bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cost-minimization analysis to support the HTA of Radiofrequency Echographic Multi Spectrometry (REMS) in the diagnosis of osteoporosis
Authors: Borsoi Ludovica , Armeni Patrizio , Brandi Maria Luisa
Published: February 2023

Introduction: A timely diagnosis of osteoporosis is key to reducing its growing clinical and economic burden. Radiofrequency Echographic Multi Spectrometry (REMS), a new diagnostic technology using an ultrasound approach, has been recognized by scientific associations as a facilitator of patients’ care pathway. We aimed at evaluating the costs of REMS vs. the conventional ionizing technology (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, DXA) for the diagnosis of osteoporosis from the perspective of the Italian National Health Service (NHS) using a cost-minimization analysis (CMA).
Methods: We carried out structured qualitative interviews and a structured expert elicitation exercise to estimate healthcare resource consumption with a purposeful sample of clinical experts. For the elicitation exercise, an Excel tool was developed and, for each parameter, experts were asked to provide the lowest, highest and most likely value. Estimates provided by experts were averaged with equal weights. Unit costs were retrieved using different public sources.
Results: Considering the base-case scenario (most likely value), the cost of professionals amounts to €31.9 for REMS and €48.8 for DXA, the cost of instrumental examinations and laboratory tests to €45.1 for REMS and €68.2 for DXA. Overall, in terms of current costs, REMS is associated with a mean saving for the NHS of €40.0 (range: €27.6-71.5) for each patient.
Conclusions: REMS is associated with lower direct healthcare costs with respect to DXA. These results may inform policy-makers on the value of the REMS technology in the earlier diagnosis for osteoporosis, and support their decision regarding the reimbursement and diffusion of the technology in the Italian NHS.
Clinical Effects of Myopia Correction on the Angle of Exodeviation in Patients with Intermittent Exotropia
Authors: Nam Purumeh , Ha Sukgyu , Kim Seung Hyun
Published: February 2023

Purpose: To evaluate the extent to which myopia correction decreases distant exodeviation in patients with intermittent exotropia (IXT) and myopia.Methods: The medical records of patients with IXT who underwent myopia correction without surgical intervention were retrospectively reviewed. No patient evidenced anisometropia or amblyopia; all exhibited distant angles of deviation greater than 10 prism diopters (PD). The refractive errors of the eye with greater myopia were analyzed. Patients who underwent at least 3 months of follow-up were included. We recorded age, sex, the angle of deviation, the stereoacuity, and suppression status. Patients who did and did not evidence improvement were analyzed at 9 months in terms of change in the distant angle of deviation.Results: A total of 30 patients were analyzed. The average age was 8.27 ± 2.59 years. There were 18 (60%) males and 12 (40%) females. Twenty-four (80%) exhibited statistically significant decreases in the distant angle of deviation after wearing glasses for 3 months; the average value was 5.54 ± 3.59 PD (range 2-16 PD) (p < 0.001). We found no significant decrease from 3 months to > 9 months (1.17 ± 3.63 PD) (p = 0.129). In patients evidencing no improvement at 3 months, we found no significant change in the distant angle of deviation at either 3 months (3.00 ± 4.56 PD) (p = 0.102) or 9 months (-3.66 ± 4.41 PD) (p = 0.132).Conclusions: Eighty percent of IXT patients with myopia exhibited significant decreases in the distant angle of deviation after wearing glasses for 3 months, and this was well-maintained after 9 months.
Visual Acuity Changes with a Position Shift in a Patient with an Endocapsular Hematoma
Authors: Hwang Gyu Eun , In Jung Hee , Cho In Hwan
Published: February 2023

Purpose: To report a vitrectomy performed on a patient with an endocapsular hematoma whose visual acuity changed with her position.Case summary: A 92-year-old woman visited our hospital complaining of a visual acuity change in her left eye with good visibility while standing but poor visibility when lying. She was taking aspirin, had underlying hypertension, diabetes, and heart failure, and underwent left eye cataract surgery 15 years previously. At presentation, her best-corrected visual acuity in the left eye was 0.5, with an intraocular pressure of 23 mmHg. An endocapsular hematoma that partially covered the fundus in the left eye was found. The left eye was observed for 3 months. However, there was no change in the endocapsular hematoma and the discomfort persisted with the position shift; therefore, a vitrectomy, posterior capsulotomy, and anterior chamber irrigation were performed. One month postoperatively, the visual acuity in the left eye was 0.4 and there was no longer a change in the visual acuity with position.Conclusions: A patient with an endocapsular hematoma may have changes in visual acuity with position, and a vitrectomy can be used to treat the endocapsular hematoma.
Two Cases of Flanged Intrascleral Fixation Performed with Vitrectomy and Air-fluid Exchange
Authors: Kang Eun Jin , Lee Song Min , Kwon Yoon Hyung
Published: February 2023

