bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Shock Index VS Modified Shock Index as a Predictor of Mortality among the COVID-19 Patients
Authors: S Abhishek , Trichur Ramakrishnan Venkatakrishnan , Cattamanchi Srihari , Vijayan Parthasarathy
Published: January 2024

Introduction: The viral respiratory disorder known as severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is caused by the SARS-associated coronavirus. End of May 2021, there have been over 170 million reported cases and more than 3.53 million deaths worldwide. In the field of cardiovascular performance, the shock index (SI) is a simple and widely used formula that measures the physiological response prior to systemic hypotension. It is obtained by dividing the heart rate by the systolic blood pressure. Another parameter, the modified shock index (MSI), is defined as the ratio of heart rate to mean arterial pressure (MAP).

Methods: In this retrospective study, we examined the data of COVID-19 patients who were admitted to the ICU between June 1st, 2020, and January 31st, 2021. The patient details were collected from the Medical Records Department (MRD) in a tertiary care center. A case-recorded proforma was used to record the patient information, which was then analyzed using SPSS software.

Results: The mean age of the patients was 67 years, consisting of 64 males (68.9%) and 29 females (31.1%). The standard deviation was calculated as 13.557. Among the patients, the minimum age recorded was 28, while the maximum age was 97. Patients with known CAD (Coronary Artery Disease) had a higher mortality rate among comorbidities. The p-value for Shock Index and Mortality Status was 0.205 (with an alpha value greater than 0.05), indicating no significant association. However, the modified shock index (MSI) showed a significant association with mortality status. The Pearson chi-square value for MSI and Mortality Status was 4.19, with a p-value of 0.041 (with an alpha value less than 0.05). These results suggest that there is a higher risk of mortality for patients with a Modified Shock Index of less than 0.7 or greater than 1.3. The MSI Odds ratio was found to be 4.500, indicating that such patients have a 4.5 times higher risk of mortality compared to others.

Conclusion: In conclusion, our study found that there is no significant association between the Shock Index (SI) and mortality, as the p-value was greater than 0.05. However, the Modified Shock Index (MSI) showed a significant association with mortality status, with a p-value less than 0.05. This suggests that patients with a Modified Shock Index less than 0.7 or greater than 1.3 are at a higher risk of mortality. It is important to consider these findings when assessing the prognosis and potential interventions for COVID-19 patients.
Molecular Targeting of the Claudins Pathway.
Authors: Hana Caroline , Thaw Dar Nyein Nyein , Galo Venegas Michael , Vulfovich Michel
Published: January 2024

Claudins are a family of 27 proteins that have an important role in the formation of tight junc-tions. They also have an important function in ions exchange, cell mobility, and in in the epitheli-al-to-mesenchymal transition, the latter being very important in cancer invasion and metastasis.

Therapeutic targeting of claudins has been investigated to improve cancer outcomes. Recent evi-dence shows improved outcomes when combining monoclonal antibodies against Claudin 18.2 with chemotherapy for patients with gastroesophageal junction cancer. Currently Chimeric anti-gen receptor T-cells targeting Claudin 18 are under investigation.
3D-Printed Dental Implants Immediately Loaded to Support a Full-Arch Fixed Rehabilitation: 24 months Follow-up
Authors: Formiga Márcio de Carvalho , Fuller Renato , Shibli Jamil Awad
Published: January 2024

Immediate load of full-arch rehabilitations over implants, specially over 4 implants are very well documented in the literature. More recently, the use of computed surgical guides to help the planning and the execution of these treatments, in many situations without the need of raising a flap, and diminishing the appearance of hematomas, bleeding and with less trauma to the patient has gained preference among implantologists. The objective of this case report is to show a clinical case of an immediate load full-arch fixed rehabilitation over 4 implants produced by 3D printing manufacturing technology, and placed with a computed surgical guide, in the same appointment, and the 24 months follow-up. The patient returned after 3 months to replace the immediate temporary fixed prosthesis for a new one, with metallic bar, better teeth and more delicate. Soft and hard tissue around the implants seemed to be stable, without signs of inflammation, either on the 3 or the 24 months follow-up. 3D printing of implants by direct metal laser sintering is a technology that seems to be promising for oral implantology, with solid studies showing reliable results, as seen in this single case. More clinical studies are necessary to testify its efficacy.
Shock-Discharge Interaction Model Extended into the Third Dimension
Authors: Markhotok Anna
Published: January 2024

This work is an addition to the previously developed two-dimensional model of the shock-plasma interaction extending it into the third dimension. The model allows tracing the evolution of the state of the hypersonic flow and the shock front refracted at a thermal discontinuity. The advantages of using the spherical coordinate system for this type of the problems include more transparency in interpreting the solution and a shortened calculation procedure, because all the changes to the front become reduced to one distortion component only. Although the vorticity generation triggered at the interface is the consequence of the refraction and tied to the steep changes of the front, it is shown here that it is not because of an instant parameter jump at the interface due to refraction itself.
The Regulations for Management of Coastal Natural Resource Conflicts in Indonesia-Malaysia Border
Authors: Zein Yahya Ahmad , Syaprillah Aditia , Idris Rafiq
Published: January 2024

