pH of HA fusion. The substitutions close to the receptor binding site optimised receptor binding while modulating the pH of HA fusion. Importantly, this study revealed pathogenic determinants beyond the MBCS.
Two parallel pathways are required for ultrasound-evoked behavioral changes in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Magaram Uri , Weiss Connor , Vasan Aditya , Reddy Kirthi C. , Friend James , Chalasani Sreekanth H.
Published: November 2021

Ultrasound has been shown to affect the function of both neurons and non-neuronal cells. However, the underlying molecular machinery has been poorly understood. Here, we show that at least two mechanosensitive proteins act in parallel to generate C. elegans behavioral responses to ultrasound stimuli. We first show that these animals generate reversals in response to a single 10 msec pulse from a 2.25 MHz ultrasound transducer. Next, we show that the pore-forming subunit of the mechanosensitive channel TRP-4, and a DEG/ENaC/ASIC ion channel MEC-4, are both required for this ultrasound-evoked reversal response. Further, the trp-4 mec-4 double mutant shows a stronger behavioral deficit compared to either single mutant. Finally, overexpressing TRP-4 in specific chemosensory neurons can rescue the ultrasound-triggered behavioral deficit in the mec-4 null mutant, suggesting that these two pathways act in parallel. Together, we demonstrate that multiple mechanosensitive proteins likely cooperate to transform ultrasound stimuli into behavioral changes.