Purpose: We report two cases in which vitrectomy, air-fluid exchange, and flanged intrascleral fixation were employed to treat crystalline or intraocular lens dislocation associated with retinal detachment.Case summary: Two patients visited our clinic complaining of visual disturbance in the right and left eye respectively. At the initial visits, slit-lamp examination revealed subluxation of a crystalline lens (with zonulysis on the nasal side) in case 1 and dislocation of an intraocular lens (IOL) in case 2. Since retinal detachment was accompanied in both patients, they also underwent vitrectomy and air-liquid exchange during surgery. To fix the intraocular lens to the sclera, both ends of IOL haptics were cauterized using a low-temperature handheld device and flanged haptics had been deeply inserted into scleral tunnels. The intraocular pressure fell and vitreous hemorrhage developed immediately after surgery, but improved on additional treatment. At 18 and 6 months (cases 1 and 2) after surgery, the implanted IOLs were moved to the centers of the pupils without complications.Conclusion: Flanged intrascleral fixation is stable and effective when treating a patient who requires vitrectomy and air-fluid exchange to deal with a retinal disease.
An evaluation on the prevalence Of Green Marketing: A Business Myth or Reality
Authors: Siba Borah Prasad , Korankye Benard
Published: February 2023

The 21st century has witnessed the proliferation of industries and technologies that has also led to an increase in environmental challenges such as air & water pollution, land degradation, depletion of the ozone layer, global warming, and climate changes. More so, the consciousness of consumers about the environmental challenges is increasing and companies are responding to them through what is regarded as “green marketing”. Green marketing represents the development, implementation, and marketing of eco-friendly products. This study was constituted to unearth the green marketing practices that are administered by organizations since studies on the phenomenon are said to be at the infantile stage. A systematic literature review was undertaken using 26 articles from 23 journals published between 2013 and 2022. After an extensive evaluation of the literature, three thematic areas were extracted: green marketing practices, green marketing influences on consumer behavior, and the relevance of green marketing to organizations. The study summarized the green marketing practices and their influence on consumer behavior in figures 3 and 4 respectively. The relevance of green marketing to organizations was summarized in table 4. At the back of the review, the research provided some insightful directions for further studies on the phenomenon.
The ‘humanised zoo’: decolonizing conservation education through a new narrative
Authors: Gippoliti S , Battisti C
Published: February 2023

Wildlife conservation seems unaffected by decolonization movements that recently led to removing or vandalizing several statues of geographers and colonizers worldwide. Instead, we observe an increased emphasis on total protection of species and habitats that, although strategic in a period of environmental crisis, may have grossly negative impacts on living standards of local indigenous communities. In this regard, we should decolonize society, and specifically conservation, by adding new metaphoric statues to the old ones, preferably of those living side by side with wildlife. In this essay, we suggest that zoos, as popular places where urbanized people meet biodiversity, should change their messages that too often reinforce the subtle colonial ideology pervading international environmentalism and often driven by increasing animal rights activism. For example, a new storytelling ethos in zoos should communicate that, in some sensitive contexts (e.g. most tropical countries), the current over-emphasis on protected areas and military law enforcement is also causing serious human rights violations. We need ‘humanised zoos’, i.e. places where conservation of biodiversity is put in a broader socio-ecological context and a central role for the future of ecosystems is given to local communities, ethnic minorities and ‘wise people’ (i.e. people having local traditional knowledge). Zoos should direct more resources toward community-based conservation; foremost, they should shape urban and ‘Western’ attitudes toward wildlife with a less colonized perspective, including spreading the importance of traditional ecological knowledge in ecosystem management.
Seasonal and interannual changes in a coastal Antarctic zooplankton community
Authors: Conroy JA , Steinberg DK , Thomas MI , West LT
Published: February 2023

Seasonal fluctuations are key features of high-latitude marine ecosystems, where zooplankton exhibit a wide array of adaptations within their life cycles. Repeated, sub-seasonal sampling of Antarctic zooplankton is rare, even along the West Antarctic Peninsula (WAP), where multidecadal changes in sea ice and phytoplankton are well documented. We quantified zooplankton biomass, size structure, and composition at 2 coastal time-series stations in the northern WAP over 3 field seasons (November-March) with different sea-ice, temperature, and phytoplankton conditions. Seasonal peaks in zooplankton biomass followed weeks after phytoplankton blooms. Biomass of mesozooplankton (0.2-2 mm) was consistent and low, while high biomass of macrozooplankton (>2 mm) occasionally resulted in a size distribution dominated by krill and salps, which appears to be a characteristic phenomenon of the Southern Ocean. Zooplankton composition and size changed between years and from spring to summer as the water column warmed after sea-ice breakup. Seasonal succession was apparent typically in decreasing zooplankton size and a shift to species that are less dependent upon phytoplankton. Mean central abundance dates varied by 54 d across 14 taxa, and specific feeding preferences and life-history traits explained the different seasonal abundance patterns. In all 3 yr, the dominant euphausiid species switched from Euphausia superba in spring to Thysanoessa macrura in late summer. Various taxa shifted their phenology between years in response to the timing of sea-ice breakup and the onset of phytoplankton productivity, a level of natural environmental variability to which they appear resilient. Nevertheless, the limits to this resilience in response to climate change remain uncertain.
Peningkatan Hasil Belajar Peserta Didik Melalui Penerapan Model Pembelajaran Penemuan (Discovery Learning) Tentang Persamaan Linear Satu Variabel Di SMP Negeri 14 Kota Bogor
Authors: Heryati Ineu
Published: February 2023

