bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
COVID-19 pandemic and trends in new diagnosis of atrial fibrillation: A nationwide analysis of claims data
Authors: Hernandez Inmaculada , He Meiqi , Guo Jingchuan , Tadrous Mina , Gabriel Nico , Swabe Gretchen , Gellad Walid F. , Essien Utibe R. , Saba Samir , Benjamin Emelia J. , Magnani Jared W.
Published: February 2023

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with a five-fold increased risk of stroke and a two-fold increased risk of death. We aimed to quantify changes in new diagnoses of AF following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Investigating changes in new diagnoses of AF is of relevance because delayed diagnosis interferes with timely treatment to prevent stroke, heart failure, and death.

Methods

Using De-identified Optum’s Clinformatics® Data Mart, we identified 19,500,401 beneficiaries continuously enrolled for 12 months in 2016-Q3 2020 with no history of AF. The primary outcome was new AF diagnoses per 30-day interval. Secondary outcomes included AF diagnosis in the inpatient setting, AF diagnosis in the outpatient setting, and ischemic stroke as initial manifestation of AF. We constructed seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average models to quantify changes in new AF diagnoses after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic (3/11/2020, date of pandemic declaration). We tested whether changes in the new AF diagnoses differed by race and ethnicity.

Results

The average age of study participants was 51.0±18.5 years, and 52% of the sample was female. During the study period, 2.7% of the study sample had newly-diagnosed AF. New AF diagnoses decreased by 35% (95% CI, 21%-48%) after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, from 1.14 per 1000 individuals (95% CI, 1.05–1.24) to 0.74 per 1000 (95% CI, 0.64 to 0.83, p-value<0.001). New AF diagnoses decreased by 37% (95% CI, 13%- 55%) in the outpatient setting and by 29% (95% CI, 14%-43%) in the inpatient setting. The decrease in new AF diagnoses was similar across racial and ethnic subgroups.

Conclusion

In a nationwide cohort of 19.5 million individuals, new diagnoses of AF decreased substantially following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our findings evidence pandemic disruptions in access to care for AF, which are concerning because delayed diagnosis interferes with timely treatment to prevent complications.
Jusvinza, an anti-inflammatory drug derived from the human heat-shock protein 60, for critically ill COVID-19 patients. An observational study
Authors: Venegas-Rodríguez Rafael , Serrano-Díaz Anabel , Peña-Ruiz Ruben , Santana-Sánchez Raul , Hernández-Cedeño Mabel , Rittoles Navarro Aliusha , Grecesqui-Cruz Inti , Pérez-Aguilera Liam , Segura-Fernández Anadys , Rosario-Cruz Leticia , Martínez-Donato Gilliam , Guillén-Nieto Gerardo , Domínguez- Horta Maria del Carmen
Published: February 2023

This paper presents the results of an observational and retrospective study on the therapeutic effects of Jusvinza, an immunomodulatory peptide with anti-inflammatory properties for critically ill COVID-19 patients. This peptide induces regulatory mechanisms on the immune response in experimental systems and in patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis. Exploratory research in COVID-19 patients revealed that Jusvinza promotes clinical and radiological improvement. The aim of this study is to describe the clinical outcome and variations of several inflammatory biomarkers in a cohort of critically ill COVID-19 patients, divided into two groups during the observational research: one group received Jusvinza and the other did not. Research physicians extracted the patients´ data from their hospital’s clinical records. The study analyzed 345 medical records, and 249 records from critically ill patients were included. The data covered the demographic characteristics, vital signs, ventilatory parameters and inflammatory biomarkers. Survival outcome was significantly higher in the group receiving Jusvinza (90.4%) compared to the group without Jusvinza (39.5%). Furthermore, in patients treated with Jusvinza there was a significant improvement in ventilatory parameters and a reduction in inflammation and coagulation biomarkers. Our findings show that Jusvinza could control the extent of inflammation in COVID-19 patients. This study indicates that Jusvinza is a helpful drug for the treatment of diseases characterized by hyperinflammation.
Physical activity based on dance movements as complementary therapy for Parkinson’s disease: Effects on movement, executive functions, depressive symptoms, and quality of life
Authors: Duarte Juliana dos Santos , Alcantara Wallesson Amaral , Brito Juliana Silva , Barbosa Livia Cristina Santiago , Machado Inara Priscylla Rodrigues , Furtado Viviane Kharine Teixeira , Santos-Lobato Bruno Lopes dos , Pinto Denise Silva , Krejcová Lane Viana , Bahia Carlomagno Pacheco
Published: February 2023

Background

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive, neurodegenerative disease with motor symptoms that are well understood, but non-motor symptoms may be present and appear at different temporal stages of the disease. Physical activity based on dance movements is emerging as a complementary therapeutic approach to a range of PD symptoms as a multidimensional activity that requires rhythmic synchronization and more neuromuscular functions.