Indonesia and Malaysia will continue to engage in violent and protracted border conflicts over natural resources due to limited natural resources. Due to the scarcity and abundance of renewable resources, there are border disputes between Indonesia and Malaysia. Illegal fishing is a concern for both countries. This study aimed to determine the management of Indonesia-Malaysia coastal natural resource disputes. This was normative legal research that employed statutory, empirical, and case methods. The study found that Indonesia and Malaysia need to strengthen their laws as a follow-up to their bilateral agreements, considering that illegal activities often occur along land and sea borders. Another problem is that maritime regulations in Indonesia and Malaysia have different problems and challenges, ranging from the lack of specific regulations to the existence of illegal activities on the sea and land borders of each country. The laws governing maritime sector activities are vulnerable to institutional conflicts due to overlapping regulations and legislation resulting from cross-border processing at maritime borders. Therefore, from a regulatory perspective, it is necessary to strengthen various existing regulations.
Indonesian Migrant Workers After Job Creation Law: A Challenging Problem for Protection Welfare
Authors: Suhartini Endeh , Zaini Mimi Fitriana , Widjojanto Bambang , Yumarni Ani
Published: January 2024

Job Creation Law has severely impacted the protection of foreign workers with changes to the Company Permit for Placement of Indonesian Migrant Workers (SIP3MI). This research aims to analyze changes to SIP3MI and its impact on the licensing mechanism for Indonesian migrant workers, which is related to the implementation of supervision of migrant workers as a juridical-administrative consequence of SIP3MI issuance. The research methodology used in this paper is a normative legal research method with a statue approach and conceptualization of legal protection, licensing, supervision, labour, and social justice to realize the protection of migrant workers when contracting and completing contracts. This research indicates an urgency for the government to protect migrant workers, seeing the increase in the number of migrant workers and complaints. The SIP3MI regulation, degrades the concept of protecting Indonesian migrant workers. The change in providing SIP3MI information from the relevant Ministry to the authority of the Central Government and being equated with Business Licensing thus changes the mechanism for issuing permits, which could severely impact the implementation of supervision and protection of Indonesian migrant workers. Therefore, the protection of migrant workers is no better than before the publication of the Omnibus Law. Legal certainty is needed to provide protection. Equating SIP3MI with business licensing is quite controversial and has the potential to create legal protection for migrant workers who are increasingly being pushed into a corner.
Research on the Development of Public Administration in Lithuania
Authors: Guogis Arvydas , Gudelis Dangis , Smalskys Vainius , Rakšnys Vincas Adomas , Sukvietiene Ausra , Reinholde Iveta
Published: January 2024

Research conducted on public administration in Lithuania covers various subjects related to different fields and activities within the public sector. However, most research focuses only on challenges associated with the civil service and local self-government in Lithuania. This research aims to define public administration research and improve understanding of the progress and trajectory of contemporary public sector research in Lithuania. The research methods include document analysis, qualitative descriptive approaches, and historical data analysis. Moreover, the triangulation method verifies research results by integrating data and observations from many sources. The research results found that in the development of public law in Lithuania, researchers in the field of Lithuanian public administration focused on the goals of government reform, civil service modernization, creative solutions, and trends and reforms in central and regional administration. They also concentrate on social policy procedures, improving public governance, and intelligent examination of public administration. Lithuanian authors also focus on improving public governance through the use of the concepts of cooperation, participation, and teamwork. The study of Lithuanian public administration is closely related to the evolution of traditional public administration, focusing on evaluating new public management practices and implementing various public management innovations in government sector organizations since the start of state restoration. Future directions of public administration research in Lithuania will focus on addressing the challenges faced by the public sector and society in other countries. These challenges include sustainable development, climate change, gender equality, and other contemporary issues that directly or indirectly impact the public sector.
The Urgency of Restorative Justice Regulation on Hate Speech
Authors: Bawono Bambang Tri , Glaser Henning
Published: January 2024

Regulations on the imposition of criminal sanctions in cases of hate speech on social media are, at some point, considered to degrade human rights to express opinions in the context of a democratic country. This research aims to provide an overview of resolving hate speech cases on social media using a restorative justice approach and how regulations should be created and developed. This research uses normative legal research methods using statutory and conceptual approaches. The concept proposed refers to the theory of restorative justice and the theory of establishing appropriate regulations. This research indicates that until now, there has been no strong and adequate legal basis for implementing non-penal resolution of hate speech cases through a restorative justice approach. In the Criminal Code, which revokes the article regarding hate speech in the Information and Electronic Transactions Law both before and after the Constitutional Court Decision, there is no reference to using a restorative justice approach in resolving existing cases. It is urgent to regulate restorative justice arrangements to guarantee legal certainty for the parties by considering recovery for damage and losses victims suffer based on a mutually agreed agreement. Restorative justice can mediate accusations of degradation of freedom of opinion and can maintain democratic values. Based on the regulatory formation process theory, some factors must be considered in designing and making restorative justice arrangements in hate speech cases.
Peningkatan Minat dan Prestasi Belajar Siswa Kelas 5 SD Negeri 2 Mujing melalui Game-based Learning Model
Authors: Puspitasari Indah
Published: January 2024

