bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An analysis of the knowledge of adults aged between 18 and 45 on HPV along with their attitudes and beliefs about HPV vaccine: the Cyprus case
Authors: Yarıcı Filiz , Mammadov Betül
Published: February 2023

Background

The aim of this research is to analyze knowledge of adults between 18 and 45 years of age and living in the Northern Cyprus about Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) along with their attitudes and beliefs towards HPV vaccine.

Materials and methods

The research, which was planned as a descriptive and cross-sectional, was executed on the web. The research was completed with 1108 women and men adults between 18 and 45 years of age, living in the Northern Cyprus and volunteered to participate in the study.

Results

51.90% of the adults participating in the study were found to be women, 8.84% had a Sexually transmitted disease (STD) before and 63.27% of the individuals who had a sexually transmitted disease before also had had HPV and they knew it, 77.55% had undergone a treatment for their disease, 59.18% were found to be actively infected with HPV. Statistically significant and positive correlations were determined between the overall scores of the participants from the Human Papillomavirus Knowledge Questionnaire (HPV-KQ) and their scores in the perceived severity, perceived benefits and perceived susceptibility sub-dimensions of the Health Belief Model Scale for Human Papilloma Virus and Its Vaccination (HBMS-HPVV) (p < 0.05). There was a statistically significant and negative correlation between HPV-KQ scores, questions on Current HPV Vaccination Program and the perceived barriers sub-dimension of the HBMS-HPVV whereas there was a statistically significant and positive correlation between the HPV-KQ scores, questions on Current HPV Vaccination Program and the perceived benefits and perceived susceptibility sub-dimensions of the HBMS-HPVV (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

It has emerged that the participants do not have enough information about HPV, they do not know the ways and symptoms of protection from HPV, they do not have enough information about early diagnosis and screening, and they know very little about the HPV vaccine. Health policies should be developed to increase the awareness of individuals about HPV, to increase education and to provide free vaccines.
Understanding the role of financial capacity in the delivery of opioid use disorder treatment
Authors: Guerrero Erick G. , Amaro Hortensia , Kong Yinfei , Khachikian Tenie , Marsh Jeanne C.
Published: February 2023

Opioid treatment programs must have adequate financial capacity to sustain operations and deliver a high standard of care for individuals suffering from opioid use disorder. However, there is limited consistency in the health services literature about the concept and relationship of organizational financial capacity and key outcome measures (wait time and retention). In this study, we explored five common measures of financial capacity that can be applied to opioid treatment programs: (a) reserve ratio, (b) equity ratio, (c) markup, (d) revenue growth, and (e) earned revenue. We used these measures to compare financial capacity among 135 opioid treatment programs across four data collection points: 2011 (66 programs), 2013 (77 programs), 2015 (75 programs), and 2017 (69 programs). We examined the relationship between financial capacity and wait time and retention. Findings from the literature review show inconsistencies in the definition and application of concepts associated with financial capacity across business and social service delivery fields. The analysis shows significant differences in components of financial capacity across years. We observed an increase in average earned revenue and markup in 2017 compared to prior years. The interaction between minorities and markup was significantly associated with higher likelihood of waiting (IRR = 1.077, p < .05). Earned revenue (IRR = 0.225, p < .05) was related to shorter wait time in treatment. The interaction between minorities and equity ratio is also significantly associated with retention (IRR = 0.796, p < .05). Our study offers a baseline view of the role of financial capacity in opioid treatment and suggests a framework to determine its effect on client-centered outcomes.
Coding long COVID: characterizing a new disease through an ICD-10 lens
Authors: Pfaff Emily R. , Madlock-Brown Charisse , Baratta John M. , Bhatia Abhishek , Davis Hannah , Girvin Andrew , Hill Elaine , Kelly Elizabeth , Kostka Kristin , Loomba Johanna , McMurry Julie A. , Wong Rachel , Bennett Tellen D. , Moffitt Richard , Chute Christopher G. , Haendel Melissa ,   The N3C Consortium,   The RECOVER Consortium
Published: February 2023

Background

Naming a newly discovered disease is a difficult process; in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and the existence of post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), which includes long COVID, it has proven especially challenging. Disease definitions and assignment of a diagnosis code are often asynchronous and iterative. The clinical definition and our understanding of the underlying mechanisms of long COVID are still in flux, and the deployment of an ICD-10-CM code for long COVID in the USA took nearly 2 years after patients had begun to describe their condition. Here, we leverage the largest publicly available HIPAA-limited dataset about patients with COVID-19 in the US to examine the heterogeneity of adoption and use of U09.9, the ICD-10-CM code for “Post COVID-19 condition, unspecified.”

Methods

We undertook a number of analyses to characterize the N3C population with a U09.9 diagnosis code (n = 33,782), including assessing person-level demographics and a number of area-level social determinants of health; diagnoses commonly co-occurring with U09.9, clustered using the Louvain algorithm; and quantifying medications and procedures recorded within 60 days of U09.9 diagnosis. We stratified all analyses by age group in order to discern differing patterns of care across the lifespan.