Objective

To evaluate the effects of physical activity based on dance movements on the movement, executive functions, depressive symptoms, quality of life, and severity of PD in individuals diagnosed with PD.

Methods

13 individuals with PD (Hoehn & Yahr I-III, MDS-UPDRS 67.62 ± 20.83), underwent physical activity based on dance movements (2x week for 6 months). Participants were assessed at baseline and after 6 months on movement (POMA, TUG and MDS-UPDRS Part III), executive function (FAB), depressive symptoms (MADRS), quality of life (PDQ-39), and severity of PD (MDS-UPDRS TOTAL). Student’s t-test was used to compare pre and post-intervention results.

Results

We observed a significant improvement in the movement (balance and gait) by the POMA test,p= 0.0207, executive function by the FAB test,p= 0.0074, abstract reasoning and inhibitory control by the FAB, Conceptualization test,p= 0.0062, and Inhibitory Control,p= 0.0064, depressive symptoms assessed by the MADRS test significantly reduced,p= 0.0214, and the quality of life by the PDQ-39 had a significant increase after the intervention,p= 0.0006, showed significant improvements between the pre-and post-intervention periods of physical activity based on dance movements.

Conclusion

Physical activity based on dance movements contributed to significant improvements in movement (balance and gait), executive functions, especially in cognitive flexibility and inhibitory control, and the quality of life too. Sensorimotor integration, most cognitive processing and social skills may have contributed to the results.

Trial registration

The study was registered in the Brazilian registry of clinical trials:RBR-3bhbrb5.
Creatine kinase is associated with glycated haemoglobin in a nondiabetic population. The Tromsø study
Authors: Bekkelund Svein Ivar
Published: February 2023

Background

Creatine kinase (CK) has been associated with insulin resistance and identified as a risk marker of cardiovascular disease largely by its relationship with hypertension and increased body mass index. This study determined whether CK is a predictor of glycated haemoglobin (HbA1C) in a nondiabetic general population.

Methods

Associations between CK and the outcome variable HbA1C (%) were performed by variance and multivariate analyses in 11662 nondiabetic subjects defined as HbA1C (%) <6.5 who participated in the population based Tromsø study (Tromsø 6) in Norway.

Results

Abnormal elevated CK was detected in 543/11662 participants (4.66%). Mean HbA1C (%) in the “high CK” group was 5.62 (SD = 0.33) compared to 5.52 (SD = 0.36) in the “normal CK” group, P <0.001. CK increased significantly and linearly with higher levels of HbA1C (%) quartiles in women (P <0.001) and non-linearly in men (P <0.001). In a multivariate analysis, CK was independently associated with HbA1C (%) after adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, blood pressure, glucose, lipids, C-reactive protein, creatinine, alanine transaminase and aspartate aminotransferase. A 1-unit increase in log CK was associated with a 0.17-unit increase in HbA1C (%).

Conclusion

These data demonstrate a positive and independent association between CK and glycated haemoglobin in a nondiabetic general population.
MIRN: A multi-interest retrieval network with sequence-to-interest EM routing
Authors: Zhang Xiliang , Liu Jin , Chang Siwei , Gong Peizhu , Wu Zhongdai , Han Bing
Published: February 2023

Vector-based retrieval have been widely adopted to process online users’ diverse interests for recommendations. However, most of them utilize a single vector to represent user multiple interests (UMI), inevitably impairing the accuracy and diversity of item retrieval. In addition, existing work often does not take into account the scale and speed of the model, and high-dimensional user representation vectors need high computation cost, leading to inefficient item retrieval. In this paper, we propose a novel lightweight multi-interest retrieval network (MIRN) by incorporating sequence-to-interest Expectation Maximization (EM) routing to deal with users’ multiple interests. By leveraging representation ability of the Capsule network, we design a multi-interest representation learning module that clusters multiple Capsule vectors from the user’s behavior sequence to represent each of their interests respectively. In addition, we introduce a composite capsule clustering strategy for the Capsule network framework to reduce the scale of the network model. Furthermore, a Capsule-aware module incorporating an attention mechanism has been developed to guide model training by adaptively learning multiple Capsule vectors of user representations. The experimental results demonstrate MIRN outperforms the state-of-the-art approaches for item retrieval and gains significant improvements in terms of metric evaluations.
Possible factors determining global-scale patterns of crop yield sensitivity to drought
Authors: Hendrawan Vempi Satriya Adi , Komori Daisuke , Kim Wonsik
Published: February 2023