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengembangkan dan mengevaluasi model pembelajaran berbasis permainan sebagai upaya untuk meningkatkan minat dan prestasi belajar siswa kelas V SD Negeri 2 Mujing. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah Penelitian Tindakan Kelas (PTK). Penelitian ini melibatkan partisipasi aktif siswa dalam menggunakan model pembelajaran ini. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa model pembelajaran berbasis permainan secara signifikan meningkatkan minat belajar siswa yang diukur melalui observasi partisipatif dan kuesioner. Selain itu, terjadi peningkatan prestasi belajar siswa yang diukur melalui tes pengetahuan awal, formatif dan sumatif. Temuan ini memberikan kontribusi positif terhadap pengembangan strategi pembelajaran yang inovatif di tingkat sekolah dasar, khususnya di SD Negeri 2 Mujing.
Desempeño productivo, peso de órganos y valores hematológicos en pollos de engorde suplementados con extracto de orégano (Origanum vulgare L.)
Authors:   , Chavez Matta Jessica Deyadira
Published: January 2024

El objetivo del presente estudio fue evaluar el efecto del extracto de orégano (Origanum vulgare L.) sobre el desempeño productivo, desarrollo de órganos, la morfometría del intestino delgado y los valores hematológicos en pollos de carne. Para dicho estudio se utilizaron 160 pollos de la línea Cobb 500 los cuales fueron distribuidos en 2 tratamientos experimentales bajo un diseño completamente al azar, cada tratamiento contó con 4 repeticiones de 20 animales. Los indicadores como el consumo total, ganancia total de peso, ICA, uniformidad, recuento de células rojas y blancas, peso de órganos y morfometría del intestino delgado se evaluaron a los 14, 28 y 42 días de edad. El uso del extracto de orégano mejoró significativamente (p<0.05) el consumo total, el peso del bazo, la longitud de la vellosidad intestinal y la relación entre la longitud de la vellosidad y la profundidad de la cripta en la fase de inicio; uniformidad, recuento de eritrocitos y hemoglobina, peso del bazo, la longitud de la vellosidad intestinal y la relación entre la longitud de la vellosidad y la profundidad de la cripta en la fase de crecimiento; y, peso final del ave, ganancia de peso, uniformidad, recuento de eritrocitos, hemoglobina, hematocrito, peso del intestino y bazo, la longitud de la vellosidad intestinal y la relación entre la longitud de la vellosidad y la profundidad de la cripta en la fase de acabado. Así, el extracto de orégano en un nivel de 0.2% en las dietas para pollos de carne resulta ser una alternativa en sus diferentes fases de crecimiento, mejorando el rendimiento productivo, valores hematológicos y la integridad intestinal.
Distanciamiento social y hábitos alimentarios en estudiantes de quinto de primaria en una Institución Educativa Estatal durante la pandemia 2020-2021
Authors:   , Cabrera Balbin Claudia , Ochante Paravecino Maria Ysabel
Published: January 2024

Los estudiantes de primaria atraviesan una etapa de cambio en la adquisición de hábitos alimentarios, los cuales son fundamentales para su calidad de vida y salud. Sin embargo, debido al distanciamiento social provocado por la pandemia, las actividades compartidas con familiares y amigos se han visto limitadas. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue determinar la relación entre distanciamiento social y hábitos alimentarios en estudiantes de quinto de primaria de una institución educativa estatal durante la pandemia 2020-2021. La metodología consistió en aplicar 2 encuestas (una sobre distanciamiento social y otra sobre hábitos alimentarios) a 120 estudiantes, que participaron voluntariamente y con el consentimiento informado de sus padres. Los resultados mostraron que el 47.5% de los hábitos de los estudiantes presentaron hábitos alimentarios inadecuados, mientras el 52.5% mostraron hábitos alimentarios adecuados. En relación con el distanciamiento social, el 17,5% lo reporto como irregular, mientras que el 82.5% lo reportó como alto. En conclusión, existe una relación entre el nivel de distanciamiento social (alto, medio y bajo) y los hábitos alimentarios (adecuados e inadecuados) en los estudiantes evaluados.
Efecto diurético del extracto acuoso del pelo de Zea mays L. "maíz morado" en ratas albinas
Authors:   , Garcia Torres Maria Isabel , Vargas Rufasto Wendolyn Amy
Published: January 2024