Results

We established the diagnoses most commonly co-occurring with U09.9 and algorithmically clustered them into four major categories: cardiopulmonary, neurological, gastrointestinal, and comorbid conditions. Importantly, we discovered that the population of patients diagnosed with U09.9 is demographically skewed toward female, White, non-Hispanic individuals, as well as individuals living in areas with low poverty and low unemployment. Our results also include a characterization of common procedures and medications associated with U09.9-coded patients.

Conclusions

This work offers insight into potential subtypes and current practice patterns around long COVID and speaks to the existence of disparities in the diagnosis of patients with long COVID. This latter finding in particular requires further research and urgent remediation.
Long non-coding RNA signature in colorectal cancer: research progression and clinical application
Authors: Wu Yudi , Xu Xiangshang
Published: February 2023

Colorectal cancer is one of the top-ranked human malignancies. The development and progression of colorectal cancer are associated with aberrant expression of multiple coding and non-coding genes. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have an important role in regulating gene stability as well as gene expression. Numerous current studies have shown that lncRNAs are promising biomarkers and therapeutic targets for colorectal cancer. In this review, we have searched the available literature to list lncRNAs involved in the pathogenesis and regulation of colorectal cancer. We focus on the role of lncRNAs in cancer promotion or suppression, their value in tumor diagnosis, and their role in treatment response and prognosis prediction. In addition, we will discuss the signaling pathways that these lncRNAs are mainly associated with in colorectal cancer. We also summarize the role of lncRNAs in colorectal precancerous lesions and colorectal cancer consensus molecular subgroups. We hope this review article will bring you the latest research progress and outlook on lncRNAs in colorectal cancer.
Empirical treatment and mortality in bacteremia due to extended spectrum β-lactamase producing Enterobacterales (ESβL-E), a retrospective cross-sectional study in a tertiary referral hospital from Colombia
Authors: Arias Ramos Deving , Alzate John Alexander , Moreno Gómez Germán Alberto , Hoyos Pulgarín Julián Andrés , Olaya Gómez Juan Camilo , Cortés Bonilla Isabella , Vargas Mosquera Camila
Published: February 2023

Background

Infections caused by extended spectrum β-lactamase (ESβL) producing bacteria are common and problematic. When they cause bloodstream infections, they are associated with significant morbidity and mortality.

Methods

A retrospective cross-sectional observational study was conducted in a single center in Pereira, Colombia. It included people hospitalized with bacteremia due to gram-negative bacilli with the extended-spectrum β-lactamase producing phenotype. A logistic regression analysis was constructed. Clinical characteristics and risk factors for death from sepsis were established.

Results

The prevalence of bacteremia due to Enterobacterales with extended-spectrum β-lactamase producing phenotype was 17%. 110 patients were analyzed. Most patients were men (62%) with a median age of 58 years, hospital mortality was 38%. Admission to intensive care was 45%. The following risk factors for mortality were established: shock requiring vasoactive support, Pitt score > 3 points, and not having an infectious disease consultation (IDC).

Conclusions

bacteremia due to Enterobacterales with extended-spectrum β-lactamase producing phenotype have a high mortality. Early recognition of sepsis, identification of risk factors for antimicrobial resistance, and prompt initiation of appropriate empiric antibiotic treatment are important. An infectious disease consultation may help improve outcomes.
Transplantation of A2 type astrocytes promotes neural repair and remyelination after spinal cord injury
Authors: Chang Jie , Qian Zhanyang , Wang Binyu , Cao Jiang , Zhang Sheng , Jiang Fan , Kong Renyi , Yu Xiao , Cao Xiaojian , Yang Lei , Chen Hongtao
Published: February 2023

Background

Limited progress in terms of an effective treatment for spinal cord injury (SCI) emphasizes the urgent need for novel therapies. As a vital central nervous system component, the resident astrocytes play crucial roles in regulating recovery after SCI. In this study, recovery after SCI was compared following the transplantation of either A1 or A2 astrocytes. A1 astrocytes are harmful as they upregulate the neurotoxic classical complement cascade genes. Conversely, A2 astrocytes are characterized as neuroprotective as they upregulate the production of many neurotrophic factors.

Methods

We used different supernatant obtained from microglia stimulated with lipopolysaccharide or interleukin-4 to generate A1 and A2 astrocytes. We detected the influence of astrocytes on neurons by co-culturing A1 and A2 astrocytes with neurons. We transplanted astrocytes into the lesion site of the spinal cord and assessed lesion progression, neural restoration, glia formation and locomotor recovery.

Results

Astrocytes were polarized into A1 and A2 phenotypes following culture in the supernatant obtained from microglia stimulated with lipopolysaccharide or interleukin-4, respectively. Furthermore, co-culturing A2 astrocytes with neurons significantly suppressed glutamate-induced neuronal apoptosis and promoted the degree of neuron arborization. Transplantation of these A2 astrocytes into the lesion site of the spinal cord of mice significantly improved motor function recovery, preserved spared supraspinal pathways, decreased glia scar deposition, and increased neurofilament formation at the site of injury compared to the transplantation of A1 astrocytes. Additionally, enhanced A2 astrocytes with potentially beneficial A2-like genes were also detected in the A2 group. Moreover, luxol fast blue staining and electron microscopy indicated increased preservation of myelin with organized structure after transplantation of A2 astrocytes than of A1 astrocytes.

Conclusions

A2 astrocyte transplantation could be a promising potential therapy for SCI.