In recent decades, droughts have critically limited crop production, inducing food system shocks regionally and globally. It was estimated that crop yield variability in around one-third to three-fourths of global harvested areas is explained significantly by drought, revealing the notable vulnerability of crop systems to such climate-related stressors. However, understanding the key factors determining the global pattern of crop yield sensitivity to drought is limited. Here, we investigate a wide range of physical and socioeconomic factors that may determine crop-drought vulnerability in terms of yield sensitivity to drought based on the Standardized Precipitation Index at 0.5° resolution from 1981 to 2016 using machine learning approaches. The results indicate that the spatial variations of the crop-drought sensitivity were mainly explained by environmental factors (i.e., annual precipitation, soil water-holding capacity, soil acidity, annual potential evapotranspiration) and crop management factors (i.e., fertilizer rate, growing season). Several factors might have a positive effect in mitigating crop-drought vulnerability, such as annual precipitation, soil water holding capacity, and fertilizer rate. This study quantitatively assesses the possible effect of various determinants which might control crop vulnerability to drought. This understanding may provide insights for further studies addressing better crop vulnerability measures under future drought stress.
DNA barcoding of sand flies (Diptera, Psychodidae, Phlebotominae) from the western Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Pinto Israel de Souza , Rodrigues Bruno Leite , de Araujo-Pereira Thais , Shimabukuro Paloma Helena Fernandes , de Pita-Pereira Daniela , Britto Constança , Brazil Reginaldo Peçanha
Published: February 2023

The subfamily Phlebotominae comprises important insects for public health. The use of complementary tools such as molecular taxonomy is necessary for interspecific delimitation and/or discovery of cryptic species. Here, we evaluated the DNA barcoding tool to identify different species in the southwestern Brazilian Amazon. For this, we collected sand flies in forest fragments along the highway BR-317, in the municipality of Brasiléia, state of Acre, Brazil. The specimens were DNA-barcoded using a fragment of thecytochrome c oxidase subunit I(COI) gene. The sequences were analyzed to generate K2P pairwise genetic distances and a Neighbour-joining tree. The sand fly barcodes were also clustered into Molecular Operation Taxonomic Units (MOTU) using Automatic Barcode Gap Discovery (ABGD) approach. A total of 59COIsequences comprising 22 nominal species and ten genera were generated. Of these, 11 species had not been sequenced before, thus being newCOIsequences to science. Intraspecific genetic distances ranged between 0 and 4.9%, withPintomyia serranapresenting the highest values of genetic distance, in addition to having been partitioned into three MOTUs. Regarding the distances to the nearest neighbour, all species present higher values in relation to the maximum intraspecific distance, in addition to forming well supported clusters in the neighbour-joining analysis. The DNA barcoding approach is useful for the molecular identification of sand flies from Brasiléia, state of Acre, and was efficient in detecting cryptic diversity of five species which can be confirmed in future studies using an integrative approach. We also generated newCOIbarcodes forTrichophoromyia auraensis,Nyssomyia shawi, andPsychodopygus paraensis, which may play a role in the transmission ofLeishmaniaspp. in the Brazilian Amazon.
Preoperative upper tract invasive diagnostic modalities are associated with intravesical recurrence following surgery for upper tract urothelial carcinoma: A population-based study
Authors: Liedberg Fredrik , Hagberg Oskar , Häggström Christel , Aljabery Firas , Gårdmark Truls , Hosseini Abolfazl , Jahnson Staffan , Jerlström Tomas , Ströck Viveka , Söderkvist Karin , Ullén Anders , Holmberg Lars , Bobjer Johannes
Published: February 2023

Background

Intravesical recurrence (IVR) after surgery for upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) is a clinical problem. We investigated if preoperative invasive diagnostic modalities (IDM) such as antegrade/retrograde uretero-pyelography and/or selective urine cytology/barbotage, and URS with or without concomitant biopsy are associated with IVR after radical surgery for UTUC. Risk of death from urothelial cancer and all causes was investigated as secondary outcomes.

Methods

We investigated a population-based cohort of 1038 consecutive patients subjected to radical surgery for UTUC 2015–2019 in Sweden, using the Bladder Cancer Data Base Sweden (BladderBaSe 2.0), comprising all patients in the Swedish National Registry of Urinary Bladder Cancer. Risk estimates of IVR, death from urothelial cancer, and all causes was assessed using multivariable Cox regression models.