INTRODUCCIÓN: El pelo de Zea mays L., es conocido como “maíz morado” en la costa peruana y se utiliza para tratar infecciones del tracto urinario, nefropatías y enfermedades crónicas, ya que actúa como diurético, antiinflamatorio y nefroprotector. METODOLOGÍA: El estudio es experimental, preclínico, prospectivo, longitudinal, y la población estuvo conformada por 80 ratas albinas macho divididas en 9 grupos (Blanco, Na Cl 0.9%, Vasopresina 20 UI/ml, Furosemida 10 mg/ml, extracto acuoso de pelo de Maíz (100, 200, 400, 600 y 800 mg/kg), para los cuales se utilizó el Método de Lipschitz. Se utilizó el programa estadístico GraphPad Prism 9.5, aplicando las pruebas ANOVA, TUKEY y Chi Cuadrado. RESULTADOS: Se encontró diferencia significativa entre el grupo de extracto acuoso de pelo de Maíz (200 mg/kg) y los demás grupos. En cuanto a la concentración de orina en 24 horas, se encontraron valores mayores en el grupo de pelo de Maíz 200 mg/kg (5,25 mL), pelo de Maíz 800 mg/kg (2,49 mL) y menor valor en Furosemida 10 mg/ kg (2,45 mL). El pH más frecuente fue 8. Se encontró un pH de 7,85 en los grupos Seda de Maíz 200 mg/kg y Furosemida, mientras que el grupo Na Cl presentó el pH más bajo (7,5). CONCLUSIONES: El extracto acuoso de pelo de Maíz tiene efecto diurético, encontrando una diferencia significativa entre dosis de 200 mg/kg y los demás grupos, además de presentar un aumento de la diuresis durante las primeras 24 horas.
Posicionamiento digital y su relación con el branding emocional en los clientes de la empresa Káligo Maternidad en tiempos de COVID-19, Lima-Perú, 2020
Authors:   , Céspedes Herrera Olenka Andrea
Published: January 2024

En el año 2020, el Perú fue azotado por el COVID 19, un virus que empezó en Wuhan, China y se esparció rápidamente a nivel mundial. Por esta razón, la vida como se conocía cambió de un momento a otro. Los ciudadanos peruanos y de todo el mundo entraron a una etapa de confinamiento indefinido. Lo que provocó una crisis sanitaria, empresarial y financiera en todos los países. Sin embargo, el mundo digital nos tenía conectados. Esto permitió a las marcas aumentar protagonismo en las plataformas sociales y a encontrar una comunicación diferente para conectar emocionalmente con sus clientes. Es por ello, que el objetivo de esta investigación es conocer el posicionamiento digital y determinar si existe una relación con el branding emocional en los clientes de la marca Kaligo Maternidad en tiempos de COVID 19. Para esto, se diseñó y realizó una encuesta online a 152 personas que hubieran comprado algún producto de la marca y que residan en Lima. Los resultados obtenidos demostraron un resultado beneficioso y el valor de conocer a la audiencia en su totalidad. Para así formar conexiones únicas a través de técnicas de marketing y publicidad.
Asociación entre el índice de masa corporal y el grado clínico de fragilidad en adultos mayores de un Centro Gerontológico Mixto
Authors:   , Esquivel Valdivia Maryuri Josseline , Ruiz Jiménez Emanuel Hugo Orlando
Published: January 2024

Introducción: Hoy en día existen varios métodos que permiten detectar la fragilidad en el adulto mayor, uno de ellas es el estado nutricional, sin embargo, no hay muchos estudios acerca de que clasificación según el IMC está más involucrado; es decir, si está más relacionada al bajo peso, obesidad o ambas. Objetivos: Demostrar la relación de fragilidad clínica e IMC en adultos mayores con bajo peso y obesidad. Métodos: Se efectuó un estudio de tipo observacional, analítico, transversal (análisis secundario de una base de datos). La población fue conformada por adultos mayores de 60 años residentes de un centro gerontológico especializado mixto, participantes del estudio “Understanding how grades of frailty affect the evolution of COVID-19”. Dicho estudio fue multicéntrico y para el presente estudio se utilizaron solamente los datos del site de Perú. La institución brindo un total de 78 residentes en donde se midió su grado de fragilidad según la escala clínica de fragilidad, se les realizo un cuestionario de variables sociodemográficas y se obtuvieron otros datos recopilados de su historia clínica. Resultados: Con respecto a la fragilidad encontramos que un 19.23% de los participantes fue considerado vulnerable (n=15), un 23.08% fue considerado ligeramente frágil (n=18), un 15.38% fueron considerados moderadamente frágil (n=12), un 19.23% eran severamente frágiles (n=15), el 7.69% era severamente muy frágil (n=6) y el 15.38% eran enfermos terminales (n=12). En la tabla 2 se pudo apreciar el análisis bivariado entre el grado de fragilidad y el índice de masa corporal, donde encontramos que en los pacientes con mayor grado de fragilidad fueron aquellos que sufrían de bajo peso y obesidad, con resultados estadísticamente significativos. Conclusiones: Se obtuvo una relación de fragilidad clínica e IMC en adultos mayores con bajo peso y obesidad corroborando que las poblaciones con IMC alterado, ya sea con baja de peso o alza de peso, tienen a ser más frágiles que aquellas que tienen un IMC normal.
Prevention of Known Emergency Attack in Medical Service Provider Selection for Body Area Network User in Real-Time Healthcare
Authors: Pattanayak Anupam , Dhal Subhasish
Published: January 2024