Graphical Abstract
CIN grades possessing different HPV RNA location patterns and RNAscope is helpful tool for distinguishing squamous intraepithelial lesions in difficult cervical cases
Authors: Chen Ruichao , Zhang Renchao , Zhang Minfen , Liu Shaoyan , Xie Mingyu , Yang Zhongfeng , Shi Quan , Chen Hui , Xiong Hanzhen , Wang Na , Jiang Qingping
Published: February 2023

Background and objectives

The precise grading and characterization of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) has been the focus of pathologists for a long time. This study aimed to explore known strategies for the grading of CINs.

Methods

After routine H&E review, 85 lesions graded CIN 1, 2, or 3 were investigated primarily by HPV RNAscope to detect HR-HPV and LR-HPV, in combination with an HPV-DNA test and P16/Ki67 immunohistochemistry (IHC). Then, the 85 cases were divided into a control group (49 cases) and a test group (36 cases). The former consisted of cases with consistency between morphology, HPV DNA detection and P16/Ki67 IHC. We used them to evaluate HPV RNA distribution patterns in CINs of different grades. The latter were ambiguous cases in which pathologists could not confirm the diagnosis because of inconsistencies between morphology, HPV DNA detection and P16/Ki67 IHC. We reassessed them by comparison to the pattern in the control group.

Results

The expression patterns of HPV mRNA signals were different in different CIN lesions. LSIL/CIN1 lesions were mostly expressed in superficial epithelium with diffuse clustered nuclear or cytoplasmic staining; HSIL/CIN2 were characterised by nuclear/cytoplasmic punctate or diffuse cluster nuclear staining in the mid-surface layer, and scattered nuclear/cytoplasmic punctate staining in basal and parabasal cells; whereas HSIL/CIN3 showed full-thickness nucleus/cytoplasmic scattered staining with a punctate pattern. According to the staining pattern, we corrected the diagnosis of 22 cases (22/36, 61.1%).

Conclusion

Because of its distinct location pattern, HPV RNAscope has obvious advantages over the HPV-DNA test, and combined with P16/Ki67 IHC, it can help pathologists correctly grade CIN. In addition, it can effectively discriminate true CIN from normal or CIN mimic lesions, such as immature squamous metaplasia, atrophy, and inflammatory/reactive changes. Therefore, HPV RNAscope is a valuable auxiliary diagnostic test to avoid the overtreatment and undertreatment of CIN lesions.
Therapeutic angiogenesis and tissue revascularization in ischemic vascular disease
Authors: Chen Xinyue , Yu Wenlu , Zhang Jing , Fan Xiao , Liu Xiao , Liu Qi , Pan Su , Dixon Richard A. F. , Li Pengyang , Yu Peng , Shi Ao
Published: February 2023

Ischemic vascular disease is a major healthcare problem. The keys to treatment lie in vascular regeneration and restoration of perfusion. However, current treatments cannot satisfy the need for vascular regeneration to restore blood circulation. As biomedical research has evolved rapidly, a variety of potential alternative therapeutics has been explored widely, such as growth factor-based therapy, cell-based therapy, and material-based therapy including nanomedicine and biomaterials. This review will comprehensively describe the main pathogenesis of vascular injury in ischemic vascular disease, the therapeutic function of the above three treatment strategies, the corresponding potential challenges, and future research directions.
Retraction Note: MiR-140 targets RAP2A to enable the proliferation of insulin-treated ovarian granulosa cells
Authors: Xiong Zhengfang , Li Bing , Wang Wenjuan , Zeng Xianghui , Li Binye , Jian Shengyan , Wang Liyun
Published: February 2023

This article has been retracted. Please see the Retraction Notice for more detail: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13048-020-0611-4.
Differences between the dispatch priority assessments of emergency medical dispatchers and emergency medical services: a prospective register-based study in Finland
Authors: Salminen Tomi , Kaartinen Kaius , Roos Mervi , Vaajanen Verna , Ekstrand Ari , Setälä Piritta , Hoppu Sanna
Published: February 2023

Background

Responsive and efficient emergency medical services (EMS) require accurate telephone triage. In Finland, such services are provided by Emergency Response Centre Agency (ERC Agency). In 2018, a new Finnish computer-assisted emergency dispatch system was introduced: the Emergency Response Integrated Common Authorities (ERICA). After the introduction of ERICA, the appropriateness of EMS dispatch has not been investigated yet. The study´s objective is to determine the consistency between the priority triage of the emergency medical dispatcher (EMD) and the on-scene priority assessment of the EMS, and whether the priority assessment consistency varied among the dispatch categories.

Methods

This was a prospective register-based study. All EMS dispatches registered in the Tampere University Hospital area from 1 August 2021 to 31 August 2021 were analysed. The EMD’s mission priority triaged during the emergency call was compared with the on-scene EMS’s assessment of the priority, derived from the pre-set criteria. The test performance levels were measured from the crosstabulation of true or false positive and negative values of the priority assessment. Statistical significance was analysed using the chi-square test and the Kruskal–Wallis H test, and p-values < 0.05 were considered significant.