Results

The study included 536 cases with and 502 without preoperative IDM. IDM was associated with increased risk of IVR (HR 1.24, 95% CI 1.03–1.52) and risk of urothelial cancer death (HR 1.56, CI 1.12–2.18), compared to no IDM after a median follow-up of 1.3 yrs. Stratified analysis for tumor location showed that IDM was associated with risk of IVR in ureteric cancer (HR 1.66, 95% CI 1.21–2.28) but not in renal pelvic cancer (HR 1.07, 95% CI 0.81–1.41). Limitations included the observational setting and the lack of variables such as tumour grade, multifocality and preoperative hydronephrosis.

Conclusions

Worse outcomes for patients subjected to preoperative IDM highlight the need for carefully considering diagnostic decisions for UTUC patients, specifically in tumours located in the ureter.
Bovine leukemia virus encoded blv-miR-b4-3p microRNA is associated with reduced expression of anti-oncogenic gene in vivo
Authors: Petersen Marcos I. , Carignano Hugo A. , Mongini Claudia , Gonzalez Diego D. , Jaworski Juan P.
Published: February 2023

Bovine leukemia virus (BLV) is a retrovirus that causes malignant B-cell lymphoma in up to ten-percent of infected cattle. To date, the mechanisms of BLV linked to malignant transformation remain elusive. Although BLV-encoded miRNAs have been associated with the regulation of different genes involved in oncogenic pathways, this association has not been evaluated in cattle naturally infected with BLV. The objective of this study was to determine the relative expression of BLV-encoded miRNA blv-miR-b4-3p, the host analogous miRNA bo-miR-29a and a couple of potential target mRNAs (HBP-1 and PXDN, with anti-tumorigenic function in B-cells), in cattle naturally infected with BLV compared to uninfected animals (control group). We observed that PXDN was significantly downregulated in BLV-infected cattle (P = 0.03). Considering the similar expression of endogenous bo-miR-29a in both animal groups, the downregulation of PXDN in BLV-naturally infected cattle could be linked to blv-miR-b4-3p expression in these animals. Knowing that PXDN is involved in anti-tumoral pathways in B-cells, the results presented here suggest that blv-miR-b4-3p might be involved in BLV tumorigenesis during natural infection with BLV in cattle.
A cercarial invadolysin interferes with the host immune response and facilitates infection establishment of Schistosoma mansoni
Authors: Hambrook Jacob R. , Hanington Patrick C.
Published: February 2023

Schistosoma mansoniemploys immune evasion and immunosuppression to overcome immune responses mounted by its snail and human hosts. Myriad immunomodulating factors underlie this process, some of which are proteases. Here, we demonstrate that one protease, an invadolysin we have termed SmCI-1, is released from the acetabular glands ofS.mansonicercaria and is involved in creating an immunological milieu favorable for survival of the parasite. The presence of SmCI-1 in the cercarial stage ofS.mansoniis released during transformation into the schistosomula. SmCI-1 functions as a metalloprotease with the capacity to cleave collagen type IV, gelatin and fibrinogen. Additionally, complement component C3b is cleaved by this protease, resulting in inhibition of the classical and alternative complement pathways. Using SmCI-1 knockdown cercariae, we demonstrate that SmCI-1 protects schistosomula from complement-mediated lysis in human plasma. We also assess the effect of SmCI-1 on cytokine release from human peripheral blood mononuclear cells, providing compelling evidence that SmCI-1 promotes an anti-inflammatory microenvironment by enhancing production of IL-10 and suppressing the production of inflammatory cytokines like IL-1B and IL-12p70 and those involved in eosinophil recruitment and activation, like Eotaxin-1 and IL-5. Finally, we utilize the SmCI-1 knockdown cercaria in a mouse model of infection, revealing a role for SmCI-1 inS.mansonisurvival.
Programmed DNA elimination in the parasitic nematode Ascaris
Authors: Estrem Brandon , Wang Jianbin
Published: February 2023

In most organisms, the whole genome is maintained throughout the life span. However, exceptions occur in some species where the genome is reduced during development through a process known as programmed DNA elimination (PDE). In the human and pig parasite Ascaris, PDE occurs during the 4 to 16 cell stages of embryogenesis, when germline chromosomes are fragmented and specific DNA sequences are reproducibly lost in all somatic cells. PDE was identified in Ascaris over 120 years ago, but little was known about its molecular details until recently. Genome sequencing revealed that approximately 1,000 germline-expressed genes are eliminated in Ascaris, suggesting PDE is a gene silencing mechanism. All germline chromosome ends are removed and remodeled during PDE. In addition, PDE increases the number of chromosomes in the somatic genome by splitting many germline chromosomes. Comparative genomics indicates that these germline chromosomes arose from fusion events. PDE separates these chromosomes at the fusion sites. These observations indicate that PDE plays a role in chromosome karyotype and evolution. Furthermore, comparative analysis of PDE in other parasitic and free-living nematodes illustrates conserved features of PDE, suggesting it has important biological significance. We summarize what is known about PDE in Ascaris and its relatives. We also discuss other potential functions, mechanisms, and the evolution of PDE in these parasites of humans and animals of veterinary importance.
Introduction: Hong Kong independent documentaries and their visibility
Authors: Ingham Mike , Ng Kenny K. K.
Published: February 2023