In cloud-assisted body area network (BAN), medical user (MU) is equipped with sensor nodes to measure different physiological health information (PHI). Whenever the PHI reading is found to be abnormal, BAN notifies this medical emergency event to cloud. Cloud broadcasts this medical emergency event to all medical service providers (MSPs) attached to cloud while preserving privacy of MU. There can be multiple MSPs competing for admitting the MU in need of medical treatment. For this, MSP uploads its infrastructural parameters to cloud. However, some MSPs can upload false data to cloud for attracting MU. This is possible when malicious MSP is aware of some medical emergency event and ready to exploit the system to get more business. We classify this attack as Known Emergency Attack. This attack can severely deteriorate the appropriate MSP selection process during emergency. However, as per our knowledge, there is no prior work addressing this problem. We propose a blockchain based framework, which can prevent an MSP from uploading false data and thereby protect from known emergency attack. In response to MU emergency, MSPs send its encrypted attributes to miners in the blockchain network. Miners compute encrypted difference between registered MSP attribute and currently received MSP attribute. If the difference is within a threshold, only then this MSP is considered as a candidate for MSP selection. Security and privacy of proposed framework is verified using Random Oracle Model and AVISPA tool. Computational requirement of proposed framework has also been evaluated.
Community-Based Interventions that are Effective against HIV-Related Stigma. A Systematic Review of Evidence in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Authors: kimera Emmanuel , Alanyo Linda Grace , Irumba Pauline , Andinda Maureen , Mirembe Enos Masereka
Published: January 2024

Background
HIV-related stigma remains a key barrier to the attainment of the UNAIDS global goal of ending AIDS by 2030. Due to the social and contextual nature of HIV-related stigma, community-based interventions may be more effective. In this review we synthesized evidence on features of community-based interventions that have been reported to be effective against HIV-related stigma in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Methods
We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Psych INFO, and Web of science in July 2023. We also searched Google Scholar and reference lists of all selected studies. Included studies were randomized controlled trials, mixed methods studies, as well as pre-test and post-test studies that evaluated the effectiveness of a community-based intervention to reduce HIV-related stigma in the general population or among specific groups. Data extraction was done using a pre-designed and pre-tested form. Framework thematic analysis was used to qualitatively synthesize intervention characteristics of included studies.
Results
A total of nine journal articles were included, largely with some concerns regarding methodological quality. Most studies involved People Living with HIV (PLH) alone as intervention recipients and as intervention implementers. Community members with unknown HIV status were involved in only 2 studies. The intervention strategies were largely information sharing through workshops and training as well as individualized counselling. In few studies, additional support in form of referrals, nutritional supplements, and adherence support was provided to PLH during the interventions. Most studies were judged to be of moderate to high cost except in 3 where the intervention implementers were PLH within the community, volunteering in the home-based support approach. The involvement of community members in the design of intervention strategies was not seen in all the studies.
Conclusion
Community-based interventions against HIV-related stigma have been multifariously developed in sub-Saharan Africa. However, comprehensive strategies involving the stigmatized and the ‘stigmatizers’ in a social change approach are lacking. The application of strategies without involvement of community members in their design takes away a sense of community responsibility and this threatens sustainability of such interventions. The HIV-competent framework can act as a benchmark for future design of realistic community-based interventions against HIV-related stigma.
Mitigation of Salt Stress in Camelina sativa by 24-epibrassinolide and/or Salicylic acid Treatments
Authors: Göre Merve
Published: January 2024

This research was conducted to determine the effects of various hormones EbR and SA applied under salt stress on the growth and development of the camelina plant (Camelina sativa) under greenhouse conditions. Various parameters were evaluated in this study, including FW, DW, PWC, RWC, MP, Ch a, Ch b and carotenoids. The results revealed that salt stress significantly reduced plant growth and productivity of all genotypes in most parameters. The addition of SA and EbR + SA improved the performance of RWC and carotenoid parameters under salt stress, while the addition of EbR increased RWC alone. The highest FW (5.49 g) and DW (1.31 g) were obtained for the NaCl + EbR + SA treatment group after the control group. The highest values of MP were obtained for the NaCl treatment group in Arslanbey genotype and for the NaCl + EbR + SA treatment group for the other two genotypes. Furthermore, the highest increase in Ch a, Ch b and carotenoid contents was obtained for PI-650142 genotype. However, more research is required to fully understand the mechanisms and effects of these compounds when applied together. Overall, SA and EbR have promising potential for improving the productivity of crops grown under salt-stress conditions. Further studies should be performed by considering the sensitivity of genotypes with low salt tolerance.
The Pest Management Attitude scale: a tool for measuring consensus between experts and practitioners in invasion biology
Authors: Cerri Jacopo , Serra Elisa , Stefanuto Alberto , Mori Emiliano
Published: January 2024