Results

Of the 6416 EMS dispatches analysed in this study, 36% (2341) were urgent according to the EMD’s dispatch priority, and of these, only 29% (688) were urgent according to the EMS criteria. On the other hand, 64% (4075) of the dispatches were non-urgent according to the EMD’s dispatch priority, of which 97% (3949) were non-urgent according to the EMS criteria. Moreover, there were differences between the EMD and EMS priority assessments among the dispatch categories (p < 0.001). The overall efficiency was 72%, sensitivity 85%, specificity 71%, positive predictive value 29%, and negative predictive value 97%.

Conclusion

While the EMD recognised the non-urgent dispatches with high consistency with the EMS criteria, most of the EMD’s urgent dispatches were not urgent according to the same criteria. This may diminish the availability of the EMS for more urgent missions. Thus, measures are needed to ensure more accurate and therefore, more efficient use of EMS resources in the future.
A bidirectional DNN partition mechanism for efficient pipeline parallel training in cloud
Authors: Cui Lingyun , Qu Zhihao , Zhang Guomin , Tang Bin , Ye Baoliu
Published: February 2023

Recently, deep neural networks (DNNs) have shown great promise in many fields while their parameter sizes are rapidly expanding. To break through the computation and memory limitation of a single machine, pipeline model parallelism is proposed for large-scale DNN training by fully utilizing the computation and storage power of the distributed cluster. Cloud data centers can also provide sufficient computing, storage and bandwidth resources. However, most existing approaches apply layer-wise partitioning, which is difficult to obtain an even model partition result because of the large computational overhead discrepancy between DNN layers, resulting in degraded efficiency. To tackle this issue, we propose “Bi-Partition”, a novel partitioning method based on bidirectional partitioning for forward propagation (FP) and backward propagation (BP), which improves the efficiency of the pipeline model parallelism system. By deliberated designing distinct cut positions for FP and BP of DNN training, workers in the pipeline get nearly equal computational loads, and the balanced pipeline fully utilizes the computing resources. Experiments on various DNN models and datasets validate the efficiency of our mechanism, e.g., the training efficiency achieving up to 1.9$$\times$$
×
faster than the state-of-the-art method PipeDream.
Relationship between post-stroke dysphagia and pharyngeal sensory impairment
Authors: Labeit Bendix , Jung Anne , Ahring Sigrid , Oelenberg Stephan , Muhle Paul , Roderigo Malte , Wenninger Fiona , von Itter Jonas , Claus Inga , Warnecke Tobias , Dziewas Rainer , Suntrup-Krueger Sonja
Published: February 2023

Background

Post-stroke dysphagia (PSD) is common and can lead to serious complications. Pharyngeal sensory impairment is assumed to contribute to PSD. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between PSD and pharyngeal hypesthesia and to compare different assessment methods for pharyngeal sensation.

Methods

In this prospective observational study, fifty-seven stroke patients were examined in the acute stage of the disease using Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES). The Fiberoptic Endoscopic Dysphagia Severity Scale (FEDSS) and impaired secretion management according to the Murray-Secretion Scale were determined, as well as premature bolus spillage, pharyngeal residue and delayed or absent swallowing reflex. A multimodal sensory assessment was performed, including touch-technique and a previously established FEES-based swallowing provocation test with different volumes of liquid to determine the latency of swallowing response (FEES-LSR-Test). Predictors of FEDSS, Murray-Secretion Scale, premature bolus spillage, pharyngeal residue, and delayed or absent swallowing reflex were examined with ordinal logistic regression analyses.

Results

Sensory impairment using the touch-technique and the FEES-LSR-Test were independent predictors of higher FEDSS, Murray-Secretion Scale, and delayed or absent swallowing reflex. Decreased sensitivity according to the touch-technique correlated with the FEES-LSR-Test at 0.3 ml and 0.4 ml, but not at 0.2 ml and 0.5 ml trigger volumes.

Conclusions

Pharyngeal hypesthesia is a crucial factor in the development of PSD, leading to impaired secretion management and delayed or absent swallowing reflex. It can be investigated using both the touch-technique and the FEES-LSR-Test. In the latter procedure, trigger volumes of 0.4 ml are particularly suitable.
Stochastic velocity modeling for assessment of imaging uncertainty during seismic migration: Application to salt bodies
Authors: Clausolles Nicolas , Collon Pauline , Irakarama Modeste , Caumon Guillaume
Published: February 2023

Variations in the migration velocity model directly affect the position of the imaged reflectors in the subsurface, leading to structural imaging uncertainties. These uncertainties are not explicitly addressed when trying to deterministically build an adequate velocity model. This paper presents a new stochastic geology-controlled velocity modeling method that handles the possible presence of a salt weld. This permits the generation of a large set of geologic scenarios and associated velocity models. Each model is used to remigrate the seismic data. Then, a statistical analysis of the resulting seismic images is performed to quantify the local variability of the seismic responses. The approach is applied to the imaging of salt diapirs in an iterative scheme (migrate, pick, and update). The results indicate that similar to stacking common-midpoint gathers, the statistical analysis preferentially preserves recurrent features from one image to another. In particular, this analysis permits the distinction between the connected and detached diapirs without prior knowledge about their connectivity, highlighting the potential of the method to resolve important aspects of the basin and reservoir architecture. More generally, it provides quantitative information on the parts of the seismic image most sensitive to migration velocity variations, which opens an interesting perspective to quantitative interpretation uncertainty assessment. Finally, the presented application also suggests that it is possible to significantly improve the quality of the generated seismic images by sampling many possible geologic scenarios.
Access to Radiation Therapy and Related Clinical Outcomes in Patients With Cervical and Breast Cancer Across Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review
Authors: Beltrán Ponce Sara E. , Abunike Sarah Adamma , Bikomeye Jean C. , Sieracki Rita , Niyonzima Nixon , Mulamira Pius , Kibudde Solomon , Ortiz de Choudens Saryleine , Siker Malika , Small Christina , Beyer Kirsten M.M.
Published: February 2023