In their general introduction to the present Special Issue the authors trace the origins of and motivation behind much of the independent documentary filmmaking produced in the city during a period of great sociopolitical turbulence, leading up to the tight censorship protocols put in place after the mainland government’s promulgation of the repressive National Security Law in 2020. With reference to the individual essays that comprise this volume, they chart the sudden and unprecedented rise of documentary filmmaking in Hong Kong following many decades of public indifference to the genre. Limited public and underground screenings that took place before absolute censorship measures were implemented in 2021 showed huge box-office demand for these topical films, reflecting images of ordinary Hong Kong people and their struggle for political representation. This opening essay introduces a range of essays and one interview, mostly in relation to specific films, dealing with the now-contentious coupling of documentary films or television broadcasts and democracy. As the essays indicate, some directors and producers of these observational and participatory documentaries are still active overseas and many of the films discussed can now only be screened outside Hong Kong. Nevertheless, they bear witness to a spirit of resilience and resistance as well as a deep-seated desire for a genuine democracy based on universal suffrage constantly reneged on by the city’s various rulers, from the colonial era until now.
A Bird’s-Eye View over Sydney: Animal Imagery in Amnesty by Aravind Adiga
Authors: Mondo Costanza
Published: February 2023

The creative and meaningful use of animal imagery plays an important role in Aravind Adiga’s novels. In his previous works, such as the 2008 Booker-prize-winning The White Tiger and Last Man in Tower (published in 2011), animal references frequently feature in the narration, thus conveying multi-layered meanings. However, animal references become particularly noticeable in Amnesty, his latest novel published in 2020. The aim of this paper is to investigate the use of animal imagery in Amnesty and unravel some of its possible meanings. Starting from interpretations of animal metaphors related to humans, the paper will then put under scrutiny other interpretations of animal references which progressively enlarge their reach, thereby involving not only the city of Sydney, but the whole novel. By making reference to specific passages, I will explore the meanings of the animal imagery with respect to the illegal immigrants, their condition and to isolation, which acquires particular relevance, since the narrator is a Sri Lankan illegal immigrant who initially reached Australia thanks to a student visa. Furthermore, other interpretations of the animal references could revolve around the city of Sydney, its curious representation as a jungle and its representational use of animal imagery in the coat of arms and official contexts. Finally, light will be shed on the interesting role played by animals in pivotal scenes and their unexpected powerful revelations, which allow readers to better understand some episodes in the novel and interpret them from a different, enlightening perspective.
The Assessment of Motivation in the Learning of EFL at University Level: Validation of the English Language Learning Motivation Scale (ELLMS) at Four Spanish State Universities
Authors: Garrido-Hornos María del Carmen
Published: February 2023

Successful performance in the study of English as a Foreign Language is known to be subject to psychological constructs such as type of motivation, degree of self-regulated learning and levels of anxiety and burnout, or academic fatigue. The present study—conducted at the University of Valladolid Segovia Campus—served a double purpose. Firstly, it was used to validate the English Language Learner Motivation Scale (ELLMS) in a sample of university students who were studying this language but whose degrees were in subjects other than English Language or Linguistics. Secondly, it demonstrated that intrinsic motivation is associated with less anxiety and greater self-regulation and self-efficacy in the English language learning process. To both ends, we created a 94-question online survey which blended items from four other instruments measuring levels of anxiety, self-regulation and burnout. This questionnaire, delivered to 214 students from four different Spanish universities, produced interesting results. To begin with, it confirmed the first objective of the study and validated ELLMS as a viable instrument to measure motivation in this population, as well as confirming the presence of the three psychological factors envisaged in the original theoretical proposal and which the reader can find defined and analysed in depth in this paper: intrinsic motivation, external regulation and introjected regulation. The variable introjected regulation was negatively correlated with anxiety but positively with reported levels of burnout informed. With regard to external regulation, the results were not conclusive. This paper considers both the educational implications of these results and the impact that these variables have on the learning of English as a Foreign Language.
Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on the Effects of Lactulose and Rifaximin on Patient-Reported Outcomes in Hepatic Encephalopathy
Authors: Moon Andrew M. , Kim Hannah P. , Jiang Yue , Lupu Gabriel , Bissram Jennifer S. , Barritt A. Sidney , Tapper Elliot B.
Published: February 2023

INTRODUCTION:

Patients with hepatic encephalopathy (HE) suffer from significant symptoms and impaired quality of life. Improved understanding on the potential benefits of first-line HE therapies may aid patient-provider discussions regarding expected benefits of HE treatments. We aimed to perform a systematic review to assess the effects of lactulose and rifaximin on patient-reported outcomes (PROs).