Quantifying attitudes towards invasive alien species (IAS) is fundamental to understand the extent to which conservation scientists agree and can collaborate in their management. We tested the Pest Management Scale (PMS), originally invented to quantify attitudes towards invasive alien mammals in New Zealand, as a tool to quantify broader attitudes towards IAS among bioinvasion experts in Italy. We administered an online questionnaire to a sample of experts working on biological invasions in Italy. We collected 316 answers, both from conservation practitioners (26.6%) and researchers (73.4%), and we used structural equation modeling to test for the psychometric properties of the scale and compare attitude scores between groups. The PMS showed both a good reliability (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.7), validity (CFI = 0.99, TLI = 0.99, SRMR = 0.03, RMSE = 0.02) and measurement invariance, when comparing researchers and practitioners, as well as when comparing respondents working on different invasive taxa. Both experts, as well as respondents with a different background, and respondents of a different age, had similar attitudes about IAS and their management. Our study shows that the PMS, a simple scale originally conceived to measure attitudes towards invasive alien mammals, could indeed be used to quantify the attitudes of experts towards IAS. Even in countries where the public debate about biological invasions is much more recent than in New Zealand. The PMS scale could potentially be used both for large-scale and long-term research about the attitudes of experts about IAS.
Time-dependent deployment of medial prefrontal cortical representations in mice
Authors: Kvitsiani Duda , Lopez-Yepez Junior , Barta Anna , Martin Juliane , Moltessen Maria , Woo Tsz-Fung , Hulme Oliver
Published: January 2024

The prefrontal cortical areas exhibit a wide range of diverse and mixed representations involving sensory, motor, and autonomous variables. Despite this diversity, the prefrontal areas are known to regulate very specific behavioral functions. This disparity between the representations and their precise roles in behavior prompts a fundamental question: which representations do animals deploy, and in what specific behavioral contexts? To address this question, we recorded neurons in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) of mice engaged in probabilistic reward-based foraging task. Using reinforcement learning (RL) model that takes into account both reward and choice history we derived decision variable (DV) that adequately described behavior. We found that neurons integrate choice and reward history in line with their behavioral effects. To probe under what behavioral contingencies DV was used we subjected animals to different behavioral manipulations. These manipulations included altering the conditional dependence of reward probability on past choices and varying the temporal intervals between choices. While neural representations tracked the task contingencies, inactivation of mPFC specifically degraded performance of the animals when there were long temporal gaps between choices. We discovered that the neural representations had to be viewed within the context of animals performance. Namely, we found correlation of animal’s performance and decoding accuracy at the population level only in the task with long temporal gaps between choices. We conclude that if neural representation are examined alone almost identical representations can have different behavioral impacts. Our findings argue that redundant computations exist in medial prefrontal cortex and its behavioral deployment is conditioned on temporal gaps between task relevant events.
Haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation as first-line therapy for aplastic anemia in children:
A single-center experience
Authors: Xiong Hao , Li Zuofeng , Chen Zhi , Yang Li , Sun Ming , Lu Wenjie , Qi Shanshan , Tao Fang , Luo Linlin
Published: January 2024

HID-HSCT is considered a viable treatment option for children with AA who do not have a suitable identical donor or an unrelated donor, but there are not enough studies on how it fares in comparison to with stem cells from MSD-HSCT and UD-HSCT. Therefore, this study compared the outcomes of three ways as the first-line treatment for children with AA. We retrospectively compared the outcomes of 85 pediatric patients who underwent HID-HSCT (n = 41), MSD-HSCT (n = 10), and UD-HSCT (n = 34)from August 2016 toJune 2023. Cumulative rates of neutrophil and platelet implantation, incidence of aGVHD, cGVHD, and 6-year OS were not statistically significant in the three groups. In the univariate and multivariate analyses, the survival outcome for the entire population was adversely associated with TMA (P = 0.040), but was not related to other factors. In summary, there were no statistically significant differences in terms of hematopoietic reconstruction and prognosis between the three transplantation methodologies. Thus, for individuals without HLA-matched siblings or unrelated donors, HID-HSCT might be a practical and promising primary treatment option.
Cardioprotective effects of soluble guanylate cyclase and its α1 subunit on myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury through the regulation of the PGC-1α/UCP2 pathway
Authors: Li Jiao , Li Xinhang , Li Qi , Wu Hao , Liu Yue , Chen Yafang , Qi Xin , Wei Liping
Published: January 2024

Purpose
The present study aimed to investigate the cardioprotective potential of soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) and its 1 subunit on myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury (MIRI), as well as the potential mechanism.
Methods
SD rats were subjected to left coronary artery ischemia/reperfusion, and H9C2 cells were cultured in an Anaero Pack anaerobic bag to induce a MIRI model. Myocardial infarction area, myocardial tissue morphology and myocardial tissue ultrastructure were observed by TTC, HE and transmission electron microscopy, respectively. Myocardial tissues of each group were examined by colorimetric assay for CAT, GSH-Px and SOD, TUNEL staining for apoptosis, ELISA for cGMP, and Western blot for protein expression of Capase3, sGCα1, PGC-1α and UCP2.
Results
In vivo, sGC exerted cardioprotective effects, as shown by a reduced myocardial infarct size. sGC also reduced oxidative stress and apoptosis in myocardial cells, which was associated with the activation of PGC-1α and UCP2. The protein expression of sGCα1 changes with the activity of sGC. In vitro, sGCα1 inhibited oxidative stress and apoptosis in H9C2 cells by activating the PGC-1α/UCP2 pathway.
Conclusion
Our results suggest that sGC and its α1 subunit exert cardioprotective effects by inhibiting oxidative stress and cell apoptosis during MIRI and reveal a potential mechanism involving the PGC-1α/UCP2 pathway.
AKR1B10 Expression Characteristics in Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Its Correlation with Clinicopathological Features and Immune Microenvironment
Authors: Ma Li-Na , Ma Yan , Luo Xia , Ma Zi-min , Ma Li-Na , Ding Xiang-Chun
Published: January 2024