The research departs from the phenomenon that occurs in the classroom that the low quality of learning Mathematics can have an influence on student learning outcomes. Therefore, a teacher needs to consider a learning model that is in accordance with the learning material so that it can improve student learning outcomes. One of the learning models tested through this research is the Discovery Learning model. The study was conducted in class 7D of Junior High School (SMP Negeri 14 Bogor City) Semester I of the 2019/2020 Academic Year, with the aim of (1) knowing that the discovery learning model can improve student learning outcomes about linear equations of one variable, ( 2) describe the process of improving student learning outcomes about one variable linear equation after applying the discovery learning model, (3) measuring the magnitude of the increase in student learning outcomes about one variable linear equation after applying the discovery learning model. The results of this study indicate that the application of the Discovery Learning learning model about the linear equation of one variable in the 7D class of Junior High School (SMP Negeri 14 Bogor City) before applying the Discovery Learning learning model has an average value of 69.41. When the learning was changed by applying the Discovery Learning learning model, the average student learning outcomes increased to 77.06 in the first cycle and 85.53 in the second cycle. From the description above, the researcher concludes that the application of the Discovery Learning learning model used by the teacher can improve student learning outcomes, therefore the researcher suggests that the application of the Discovery Learning learning model needs to be socialized and used in learning Mathematics in schools within the Bogor City Education Office.
Penggunaan Media Pembelajaran Kartu Doli Untuk Meningkatkan Hasil Belajar Siswa SMP Pada Materi Listrik
Authors: Imron Ali
Published: February 2023

The purpose of the study was to determine the increase in student learning outcomes about electricity in class IX.G through the use of Doli Cards. This research was carried out in a junior high school (SMP Negeri 19 Bogor) in the 2019/2020 school year with the research subjects being class IX.G students. The method used is a classroom action research method which consists of two cycles. In the first cycle the learning was carried out by using Doli Cards in groups without a list of questions, while in the second cycle the use of Doli Cards in groups was accompanied by a list of questions. Each cycle consists of four stages of research, namely planning, implementing actions, observing, and reflecting. The research data were analyzed using comparative descriptive followed by reflection. Comparative descriptive is done by comparing the initial condition data, cycle 1 and cycle 2, both for learning outcomes. The results of this study indicate that: First, the use of Doli Cards can increase students' activities and learning outcomes about electricity in Natural Science subjects in class IX.G. It is proven that the percentage of students in the good learning activity category increased from the initial condition in the first cycle of 62.50% to 84.15 in the second cycle or in the final condition increased by 21.75% from the initial condition. Second, the use of the Doli Card can improve student learning outcomes about electricity in science subjects in class IX.G. It is proven that the percentage of student learning mastery increases from the initial condition of 18.75% to 8556.25 in the first cycle and becomes 93.75% in the second cycle or in the final condition, it increases by 75% from the initial condition.
Penerapan Model Pembelajaran Number Heads Together (NHT) Untuk Meningkatkan Hasil Belajar Siswa Vi SD Negeri Bantarjati 8 Kota Bogor Pada Materi Taksiran Keliling Dan Luas Lingkaran
Authors: Yusniati Yusniati
Published: February 2023

This study aims to find out the application of the Numbered Heads Together Cooperative learning model can improve student learning outcomes in mathematics subjects about estimating the circumference and area of a circle in class VI SD Negeri Bantarjati 8 Bogor City Semester 1 of the 2019/2020 Academic Year. Also to describe the process of improving student learning outcomes in mathematics subjects about estimating the circumference and area of a circle after using the Numbered Heads Together learning model. As well as to measure the magnitude of the increase in student learning outcomes in mathematics subjects about estimating the circumference and area of a circle after using the Numbered Heads Together Type Cooperative learning model. The results of this study indicate that using the Numbered Heads Together Cooperative learning model can be a fun variation of learning for students so that it is proven to improve student learning outcomes. Before using the Numbered Heads Together Cooperative learning model, student learning outcomes only reached an average value of 65.56 then there was an increase after using the Numbered Heads Together Cooperative learning model to 71.11 in cycle 1 and 79.31 in cycle 2. concluded that the use of the Numbered Heads Together Cooperative learning model is fun so that there is an increase in student learning outcomes. Therefore, the researcher suggests that the use of the Numbered Heads Together Cooperative learning model be socialized and used as an alternative in learning mathematics in schools within the Bogor City Education Office.
Meningkatkan Hasil Belajar Siswa Sekolah Dasar Dengan Model Pembelajaran Picture And Picture Pada Materi Mengidentifikasi Karakteristik Geografis Indonesia Sebagai Negara Kepulauan/Maritim Dan Agraris
Authors: Hafsah Neneng
Published: February 2023