METHODS:

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases for randomized trials or prospective cohort studies using lactulose and/or rifaximin for the management of HE and assessing changes in PRO using PRO instruments. Physician reviewers independently reviewed titles, abstracts, and full texts and extracted data independently. We performed random-effects meta-analyses to examine the effects of lactulose and rifaximin on PROs.

RESULTS:

We identified 16 studies representing 1,376 patients that met inclusion criteria. Most studies assessed treatment of covert HE. In patients with covert HE, lactulose significantly improved overall patient-reported health-related quality of life measured by the Sickness Impact Profile with an estimated pooled mean difference of 6.92 (95% confidence interval: 6.66–7.18) and showed improvements in several subscales. Conversely, rifaximin demonstrated a nonstatistically significant mean difference in the total Sickness Impact Profile of 4.76 (95% confidence interval: −4.23 to 13.76), with strong evidence of heterogeneity between these studies. Studies examining other PRO instruments showed improvements in overall health-related quality of life, social functioning, and sleep from both lactulose and rifaximin.

DISCUSSION:

Patients with HE treated with lactulose or rifaximin reported improvements in important PROs. These results may inform provider-patient communication and help manage patient expectations regarding the potential benefits of HE therapies.
COVID-19 Vaccine Effectiveness Against the Omicron Variant in a Veterans Affairs Cohort of Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Khan Nabeel , Mahmud Nadim
Published: February 2023

INTRODUCTION:

With the advent of the Omicron variant, there are concerns about the efficacy of current vaccinations, especially among immunocompromised/immunosuppressed patients. Our aim was to determine the efficacy of the first booster dose against Omicron.

METHODS:

This was a retrospective cohort study using a well-established inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) cohort in the Veterans Health Administration. We followed patients on baseline IBD medications through the month of January 2022 during the Omicron COVID-19 wave and created adjusted models for vaccination and boosting effectiveness in reducing SARS-CoV-2 infection, hospitalization, and all-cause mortality.

RESULTS:

A total of 22,756 patients with IBD were included, of whom 34.9% had received a booster dose. During follow-up, 622 patients (2.7%) were diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection. In adjusted models, booster status was associated with a 30% reduced hazard of SARS-CoV-2 infection (hazard ratio 0.70 vs unvaccinated status, 95% confidence interval 0.56–0.88, P = 0.002), translating to 25.05% effectiveness. Boosted status was also significantly associated with reduced COVID-19 hospitalization (hazard ratio 0.35, 95% confidence interval 0.16–0.74, P = 0.006), demonstrating a 65.06% effectiveness in adjusted models. There was no significant association between vaccination status and all-cause mortality in adjusted models.

DISCUSSION:

The boosted state was associated with a lower risk of SARS-CoV-2 infections and COVID-19–related hospitalization. Efficacy was lower than what has been seen against previous variants and decreased with prolonged duration from the booster. These findings suggest that patients with IBD, especially those who are immunosuppressed, should consider getting a second booster as per Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations.
Withdrawal of Long-Term Nucleotide Analog Therapy in Chronic Hepatitis B: Outcomes From the Withdrawal Phase of the HBRN Immune Active Treatment Trial
Authors: Feld Jordan J. , Wahed Abdus S. , Fried Michael , Ghany Marc G. , Di Bisceglie Adrian M. , Perrillo Robert P. , Khalili Mandana , Yang Xue , Belle Steven H. , Janssen Harry L.A. , Terrault Norah , Lok Anna S. ,   for the Hepatitis B Research Network (HBRN)
Published: February 2023

INTRODUCTION:

Withdrawal of nucleos(t)ide analog therapy is increasingly being evaluated in chronic hepatitis B infection as a strategy to induce hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) loss. The Hepatitis B Research Network Immune-Active Trial evaluated treatment with tenofovir (TDF) for 4 years ± an initial 6 months of peginterferon-α (PegIFN) (NCT01369212) after which treatment was withdrawn.

METHODS:

Eligible participants (hepatitis B e antigen [HBeAg]−/anti-HBe+, hepatitis B virus [HBV] DNA <103 IU/mL, no cirrhosis) who discontinued TDF were followed for at least 1 year with optional follow-up thereafter. Retreatment was based on predefined criteria.