Background and Aims: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents a major global health threat with diverse and complex pathogenesis. Aldo-keto reductase family 1 member B10 (AKR1B10), a tumor-associated enzyme, exhibits abnormal expression in various cancers. However, a comprehensive understanding of AKR1B10's role in HCC is lacking. This study aims to explore the expression characteristics of AKR1B10 in HCC and its correlation with clinicopathological features, survival prognosis, and tumor immune microenvironment, further investigating its role and potential regulatory mechanisms in HCC. Methods: This study conducted comprehensive analyses using various bioinformatics tools and databases. Initially, differentially expressed genes related to HCC were identified from the GEO database, and the expression of AKR1B10 in HCC and other cancers was compared using TIMER and GEPIA databases, with validation of its specificity in HCC tissue samples using the HPA database. Furthermore, the relationship of AKR1B10 expression with clinicopathological features (age, gender, tumor size, staging, etc.) of HCC patients was analyzed using the TCGA database's LIHC dataset. The impact of AKR1B10 expression levels on patient prognosis was evaluated using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and the Cox proportional hazards model. Additionally, the correlation of AKR1B10 expression with tumor biology-related signaling pathways and tumor immune microenvironment was studied using databases like GSEA, Targetscan, and others, identifying microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) that regulate AKR1B10 expression to explore potential regulatory mechanisms. Results: Elevated AKR1B10 expression was significantly associated with gender, primary tumor size, and fibrosis stage in HCC tissues. High AKR1B10 expression indicated poor prognosis and served as an independent predictor for patient outcomes. Detailed mechanism analysis revealed a positive correlation between high AKR1B10 expression, immune cell infiltration, and pro-inflammatory cytokines, suggesting a potential DANCR-miR-216b-5p-AKR1B10 axis regulating the tumor microenvironment and impacting HCC development and prognosis. Conclusion: The heightened expression of AKR1B10 in HCC is not only related to significant clinical-pathological traits but may also influence HCC progression and prognosis by activating key signaling pathways and altering the tumor immune microenvironment. These findings provide new insights into the role of AKR1B10 in HCC pathogenesis and highlight its potential as a biomarker and therapeutic target.
Review of clinical characteristics and mortality outcomes in patients on maintenance hemodialysis during the Omicron surge: a single center experience
Authors: Xue Yiyang , Feng Weiwei , Shi Ling , Cui Ning , Zhang Wei , Dong Junxiu , Li Chunying , Hu Jinjin , Wei Junjun
Published: January 2024

Background: This hemodialysis center experienced the pandemic from December 2022 to January 2023. Therefore, we sought to describe the clinical characteristics and mortality outcomes in hemodialysis patients during this Omicron surge.
Methods: According to whether they are infected, they are divided into two groups: SARS-CoV-2-positive and SARS-CoV-2-negative. The SARS-CoV-2-positive group was divided into a survival group and a non-survival group for comparison.
​Results: 366 of 457 hemodialysis patients were infected with SARS-CoV-2. The most common symptoms observed were fever (43.2%) and cough (29.8%), Followed by diarrhea (1.4%). Hemodialysis patients with hypertension were more susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection. The lymphocyte count, serum creatinine, serum potassium, and serum phosphorus in the SARS-CoV-2-positive group were significantly lower than those in the SARS-CoV-2-negative group. The all-cause mortality rate for infection with SARS-CoV-2was 5.2%. Only 7 of 366 SARS-CoV-2-positive patients were admitted to the intensive care unit, but 6 of them died. Intensive care unit hospitalization rates were significantly higher in the non-survival group compared with the survival group. White blood cells count, neutrophil count, C-reactive protein, AST, and D-dimer in the non-survival group were higher than those in the survival group. The lymphocyte count, hemoglobin concentration, serum creatinine, serum albumin, serum phosphorus and parathyroid hormone in the non-survival group were lower than those in the survival group. Age>65 years, elevated C-reactive protein and AST are independent risk factors for death. Finally, no significant difference in vaccination status was found between the SARS-CoV-2-positive group and the negative group.
Conclusions: Hemodialysis patients are at high risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Ensuring the adequacy of hemodialysis treatment and maintaining good physical condition of patients are the top priorities.
Earlier peak photosynthesis timing escalates global wildfires
Authors: Wu Chaoyang , Lai Genke , Li Jialing , Wang Jun , Zhang Yongguang , Zohner Constantin , Penuelas Josep
Published: January 2024