PURPOSE

To better understand the barriers to accessing standard-of-care radiation therapy (RT) for breast and cervical cancer in sub-Saharan Africa and their impact on outcomes.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was completed with a medical librarian. Articles were screened by title, abstract, and full text. Included publications were analyzed for data describing barriers to RT access, available technology, and disease-related outcomes, and further grouped into subcategories and graded according to predefined criteria.

RESULTS

A total of 96 articles were included: 37 discussed breast cancer, 51 discussed cervical cancer, and eight discussed both. Financial access was affected by health care system payment models and combined burdens of treatment-related costs and lost wages. Staffing and technology shortages limit the ability to expand service locations and/or increase capacity within existing centers. Patient factors including use of traditional healers, fear of stigma, and low health literacy decrease the likelihood of early presentation and completion of therapies. Survival outcomes are worse than most high- and middle-income countries and are affected by many factors. Side effects are similar to other regions, but these findings are limited by poor documentation capabilities. Access to palliative RT is more expeditious than definitive management. RT was noted to lead to feelings of burden, lower self-esteem, and worsened quality of life.

CONCLUSION

Sub-Saharan Africa represents a diverse region with barriers to RT that differ on the basis of funding, available technology and staff, and community populations. Although long-term solutions must focus on building capacity by increasing the number of treatment machines and providers, short-term improvements should be implemented, such as interim housing for traveling patients, increased community education to reduce late-stage diagnoses, and use of virtual visits to avoid travel.
Empagliflozin and Renal Sodium-Hydrogen Exchange in Healthy Subjects
Authors: Biancalana Edoardo , Rossi Chiara , Raggi Francesco , Distaso Mariarosaria , Tricò Domenico , Baldi Simona , Ferrannini Ele , Solini Anna
Published: February 2023

Context

Sodium glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors exert clinically relevant cardiorenal protection. Among several mechanisms, inhibition of sodium-hydrogen exchanger-3 (NHE3) in proximal renal tubules has been proposed in rodents. Demonstration of this mechanism with the associated electrolyte and metabolic changes in humans is lacking.

Objective

The present proof-of-concept study was designed to explore the involvement of NHE3 in modulating the response to sodium glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors in humans.

Methods

Twenty healthy male volunteers received 2 tablets of empagliflozin 25 mg during a standardized hydration scheme; freshly voided urines and blood samples were collected at timed intervals for 8 hours. Protein expression of relevant transporters was examined in exfoliated tubular cells.

Results

Urine pH levels increased after empagliflozin (from 5.81 ± 0.5 to 6.16 ± 0.6 at 6 hours, P = .008) as did urinary output (from median, 1.7; interquartile range [IQR, 0.6; 2.5] to 2.5 [IQR, 1.7; 3.5] mL/min−1, P = .008) and glucose (from median, 0.03 [IQR, 0.02; 0.04] to 34.8 [IQR, 31.6; 40.2] %, P < .0001), and sodium fractional excretion rates (from median, 0.48 [IQR, 0.34; 0.65] to 0.71 [IQR, 0.55; 0.85] %, P = .0001), whereas plasma glucose and insulin concentrations decreased and plasma and urinary ketones increased. Nonsignificant changes in NHE3, phosphorylated NHE3, and membrane-associated protein 17 protein expression were detected in urinary exfoliated tubular cells. In a time-control study in 6 participants, neither urine pH nor plasma and urinary parameters changed.

Conclusions

In healthy young volunteers, empagliflozin acutely increases urinary pH while inducing a substrate shift toward lipid utilization and ketogenesis, without significant changes in renal NHE3 protein expression.
High Sox2 expression predicts taste lineage competency of lingual progenitors in vitro
Authors: Shechtman Lauren A. , Scott Jennifer K. , Larson Eric D. , Isner Trevor J. , Johnson Bryan J. , Gaillard Dany , Dempsey Peter J. , Barlow Linda A.
Published: February 2023

Taste buds on the tongue contain taste receptor cells (TRCs) that detect sweet, sour, salty, umami and bitter stimuli. Like non-taste lingual epithelium, TRCs are renewed from basal keratinocytes, many of which express the transcription factor SOX2. Genetic lineage tracing has shown that SOX2+ lingual progenitors give rise to both taste and non-taste lingual epithelium in the posterior circumvallate taste papilla (CVP) of mice. However, SOX2 is variably expressed among CVP epithelial cells, suggesting that their progenitor potential may vary. Using transcriptome analysis and organoid technology, we show that cells expressing SOX2 at higher levels are taste-competent progenitors that give rise to organoids comprising both TRCs and lingual epithelium. Conversely, organoids derived from progenitors that express SOX2 at lower levels are composed entirely of non-taste cells. Hedgehog and WNT/β-catenin are required for taste homeostasis in adult mice. However, manipulation of hedgehog signaling in organoids has no impact on TRC differentiation or progenitor proliferation. By contrast, WNT/β-catenin promotes TRC differentiation in vitro in organoids derived from higher but not low SOX2+ expressing progenitors.
Rational Design of Novel Reaction Pathways and Tailor-Made Catalysts for Value-Added Chemicals Synthesis from CO2 Hydrogenation
Authors: Tsubaki Noritatsu , Wang Yang , Yang Guohui , He Yingluo
Published: February 2023