RESULTS:

Among 201 participants who received 4 years of treatment, 97 participants (45 TDF and 52 TDF + PegIFN arm, 79 Asian) discontinued TDF. HBsAg loss occurred in 5 participants, 2 within 25 weeks and 3 within 89–119 weeks postwithdrawal (cumulative rate 4.3% by 2 years). Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) flares (>5× upper limit of normal) after TDF withdrawal occurred in 36 (37.1%) participants and occurred more frequently and earlier in those HBeAg− compared with HBeAg+ at treatment initiation. ALT flares were associated with older age and higher HBV DNA pretreatment and at the visit before the flare. ALT flares were not significantly associated with HBsAg decline or loss but were associated with immune active disease at 1 year (70.6% vs 11.9%, P < 0.0001) and 2 years (66.7% vs 25.9%, P = 0.03) postwithdrawal. Treatment reinitiation was required in 13 (13.4%) participants, and 13 others remained in a sustained inactive carrier state by the end of the study follow-up. No criteria reliably predicted safe treatment withdrawal.

DISCUSSION:

Results from this trial do not support TDF withdrawal as a therapeutic strategy. HBsAg loss was infrequent within 2 years of stopping long-term TDF. If withdrawal is considered, HBV DNA should be carefully monitored with reinitiation of therapy if levels rise above 4 log10IU/mL to reduce the risk of ALT flares, as they were not associated with subsequent HBsAg decline or loss.
Has the Incidence of Inflammatory Bowel Disease Peaked? Evidence From the Population-Based NorDIBD Cohort 1978–2020
Authors: Larsen Lone , Karachalia Sandri Anastasia , Fallingborg Jan , Jacobsen Bent Ascanius , Jacobsen Henrik Albæk , Bøgsted Martin , Drewes Asbjørn Mohr , Jess Tine
Published: February 2023

INTRODUCTION:

While the incidence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is rising globally, it has been suggested to stabilize in westernized countries, but this has not yet been shown in exhaustive and large cohorts. We generated an IBD cohort in North Denmark (NorDIBD) of 6,158 patients with IBD diagnosed from 1978 to 2020, based on all recorded and verified IBD diagnoses in the region. While describing the establishment of this cohort, we aimed to present the accurate incidence and prevalence of IBD over 4 decades.

METHODS:

The NorDIBD cohort covered all pediatric and adult patients with an IBD diagnosis dated between January 1, 1978, and December 31, 2020, and living in North Denmark, hence forming an unselected population-based patient cohort. IBD incidence rates between 1978 and 2020 and IBD point prevalences between 2003 and 2020 were calculated.

RESULTS:

We observed a 4-fold increase in the incidence of IBD from 11.5 per 100,000 persons (95% confidence interval [CI] 8.4–14.6) in the year 1978 to 51.3/100,000 (95% CI 45.5–57.1) in the year 2014, whereas in 2020, this rate stabilized. The overall prevalence of IBD more than doubled from 2003 to 2020, from 424 (95% CI 407–443) in 2003 to 872 (95% CI 849–896) IBD cases per 100,000 persons in 2020.

DISCUSSION:

Our population-based NorDIBD cohort suggests stabilizing of the incidence of IBD in Denmark, whereas the prevalence continues to rise. Because the data represent a 10% sample of the entire Danish IBD population, we believe that data can be extrapolated to the IBD population in general and used for healthcare planning.
Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Cholecystoenterostomy for Acute Hemorrhagic Cholecystitis Drainage
Authors: López-Marte Paola , Arroyo-Mercado Fray , Abbass Aamer , Mendoza-Ladd Antonio
Published: February 2023

Hemorrhagic cholecystitis is a rare entity with few cases reported in the literature. We report a case of a 42-year-old man with cirrhosis who presented to the hospital with abdominal pain in the right upper quadrant radiating to the back. Computed tomography scan showed findings consistent with acute cholecystitis. Owing to decompensated cirrhosis, he was not a good candidate for cholecystectomy. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided cholecystoenterostomy was performed that immediately yielded a large amount of old blood with clots along with some bile consistent with acute hemorrhagic cholecystitis. After the drainage, he had an uneventful hospitalization.
Exploring Elementary School Students' Perception and Attitudes towards the Metabus
Authors:   Center For Educational Research, Hong Ae-Ryung
Published: February 2023