This research departs from the phenomena that occur in the classroom that the students' understanding and learning outcomes are low on the sub-themes of humans and the environment about identifying the geographical characteristics of Indonesia as an archipelagic/maritime and agrarian country. Therefore, a teacher needs to consider learning strategies so that they can improve student learning outcomes. This study aims to determine the Picture and Picture learning model can improve student learning outcomes, to describe the process of improving student learning outcomes, to measure the magnitude of the increase in student learning outcomes in the subject matter of Social Sciences sub-theme of humans and the environment about identifying the geographical characteristics of Indonesia as an archipelagic country/maritime and agriculture in grade V Elementary School. The results of this study indicate that using the Picture and Picture learning model can be a fun variation of learning for students so that it is proven to improve student learning outcomes. Before using the Picture and Picture learning model, student learning outcomes only reached an average value of 63.68 then there was an increase after using the Picture and Picture learning model to 72.35 in cycle 1 and 81.18 in cycle 2. It can be concluded that the use of the learning model Picture and Picture fun so that there is an increase in student learning outcomes. Therefore, it is recommended that the use of the Picture and Picture learning model be socialized and used as an alternative in learning Social Sciences in schools in the Bogor City Education environment.
The Effect Of Online Learning On Interest In Learning Mathematics In Elementary Schools
Authors: Suchyadi Yudhie
Published: February 2023

This research is quantitative research with a causal approach. The purpose of this study is to find out the effect of online learning on interest in learning mathematics in grade IV at elementary school (SD Negeri 01 Pasir Muncang). Research data for the two variables in this study were obtained using a questionnaire instrument. Test the validity of the parent tutoring instrument using the Pearson Product Moment Correlation formula and the mathematics learning outcomes instrument using the Biseral Correlation Coefficient formula. Test the reliability of online learning instruments and interest in learning mathematics using the Alpha Cronbach formula. The population in this study were fourth grade students at elementary school (SD Negeri 01 Pasir Muncang), totaling 88 students. The samples taken were 47 students obtained using the Taro Yamane formula. Testing Prerequisite analysis in the form of normality test (Liliefors). After the normality test, homogeneity testing (Fisher) was then carried out. Data that has been declared normal and homogeneous is used to test the hypothesis whose results show that there is an effect of online learning on interest in learning mathematics. The simple correlation regression analysis technique produces a relationship model which is expressed in the form of a regression equation, namely Å¶ = 15.90 + 0.89X. This can be seen from the calculation results tcount (13.24) is greater than ttable (1.72), thus tcount (13.24) > ttable (1.72) which means the correlation coefficient of online learning with interest in learning mathematics stated to be significant, this shows that there is an influence between online learning and interest in learning mathematics at elementary school.
Meningkatkan Kompetensi Guru Dalam Menerapkan Teknologi Informasi Dan Komunikasi Pada Proses Pembelajaran Melalui In House Training Di SMP Negeri 9 Bogor
Authors: Bukhori Akhmad
Published: February 2023

Based on the results of observing the ability to use computers for 42 teachers at SMP Negeri 9 Bogor, the results obtained were that 17 teachers were still not able to use computers, 25 teachers were able to use computers. Departing from these problems, the implementation of In-House Training is to help improve teachers' abilities in the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). In House Training (IHT) is needed to improve the ability of these teachers. The research was conducted using the School Action Research method. The results of the study show that teacher competence in applying ICT through In House Training can actually increase teacher interest, enthusiasm, concentration, and activeness in the learning process. In addition, there has also been an increase in teacher competence in applying ICT in the form of an increase in average scores and an increase in individual and classical abilities for teachers at SMP Negeri 9 Bogor. Thus, based on the exposure of this research, it can be concluded: 1. the implementation of In House Training can increase the competence of teachers in applying ICT, 2. the implementation of In House Training makes teachers not bored and bored instead they feel excited so that their learning activities also increase, this is proven to aspects of the seriousness of teachers in participating in IHT activities there was an increase in the percentage of teachers from cycle I to cycle II, namely 78% in cycle I to 84% in cycle II, and 3. the large increase in ability that can be achieved through In House Training activities in applying ICT is in initial conditions have an average value achieved only 33.35. When the In-House Training was carried out, the average teacher's ability increased to 48.94 in cycle 1 and 61.12 in cycle II.
A Dialogical Lesson on the Role of Representations in Misguiding Our Empathy
Authors: Rahal Louai , Garg Ajay
Published: February 2023