The highly effective transformation of CO2 into targeted chemicals has attracted significant attention due to greenhouse gas utilization and value-added chemical synthesis functions. Among all of the proposed CO2 transformation pathways, e.g., electrolytic CO2 reduction, photocatalytic CO2 conversion, and thermal-catalytic CO2 utilization, the latter, especially the thermal-catalytic hydrogenation process with renewable energy-driven H2 supply, is the most promising strategy owing to its high efficiency, fast reaction rate, controllable product selectivity, and industrial application potential. In recent years, our research group has made great efforts to realize various chemical syntheses from CO2 hydrogenation technology, such as production of methanol, ethanol, liquid petroleum gas (LPG), alkenes, aromatics (especially para-xylene, PX), etc. In this account, we summarize the main achievements of our laboratory in the rational design of novel heterogeneous catalysts and innovative reaction pathways for CO2 hydrogenation, including reaction pathway design for new low-temperature methanol synthesis, catalytic metal-surface interaction tailoring to boost methanol synthesis performance, tandem reaction network fabrication for the synthesis of ethanol, LPG, or aromatics, a capsule catalyst concept for tandem reaction, etc. In this account, we want to inspire new ideas and methodologies for the rational design of novel catalysts and reaction pathways for CO2 hydrogenation into value-added chemicals.
The Impact of Socioeconomic and Cultural Differences on Online Trade
Authors: Elfenbein Daniel W. , Fisman Raymond , McManus Brian
Published: February 2023

We use eBay data to investigate how within-U.S. trade is influenced by differences in socioeconomic characteristics. States’ similarity in cultural characteristics (ethnicity, religious affiliations, and political behavior) predicts online trade; cultural similarity similarly predicts trade within product categories. The culture-trade relationship is stronger for transactions with sellers who lack extensive reputations or certification, suggesting that consumers infer seller trustworthiness from cultural similarity. There is no correlation between cultural similarity and buyer satisfaction, suggesting that perceived differences in trustworthiness are not validated in actual transactions.

This paper was accepted by Alfonso Gambardella, business strategy.

Supplemental Material: The data files and online appendix are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2023.4681 .
Spirituality and the Nursing and Midwifery Council Code
Authors: Barber Chris
Published: February 2023

This series of articles will explore the intersections of spirituality with the delivery of contemporary healthcare within a number of healthcare and nursing environments. This third article will set out and explore issues around the assessment of spirituality and a range of tools that could be useful in assessing spirituality with patients or service users.
How did we get here? Explaining the persistent barriers NHS clinical support workers can face in England
Authors: Griffin Richard
Published: February 2023

Despite being the employees who often have the most direct contact with service users, NHS clinical support workers, such as healthcare assistants and maternity support workers, have long experienced a range of barriers to their effective deployment and development. These include a lack of standardised entry requirements, inconsistent task deployment and truncated career progression pathways. These have a detrimental impact on service delivery, including patient satisfaction.

The degree to which local employers are able to determine the recruitment, deployment and development of support workers is a key reason why these issues endure; however, this article suggests that a deeper reason is the existence of a segmented labour market in the NHS, with support workers existing in a secondary market. This duality resides in the socio-economic differences between registered and non-registered staff.

Recent NHS support workforce strategies present an opportunity to finally address the issues support staff face.
Latest clinical research
Authors: Greener Mark
Published: February 2023

The latest studies of interest to primary care clinicians rounded up by Mark Greener
What does the future hold for COVID-19 boosters?
Authors: Heffernan Catherine
Published: February 2023

Catherine Heffernan outlines the state of the UK's booster programme, and what nurses could see in 2023
Fathers' self-reported wellbeing in the first postnatal year: How can health visitors help?
Authors: Black Fiona
Published: February 2023

For some fathers the transition to parenthood is an emotional time, affecting their physical and emotional wellbeing. This review aimed to examine fathers' wellbeing needs and support preferences in the first postnatal year, and explore how health visitors can help. A systematic meta-synthesis was conducted and studies published between 2009 and 2019 analysed using Prisma and CASP tools. A total of 15 studies were identified and the following themes extracted: forming an identity as a father; relationships; and emotional/physical wellbeing and father's support preferences. There were five sub-themes: work/home role; supporter/protector role; parental relationship; and father–baby relationship and father/health relationship. It is concluded that emotions relating to role negotiation, self-efficacy and separation/rejection affected wellbeing, and fathers felt ignored and sidelined by health professionals. Support preferences included more knowledge on the postnatal period, father/nurse groups, targeted leaflets and direction to online services. Health visitors need to improve awareness around paternal wellbeing, starting with SCPHN training. Inviting fathers to all appointments or innovative telephone contacts would promote a more father-focused service.
Shipshape
Authors: Sampson Ben
Published: February 2023