More intense fire weather due to climate change is implicated as a key driver of recent increases in regional wildfire activity. As fuel stocks, the roles of vegetation itself and its phenology change in wildfire dynamics, however, are not fully appreciated. Using long-term satellite-based burned areas and photosynthesis observations, we reveal that an earlier peak photosynthesis timing (PPT) acts to escalate wildfires, with an increase in the global average burned fraction by 0.021% (~2.20 Mha) for every additional day of PPT advancement. Satellite observations and the Earth System modeling consistently show that this fire escalation is due to intensified drought conditions and increased fuel availability associated with earlier PPT. Current fire-enabled dynamic global vegetation models can reproduce the observed negative correlation between PPT and burned area but underestimate the strength of the relationship notably. Given the continued PPT advancement owing to climate change, the bioclimatic effects of vegetation phenology change suggest a pervasive upward pressure on future wildfires.
The Diagnostic Reliability of Various Magnetic Resonance Imaging sequences for the Early Diagnosis of Temporomandibular Disorders: A Systematic Review
Authors: S Aparna , Ganesan Anuradha , Chandrasekar.Lakshmi Krithika , V Swathi K , Aniyan Yesoda
Published: January 2024

Background
This systematic study aimed to compare and evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of different MRI sequences for detecting internal TMJ dysfunction.
Materials and methods
In this search strategy, we employed Google Scholar, PubMed, PubMed Central, Science Direct, and the Cochrane Library. Articles from the last decade were included in the search. The potential for bias in the included studies was evaluated. The search yielded 48 papers. However, only 10 papers met the criteria for inclusion in the systematic review.
Results
Various sequences such as FIESTA, FLAIR, T2 mapping, MERGE, HASTE, and dGEMRIC, have been discussed in this systematic review.
Conclusion
Among the various MR sequences, T2 mapping and dGEMRIC sequences help in the quantitative evaluation and assessment of early changes in disc derangement. These sequences provide in-depth diagnostic information complementary to conventional MRI for diagnosing early changes in the TMJ disc
Hospital Burden Inflicted by Pediatric SARS-CoV-2 Hospitalizations during the first Omicron Wave in Shenyang, Northeastern China: A Retrospective Observational Cohort Study
Authors: Zhang Yaru , Xia Fei , Shi Feng , You Kai
Published: January 2024

Background
In the last few years, the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has posed a significant global public health threat. The omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 first emerged as a pandemic in China in December 2022;however, there are no data on hospitalization costs related to diseases in children. In view of the high transmissibility of the Omicron virus, in the present study, we conducted a retrospective analysis of hospitalization costs for children to provide crucial information for understanding the burden inflicted on the Chinese medical system.
Methods
This study comprised a partial economic assessment from a retrospective observational cohort study designed to assess the costs of hospitalization of children aged 0–18 year with confirmed COVID-19 in Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University treated between December 1, 2022, and January 31, 2023, and followed until discharge, death, or external transfer. Differences between groups were tested using Student’s t-test and the Mann-Whitney test, as appropriate. A multiple logistic regression model was constructed to determine the risk factors associated with high costs.
Results
A total of 167 children with moderate, severe, and critical illness were included in the analysis. Twenty-six (15.57%) and 18 (10.78%) children required NICU and PICU care, respectively. Overall, 107 (65.27%) children were males, and approximately half (50.90%) of the children were less than 3 years old. The average hospitalization cost was 2671.61 USD, and the average length of stay was 10 days. Hospitalization costs were significantly higher for males than for females. Children with comorbidities and special therapeutic measures who lived in intensive care units or neonatal units had higher hospitalization costs. Ward type, number of treatment measures, and comorbidities were significantly related to hospitalization costs. Thirty-five (20.96%) children required mechanical intervention, and five (2.99%) children underwent plasma exchange.
Conclusion
Clinical management of COVID-19 pediatric patients poses an economic burden on the healthcare system. Ward type, number of comorbidities, and special therapeutic measures all affect hospitalization costs.
Pre-Pulse Inhibition of an escape response in adult fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Asztalos Zoltan , Viragh Erika , Asztalos Lenke , Fenckova Michaela , Szlanka Tamas , Gyorgypal Zoltan , Kovacs Karoly , IntHout Joanna , Cizek Pavel , Konda Mihaly , Szucs Emanuela , Zvara Agnes , Biro Judit , Csapo Eniko , Lukacsovich Tamas , Hegedus Zoltan , Puskas Laszlo , Schenck Annette
Published: January 2024

Pre-Pulse Inhibition (PPI) is a neural process where suppression of a startle response is elicited by preceding the startling stimulus (Pulse) with a weak, non-startling one (Pre-Pulse). Defective PPI is widely employed as a behavioural endophenotype in humans and mammalian disorder-relevant models for neuropsychiatric disorders. We have developed a user-friendly, semi-automated, high-throughput-compatible Drosophila light-off jump response PPI paradigm, with which we demonstrate that PPI, with similar parameters measured in mammals, exists in adults of this model organism. We report that Drosophila PPI is affected by reduced expression of Dysbindin and both reduced and increased expression of Nmdar1 (N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor 1), perturbations associated with schizophrenia. Studying the biology of PPI in an organism that offers a plethora of genetic tools and a complex and well characterized connectome will greatly facilitate our efforts to gain deeper insight into the aetiology of human mental disorders, while reducing the need for mammalian models.