Humanity has always been selective in its empathy, social groups and entire populations suffered in the dark as the world stood in indifference. This indifference was often reinforced by (mis)representations: misinformation, false narratives, and distorted generalizations that dehumanized the victims of suffering and represented them as unworthy of empathy. In this paper, we introduce a lesson on the role of misinformation and misrepresentation in dehumanizing social groups and populations. Our lesson is divided to three parts: We start with a discussion of empathy and indifference and how both traits have coexisted throughout human history. We then discuss psychological and philosophical theories that have attempted to explain the causes of and solutions to our empathy deficit and our failure to generalize our empathy. Finally, we discuss how misrepresentations and misinformation have functioned to misguide our empathy and construct social groups as unworthy of empathy and respect.
Optogenetic control of beta-carotene bioproduction in yeast across multiple lab-scales
Authors: Pouzet Sylvain , Cruz-Ramón Jessica , Le Bec Matthias , Cordier Céline , Banderas Alvaro , Barral Simon , Castaño-Cerezo Sara , Lautier Thomas , Truan Gilles , Hersen Pascal
Published: February 2023

Optogenetics arises as a valuable tool to precisely control genetic circuits in microbial cell factories. Light control holds the promise of optimizing bioproduction methods and maximizing yields, but its implementation at different steps of the strain development process and at different culture scales remains challenging. In this study, we aim to control beta-carotene bioproduction using optogenetics in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and investigate how its performance translates across culture scales. We built four lab-scale illumination devices, each handling different culture volumes, and each having specific illumination characteristics and cultivating conditions. We evaluated optogenetic activation and beta-carotene production across devices and optimized them both independently. Then, we combined optogenetic induction and beta-carotene production to make a light-inducible beta-carotene producer strain. This was achieved by placing the transcription of the bifunctional lycopene cyclase/phytoene synthase CrtYB under the control of the pC120 optogenetic promoter regulated by the EL222-VP16 light-activated transcription factor, while other carotenogenic enzymes (CrtI, CrtE, tHMG) were expressed constitutively. We show that illumination, culture volume and shaking impact differently optogenetic activation and beta-carotene production across devices. This enabled us to determine the best culture conditions to maximize light-induced beta-carotene production in each of the devices. Our study exemplifies the stakes of scaling up optogenetics in devices of different lab scales and sheds light on the interplays and potential conflicts between optogenetic control and metabolic pathway efficiency. As a general principle, we propose that it is important to first optimize both components of the system independently, before combining them into optogenetic producing strains to avoid extensive troubleshooting. We anticipate that our results can help designing both strains and devices that could eventually lead to larger scale systems in an effort to bring optogenetics to the industrial scale.
User satisfaction with Tokyo Metropolitan Government ward office counter services
Authors: Moteki Yasutoshi
Published: February 2023

This study clarifies the main factors affecting user satisfaction in public facilities using a two-part questionnaire, specifically, the determinants of service satisfaction among users of a ward office in Tokyo. The questionnaire comprised three main categories of multiple-choice questions: A) facility equipment (physical elements in the government office), B) staff responses, and C) service delivery (e.g., promptness of services, whether visitors completed their scheduled errands). In addition, the questionnaire investigated the users’ personalities of each facility. During a 1-day survey, responses were collected from 400 women aged 30–59 years who had visited a ward office in the Tokyo Metropolitan Area within the previous month. This age segment was studied because it is the major segment of the panel of the internet research firm used. First, a factor analysis was used to check if the question groupings were appropriate based on eigenvalues and scree plots, and it was confirmed. Next, principal component and multiple regression analyses were conducted for each question category to examine the determinants of counter-service user satisfaction. The regression analysis, using the three main question categories and three other respondents’ personality-related question categories, shows that category C (service delivery quality) strongly influenced the dependent variable, followed by categories B and A. The adjusted R2 value was .70. This is consistent with the author’s surveys of government offices in urban areas conducted for Higashihiroshima City Hall and Osaka ward offices. Concerning the hardware aspect, the principal component loadings, the analysis results show that 1) indoor atmosphere, 2) ease of following the layout of the floors and offices inside the building, and 3) ease of understanding the building’s locations and entrances at the site of the ward office, are important factors for overall satisfaction at the ward office.
Computational integration and meta-analysis of abandoned cardio-(vascular/renal/metabolic) therapeutics discontinued during clinical trials from 2011 to 2022
Authors: Zeng Carisa , Lee Yoon Seo , Szatrowski Austin , Mero Deniel , Khomtchouk Bohdan B.
Published: February 2023