The aircraft used by the Royal Navy are monitored and inspected by a dedicated team of NDT specialists
En Route for the Accomplishment of SDG-7 in South Asian Countries: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Katekar Vikrant , Deshmukh Sandip S.
Published: February 2023

With one-fifth of the world’s population, South Asian nations are home to 37 percent of the world’s poor and 50 percent of the world’s hungry children. This region experiences enormous development and infrastructure challenges. The paper investigates the progress of South Asian countries on Sustainable Development Goal-7, which is associated with access to modern energy to all. The present research also highlights significant issues and challenges behind the slow progress of South Asian countries on SDG-7. This study indicates that Bhutan and India are top-performing countries; however, Pakistan and Afghanistan are lower-performing countries on SDG-7 among all other South Asian countries. It has also been observed that South Asian countries have a narrow focus on renewable energy. South Asian nations will address their energy shortages issue and save a lot of money by using renewable energy instead of importing hydrocarbons. South Asian nations must diversify their main energy consumption patterns to achieve SDG-7. They may address their energy concerns at the policy, economic, technological, and information levels and boost cross-border energy commerce.
Optimal Wireless Technology Selection Approach for Sustainable Indian Smart Grid
Authors: Bhatt Jignesh , Jani Omkar , Harish V.S.K.V.
Published: February 2023

The smart grid is playing a game-changing role in achieving clean and green energy, infrastructure, and cities, which are all part of the sustainable development goals. The significance of communication infrastructure in the reliable design and operation of the smart grid is well recognized, notably for renewable integration, facilitating distributed energy resources and storage, demand response, and energy efficiency. Since choosing the optimal communication technology is a strategic decision, the problem needs careful investigation, taking into account realistic data traffic estimates to fulfill the communication needs of the applications envisaged. Even though a vast array of technologies with diverse capabilities is available to meet such communication needs, choosing the optimal wireless technology for a smart grid project remains a difficult challenge. In this context, to achieve and maximize the benefits of the smart grid and its applications, a systematic and efficient approach is necessary. This study proposes a data-driven decision-making approach for evaluating the capabilities of viable wireless technology options and selecting the most suitable option for the smart grid project at the design phase. The suggested approach and the decision-support tool were developed using a cost-function-based optimization technique. A case study of Siliguri city Indian smart grid pilot is discussed to validate the potential and aptness of the presented approach and suggest better technology alternatives as replacements. Being field data-driven, the presented optimization approach is simple, customizable, strategic, and re-usable with practical efficacy to assist decision-making.
Power Battery Recycling Mode and Decision-making Model for New Energy Vehicles Under the Background of Dual Carbon
Authors: Liu Jialin , Ye Jianming , Yang Chunming
Published: February 2023

Recycling and cascade utilization of waste power batteries for new energy vehicles is an effective measure to manage carbon emissions in the power battery industry chain and achieve the dual carbon target. In view of the current confusion of recycling channels and the unclear benefits and costs of the recycling market, the article constructs three recycling modes: self-operated recycling mode, industry alliance recycling mode and third-party enterprise recycling mode. With profit maximization as the decision-making goal, a recycling profit function model is established, and through the comparative analysis of profits of different recycling modes, the relationship and influencing factors between them are obtained, which can provide reference for enterprises to make recycling decisions.
Enzyme-producing symbiotic bacteria in gastropods and bivalves molluscs: Candidates for bioindustry materials
Authors: SETYATI WILIS ARI , PRINGGENIES DELIANIS , SOENARDJO NIRWANI , PRAMESTI RINI
Published: February 2023

Abstract. Setyati WA, Pringgenies D, Soenardjo N, Pramesti R. 2023. Enzyme-producing symbiotic bacteria in gastropods and bivalves molluscs: candidates for bioindustry materials. Biodiversitas 24: 20-25. Biotechnology plays a vital role in modern civilization because almost all aspects of human life have benefited from the development of biotechnological applications, especially in the bioindustry. Therefore, the present study aims to obtain bacterial isolates from molluscs and identify those with the potential to produce protease, amylase, and cellulase enzymes using bimolecular methods and bacterial biochemical analysis. The samples were collected in April 2022 from the coastal waters of Krakal, Special Region of Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The symbiotic bacteria were isolated, and screened for different enzymatic activity. The molecular method (16S rRNA gene sequence) was used to identify acterial isolates with the highest potential for enzymatic activity. Biochemical analysis of isolates that are potential candidates for industrial materials was carried out using the thin-Layer Chromatography (TLC) method to detect the compounds produced by bacteria. The results showed that the bacterial isolates GS 1-4, GS 2-1, and GS 2-12 had similarity with Alcaligenes faecalis (99.83%), Alcaligenes faecalis (99.74%) and Alcaligenes aquatilis (98.51%) respectively. The three isolates showed the potent enzymatic activity and contained alcohol, amines, aldehyde, ketone and conjugated aromatics, as well as amino acids for potential candidates of bioindustry materials.
The role of coffee agroforestry on available water capacity and root length density in smallholder plantation
Authors: KHOIRUNNISAK AFIFATUL , PRIJONO SUGENG , WICAKSONO KURNIAWAN SIGIT
Published: February 2023

Abstract. Khoirunnisak A, Prijono S, Wicaksono KS. 2023. The role of coffee agroforestry on available water capacity and root length density in smallholder plantation. Biodiversitas 24: 55-61. The application of coffee agroforestry has several advantages, such as increasing the cycle of nutrients and soil organic matter as well as improving soil physical properties. However, there is still an information gap related to the interaction between coffee plants and shade plant roots. This study aimed to evaluate coffee agroforestry on available water capacity (AWC) and root length density (RLD). The research was carried out at the smallholder coffee plantation in Dampit District in four shade types (coffee-open, shaded with Musa sp., shaded with Gliricidia sp., and shaded with L. leucochepala). Soil and root samples were taken at three depths (0-20 cm, 20-40 cm, and 40-60 cm) and at two distances (near the coffee stems and between the coffee shade). The variables observed were AWC, RLD, soil organic C, soil aggregate stability, and soil penetration resistance. The result was coffee plants with shade trees increased AWC value and root density compared to coffee-open. The type of shade significantly affected RLD, where shaded with Gliricidia sp., and shaded with L. leucochepala were better than coffee-open. This indicates that there was no root competition between coffee plants and shade trees. However, shaded with Musa sp. had lower RLD than coffee-open. Soil depth had a significant effect on the AWC value and root length density of coffee plants, where the most AWC values ??and coffee root distribution were higher at a depth of 0-20 cm.
Structure, composition and diversity of tree species in Martelu Purba Nature Reserve, North Sumatra, Indonesia
Authors: RANGKUTI AHMAD BAIQUNI , HARTINI KANSIH SRI , SUSILOWATI ARIDA , RAMBEY RIDAHATI , HARAHAP MOEHAR MARAGHIY , ARINAH HAFIZAH , IRMAYANTI LASWI , PAMOENGKAS PRIJANTO , INDRIANI FITRI , PENIWIDIYANTI PENIWIDIYANTI , RUHIDI ALHARIS
Published: February 2023

Abstract. Rangkuti AB, Hartini KS, Susilowati A, Rambey R, Harahap MM, Arinah H, Irmayanti L, Pamoengkas P, Indriani F, Peniwidiyanti, Ruhidi A. 2023. Structure, composition and diversity of tree species in Martelu Purba Nature Reserve, North Sumatra, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 24: 78-85. Martelu Purba Nature Reserve is one of the conservation areas in North Sumatra that functions to protect biodiversity. However, there is limited information related to the vegetation community contained in the nature reserve. This study aimed to assess the diversity, structure and composition of tree species in the Martelu Purba Nature Reserve as well as to reveal the conservation status of the species in reserve. The research used the line transect method with a total of 112 observation plots representing various vegetation and environmental conditions. The results showed that there were 39 tree species belonging to 25 families, with 31, 25, 24, and 26 species at the tree, pole, sapling, and seedling stages, respectively. Shorea platyclados and Syzygium cerasiforme were species with the highest Important Value Index (IVI) at the tree and pole stages with 173.04% and 31.01%, respectively, while Gamblea malayana was the most important at the sapling and seedling stages with IVI of 66.43%, and 30.00%, respectively. The Shannon-Wiener diversity index (H') was categorized as low (1.58), the Margalef species richness index (DMg) was high at all growth stages, and the Evenness index (E) was high, indicating that all species were evenly distributed across the research plots. The distribution of tree diameter classes ranged from 20 - 40 cm for trees with the smallest diameter to 81-110 cm for trees with the largest diameter. Based on their conservation status, there were two species with conservation concerns, namely Coffea arabica (Endangered) and Lithocarpus maingayi (Vulnerable). The application of good silvicultural methods needs to be carried out in the context of conservation efforts. One example is through vegetative propagation of species with long flowering periods.
Selection criteria and index analysis for the S2 maize lines of double-crosses
Authors: AKFINDARWAN ANNUR KHAINUN , FARID MUH , SYAIFUL SYATRIANTI ANDI , ANSHORI MUHAMMAD FUAD , NUR AMIN
Published: February 2023

Abstract. Akfindarwan AK, Farid M, Syaiful SA, Anshori MF, Nur A. 2023. Selection criteria and index analysis for the S2 maize lines of double-crosses. Biodiversitas 24: 192-199. This study aimed to determine the selection criteria and the selection index for the S2 maize lineage from double cross crosses and to select the potential lines that could be continued in the S3 generation. The research was carried out in the field from July to November 2020 at the Experimental Farm of the Agriculture Faculty, Hasanuddin University, Tamalanrea District, Makassar City, South Sulawesi. The maize lines used were derived from 4 double cross populations of S1 generation, namely: DC1 (P36/B9//NK7328/JH2) with 19 genotypes, DC2 (B9)/HJ28/NK728), DC3 (B18/B2/B2/N29), and DC4 (JH45/B19/N29/B2). The results of this study revealed that the selection criteria suitable for this population were the weight of seeds per cob, peel cob weight, and weight of 100 seeds. Furthermore, the selection index analysis showed that there were 61 promising lines for F2 double cross maize that had a positive index value, while based on the Z value, there were 44 lines that had a better index value than the best parents. Therefore, it is recommended that the 61 S2 Maize lines from double crosses be further tested on to the S3 generation.