Cardiovascular/renal/metabolic (CVRM) diseases collectively comprise the leading cause of death worldwide and disproportionally affect older demographics and historically underrepresented minority populations. Despite these critical unmet needs, pharmaceutical research and development (R&D) efforts have historically struggled with high drug failure rates, low approval rates, and other challenges. Drug repurposing is one approach to recovering R&D costs and meeting unmet demands in therapeutic markets. While there are multiple approaches to conducting drug repurposing, we recognize the importance of bringing together and consolidating discontinued drug information to help identify prospective repurposing candidates. In this study, we have harmonized and integrated information on all relevant CVRM drug assets from U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filings, clinical trial records, PharmGKB, Open Targets, and other platforms. A list of existing therapeutics discontinued or shelved by pharmaceutical/biotechnology companies in 2011–2022 were manually curated and interpreted for insights using information on each drug’s genetic target, mechanism of action (MOA), clinical indication, and R&D information including highest phase of clinical development, year of discontinuation, previous repurposing attempts (if any), and other actionable metadata. This study also summarizes the profiles of CVRM drugs discontinued within the past decade and identifies the limitations of publicly available information on discontinued drug assets. The constructed database could serve as a tool for identifying candidates for drug repurposing and developing query methods for collecting R&D information.
Oxygenation index and NT-proBNP as predictors of pulmonary hypertension and ventilation/perfusion mismatch in acute pulmonary embolism
Authors: Ye Wenjing , Chen Xi , Li Xiaoming , Guo Xuejun , Gu Wen
Published: February 2023

Introduction

The magnitude of pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) and the extent of ventilation/perfusion (V/Q) mismatch are essential for assessing the prognosis of acute pulmonary embolism (APE). We aimed to develop a model for predicting the status of the pulmonary circulation and arterial gas exchange functions using serum levels of cardiac biomarkers and arterial oxygenation index (OI) values.

Materials and methods

This single-center, retrospective observational cohort study included 224 patients with APE. Multivariate linear regression and Poisson regression were used to test the statistical association between cardiac biomarkers, OI, PAP, and V/Q mismatch. Diagnostic efficiency was calculated from a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.

Results

Serum levels of troponin I (TNI), N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), and arterial OI magnitude significantly correlated with PAP and V/Q mismatches (P < 0.05). Multivariate linear regression showed that NT-proBNP serum levels (β = 0.002, P < 0.001) and OI values (β = −0.022, P = 0.001) significantly influenced PAP. Arterial OI (β = −0.039, P < 0.001) had a significant influence on the percentage of pulmonary vascular obstruction (PVO) as determined by perfusion scanning. Poisson regression showed that OI (odds ratio: 0.995, p < 0.001) was a predictor of the number of lung segments with V/Q mismatches. ROC area under the curve (AUC) values of NT-proBNP and OI predicting pulmonary hypertension were 0.716 and 0.730, respectively, and for V/Q mismatch scanning, the results were 0.601 and 0.634, respectively.

Conclusion

Arterial OI and serum levels of cardiac biomarkers may be used as indicators of pulmonary hypertension and V/Q mismatch.
Evolution of total column ozone prior to the era of ozone depletion
Authors: Brönnimann Stefan
Published: February 2023

Total column ozone has been monitored for almost a century. The focus of most research studies over the last 40 years was on the era of ozone depletion and the detection of signs of recovery. However, the question also arises to what extent total column ozone has changed prior to this era. Possible causes could be changes in ozone production (both in the troposphere and stratosphere) due to changing atmospheric composition, changes in solar activity, or climatic changes. In this contribution, I discuss the evolution of total column ozone in the 40 years from 1924, when ozone monitoring started, to 1963, which is approximately the time when ozone depletion started to affect the ozone layer. Using long historical measurements, as well as an assimilated zonal mean total column ozone dataset, I show that variability was characterized by strong interannual-to-multiannual anomalies, with a small positive trend at the northern mid-to high-latitudes of ca. 6 DU over the 40-year period. The latitudinal pattern of the trend matches that found in CMIP6 models, but the trend at mid-latitudes is weaker than that in the models.
Green supply chain management, risk-taking, and corporate value—Dual regulation effect based on technological innovation capability and supply chain concentration
Authors: Zhang Lingfu , Dou Yongfang , Wang Hailing
Published: February 2023

With the promotion of carbon-peak and carbon-neutral strategies and the increase in green awareness, green development is gradually gaining attention, and the green supply chain management (GSCM) derived from traditional supply chain management is gradually becoming a path to promote green development. At the same time, enterprise, as an important source of pollution, how to consider social responsibility, such as environmental protection, in the process of ensuring efficiency improvement has become an important issue. To study the impact of green supply chain management on enterprise value and its path of action, this paper examines the impact of green supply chain management on enterprise value, explores the moderating effect of the risk-taking level, and further analyzes the dual moderating effect played by technological innovation capability and supply chain concentration. Based on the micro data of 131 Chinese listed enterprises from 2014 to 2021, a panel-regression model is used to illustrate how green supply chain management affects enterprise value, and the results show that: 1) green supply chain management can promote enterprise value; 2) the level of risk-taking strengthens the promoting effect of green supply chain management on enterprise value enhancement; and 3) the technological innovation capability negatively regulates the moderating effect of risk-taking, while the supply chain concentration positively regulates the moderating effect of risk-taking. The research results of this paper enrich the path of the effect of implementing of green supply chain management on enterprise value enhancement, i.e., the process of green supply chain management to enhance enterprise value is regulated by the level of enterprise risk-taking, while technological innovation capability and supply chain concentration will also regulate the level of enterprise risk-taking and thus promote enterprise value enhancement. This research not only extends the research perspective and enriches the existing research, but also provides a theoretical basis for enterprises to implement green supply chain management to promote value enhancement and improve the level of green supply chain management implementation and the green development of enterprises.
Rare diseases of epigenetic origin: Challenges and opportunities
Authors: Fu Maggie P. , Merrill Sarah M. , Sharma Mehul , Gibson William T. , Turvey Stuart E. , Kobor Michael S.
Published: February 2023

Rare diseases (RDs), more than 80% of which have a genetic origin, collectively affect approximately 350 million people worldwide. Progress in next-generation sequencing technology has both greatly accelerated the pace of discovery of novel RDs and provided more accurate means for their diagnosis. RDs that are driven by altered epigenetic regulation with an underlying genetic basis are referred to as rare diseases of epigenetic origin (RDEOs). These diseases pose unique challenges in research, as they often show complex genetic and clinical heterogeneity arising from unknown gene–disease mechanisms. Furthermore, multiple other factors, including cell type and developmental time point, can confound attempts to deconvolute the pathophysiology of these disorders. These challenges are further exacerbated by factors that contribute to epigenetic variability and the difficulty of collecting sufficient participant numbers in human studies. However, new molecular and bioinformatics techniques will provide insight into how these disorders manifest over time. This review highlights recent studies addressing these challenges with innovative solutions. Further research will elucidate the mechanisms of action underlying unique RDEOs and facilitate the discovery of treatments and diagnostic biomarkers for screening, thereby improving health trajectories and clinical outcomes of affected patients.
Oral Therapy Using a Combination of Nanotized Antimalarials and Immunomodulatory Molecules Reduces Inflammation and Prevents Parasite Induced Pathology in the Brain and Spleen of P. berghei ANKA Infected C57BL/6 Mice
Authors: Mukherjee Sitabja , Ray Gopesh , Saha Bhaskar , Kar Santosh K.
Published: February 2023

In malaria, anti-parasite immune response of the host may lead to dysregulated inflammation causing severe neuropathology arising from extensive damage to the Blood Brain Barrier (BBB). Use of anti-malarial drugs alone can control parasitemia and reduce inflammation but it cannot reduce pathology if chronic inflammation has already set in. In the present study, we have tested the efficacy of a new oral artemsinin based combination therapy (ACT) regimen using a combination of anti-malarial compounds like nanoartemisinin and nanoallylated-chalcone9 [{1-(4-Chlorophenyl)-3-[3-methoxy-4-(prop-2-en-1-yloxy) phenyl]-prop-2-en-1-one}]given together with anti-inflammatory-cum- anti-malarial compounds like nanoandrographolide and nanocurcumin to C57BL/6 mice infected with P. berghei ANKA. Untreated infected mice developed Experimental Cerebral Malaria (ECM) and died between 10 to 12 days after infection from severe BBB damage. We observed that oral treatments with nanoartemisinin or nano allylated chalcone 9 or nanoandrographolide alone, for 4 days after the onset of ECM, delayed the development of severe neurolopathology but could not prevent it. Nanocurcumin treatment for 4 days on the other hand, prevented damage to the BBB but the mice died because of hyperparasitemia. A single time oral administration of our ACT controlled blood parasitemia and prevented damage to the BBB, but recrudescence occurred due to persistence of parasites in the spleen. However the recrudescent parasites failed to induce ECM and BBB damage, leading to prolonged survival of the animals. A second time treatment at the start of recrudescence led to complete parasite clearance and survival of mice without pathology or parasitemia for 90 days. FACS analysis of spleen cells and gene expression profile in brain and spleen as well as quantitation of serum cytokine by ELISA showed that P. berghei ANKA infection in C57Bl/6 mice leads to a Th1-skewed immune response that result in severe inflammation and early death from ECM. Oral treatment with our ACT prevented a heightened pro-inflammatory response by modulating the Th1, Th2 and Treg immune responses and prevented ECM and death.
Patterns of Aedes aegypti abundance, survival, human-blood feeding and relationship with dengue risk, Kenya
Authors: Kamau Winnie W. , Sang Rosemary , Rotich Gilbert , Agha Sheila B. , Menza Nelson , Torto Baldwyn , Tchouassi David P.
Published: February 2023

Dengue virus (DENV) transmission risk is influenced by the bionomic traits of the key vector, Aedes aegypti. We investigated patterns of abundance, survival, and human blood-feeding of Ae. aegypti populations in two environments in Kenya: peri-urban Rabai (coastal Region, dengue-endemic) and rural Kerio Valley (Rift Valley Region, no reported dengue outbreak). In both environments, Ae. aegypti survival (estimated by parity), was inversely correlated with vector abundance, and this was influenced by weather conditions, notably temperature and relative humidity. In Rabai, Ae. aegypti mostly fed on humans (human blood index=51%), a pattern that corroborates with dengue cases in the coastal region. Aedes aegypti additionally, exhibited opportunistic feeding (livestock, rodents, reptiles, birds), suggesting the risk of human exposure to zoonotic pathogens via spillover transmission events aided by the vector. Abundance and human blood-feeding rates were consistently lower in Kerio Valley likely related to the degree of urbanization. Remarkably, the periods of high human feeding in Rabai coincided with high vector survival rates, a trend that could potentially drive intense DENV transmission at certain times of the year. We found a genetic influence of Ae. aegypti on the degree of anthropophagy but this could be influenced by potential seasonal shifts in human feeding. The findings of this study have implications both for DENV transmission risk and vector control strategies, but also in modeling which should integrate vector bionomic factors beyond vector abundance.
Towards a strategy for the recovering of the Mediterranean monk seal in the Adriatic-Ionian Basin
Authors: Panou Aliki , Giannoulaki Marianna , Varda Dušan , Lazaj Lorela , Pojana Giulio , Bundone Luigi
Published: February 2023

Occasional but recurrent sightings indicate that the endangered Mediterranean monk seal is still present in most of its historical range within the Adriatic-Ionian region in the central Mediterranean Sea. However, in most of the adjacent countries, the species’ abundance and distribution are practically unknown. An actively reproducing sub-population with a minimum of 25 adult/sub-adult seals lives in the Greek central Ionian Sea. The latter can form a nucleus from which the entire Adriatic-Ionian Basin could be re-colonized if adequate conservation measures are implemented throughout the area and in a coordinated manner. We examine the historical presence in the region as a baseline for providing a benchmark for conservation. We further look into the species’ habitat availability, possibilities for a rapid population assessment and various parameters that are considered crucial for its conservation, such as the existence of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), corridors for connectivity purposes as well as needs for raising public awareness. We recommend a series of interlinked actions within the framework of a conservation strategy the implementation of which will ensure the conditions for maintaining ecologically, demographically, and genetically viable sub-populations of this species emblematic for the entire Mediterranean Sea. To achieve this goal, a coalition of partners from this area is required in order to adopt the strategy and jointly implement the measures required.
Addressing data gaps in marine litter distribution: Citizen science observation of plastics in coastal ecosystems by high-school students
Authors: Catarino Ana I. , Mahu Edem , Severin Marine I. , Akpetou Lazare Kouame , Annasawmy Pavanee , Asuquo Francis Emile , Beckman Fiona , Benomar Mostapha , Jaya-Ram Annette , Malouli Mohammed , Mees Jan , Monteiro Ivanice , Ndwiga Joey , Neves Silva Péricles , Nubi Olubunmi Ayoola , Martin-Cabrera Patricia , Sim Yee Kwang , Sohou Zacharie , Woo Sau Pinn , Zizah Soukaina , Everaert Gert , Shau-Hwai Aileen Tan , Krug Lilian A. , Seeyave Sophie
Published: February 2023

The Citizen Observation of Local Litter in coastal ECosysTems (COLLECT) project (2021-2022) is a citizen science initiative, supported by the Partnership for Observation of the Global Ocean (POGO), which aimed to acquire distribution and abundance data of coastal plastic litter in seven countries: in Africa (Benin, Cabo Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Morocco, Nigeria) and Asia (Malaysia). In this paper, we describe the workflow used to establish and run this project, as well as the methodologies to acquire data. The COLLECT project consisted of training local students (15 - 18 years old) from ten second cycle institutions (“high schools”) on sampling and analyzing macro-, meso- and microplastics in beach sediments, using a quantitative assessment protocol. We further describe in detail the methodologies applied in assessing the impact of participating in the activities from a social sciences perspective. All documents and materials resulting from this project will be open access and available according to the FAIR Principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable). The results and outcomes from COLLECT will contribute to expanding knowledge and establishing baseline information on coastal plastic pollution, with citizen science being an enabler of open science, allowing data to be freely available to the public, academics and policymakers. Expected results from the use of the COLLECT protocol globally will further contribute to the identification of hotspots of coastal plastic litter, and bring awareness to local communities on the potential consequences of plastic pollution. The COLLECT project actively contributes with data suitable to survey plastic litter to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), in particular to SDG 14, on the sustainable use of the ocean.