Purpose: This study explored the thoughts and perspectives of elementary school students about themetaverse by analyzing and interpreting metaphorical expressions of the metaverse and presented theirperspectives and attitudes as specific types.
Methods: Data were collected through in-depth interviews, focus group interview, mind maps, andpicture diary activities from May to December 2022. Participants included 30 elementary schoolstudents in the Seoul metropolitan area. Thereafter, metaphors and attitudes towards the metaversewere categorized.
Results: The results revealed that elementary school students recognized the metaverse as water(autonomous), space of infinite possibilities (potential), and other versions of our class, world, anduniverse (multiverse). Second, their perspectives and attitudes towards the metaverse were dividedinto the following types: curiosity and expectation type, ambiguity and burden type, and ambivalenceand coexistence type. Additionally, it was observed that students acquired the concepts of the metaversethrough out-of-school programs rather than regular curriculum classes in the school.
Conclusion: Therefore, theoretical grounds need to be established for metaverse education for elementaryschool students at the school-level. Furthermore, metaverse education programs and educationalmaterials for specialized learners such as the underprivileged, poor, and multicultural families shouldbe developed, and professional educators should be encouraged to practice metaverse education.
POLITIK HUKUM PROGESIF DALAM PERKEMBANGAN JUSTICE COLLABORATOR SEBAGAI UPAYA PENEGAKAN KEADILAN BERIMBANG DI INDONESIA
Authors: Afifah Nur , Kamalludin Iqbal , Bariki Yusril
Published: February 2023

Berangkat dari problematis yuridis yaitu justice Collaborator belum memiliki dasar hukum yang khusus (lex specialis), yang memunculkan problematis sosiologi yaitu ancaman terhadap keberadaannya juga rentan terhadap intimidasi, maka penerapan Justice Collaborator di Indonesia perlu, sebagaimana Pasal 22 D ayat (1) UUD 1945. Melihat realita demikian, munculnya pembahasan ini bertujuan guna mengetahui politik hukum dari Justice Collaborator itu sendiri sebagai upaya penegakan keadilan. Jenis penelitian yuridis normatif dengan pendekatan komparatif terhadap perundang-undangan. Data penelitian diperoleh melalui dokumentasi data-data yang diolah menggunakan metode analisis yuridis kualitatif dan dipresentasikan dengan deskriptif-analis. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan Justice Collaborator berkaitan dengan salah satu tujuan hukum sendiri yaitu mewujudkan sebuah keadilan yang berimbang, sebagaimana hal ini sesuai dimensinya yaitu, kejujuran, pembenaran, masuk akal, spesifik dan tepat waktu.
MEANINGFUL PARTICIPATION SEBAGAI UPAYA KOMPROMI IDEE DES RECHT PASCA PUTUSAN MK NO. 91/PUU-XVIII/2020
Authors: Pratama Nur Aji
Published: February 2023

Partisipasi bermakna menjadi tolak ukur suatu produk hukum dapat dikatakan baik, sah menurut hukum, dan berlaku efektif karena dapat diterima masyarakat dan berlaku dalam waktu yang panjang. Permasalahan mendasarnya adalah selama ini partisipasi masyarakat dalam proses legislasi hanya dipakai sekedar untuk memenuhi persyaratan formal sehingga berpotensi untuk kehilangan esensi dari partisipasi. Tulisan ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis urgensitas partisipasi bermakna dalam proses legislasi dan fungsi partisipasi bermakna sebagai upaya penyelesaian antinomi hukum dalam substansi undang-undang. Kajian dalam analisis ini menggunakan metode yuridis normatif dengan pendekatan undang-undang dan konseptual. Analisis penulisan ini menyimpulkan bahwa partisipasi bermakna harus diposisikan sebagai prinsip dasar dan politik hukum dalam proses legislasi Indonesia sehingga mampu menyelesaikan diskursus antara keadilan, kemanfaatan, dan kepastian hukum.
STUDI PERBANDINGAN ARAH PERLUASAN KEWENANGAN MAHKAMAH KONSTITUSI REPUBLIK INDONESIA
Authors: Mikhael Lefri
Published: February 2023

Kewenangan lembaga Mahkamah Konstitusi di setiap negara berbeda. Perbedaan kewenangan tersebut dapat menjadi bahan diskursus arah perluasan kewenangan Mahkamah Konstitusi di Indonesia. Penulisan ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui apa saja kewenangan Mahkamah Konstitusi yang dimiliki beberapa negara, yaitu Indonesia, Austria, Hungaria, dan Turki, yang kemudian memberi gambaran arah perluasan kewenangan bagi Mahkamah Konstitusi Republik Indonesia. Penelitian hukum normatif digunakan pada artikel ini dengan menggunakan pendekatan konseptual, perundang-undangan, dan perbandingan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa terdapat dua gambaran arah perluasan kewenangan Mahkamah Konstitusi Republik Indonesia, yaitu kewenangan judicial preview dan memutus constitutional complaint, demi memperkuat supremasi hukum dan menjamin hak konstitusional warga negara.
REKONSTRUKSI BADAN PENYELESAIAN PERSELISIHAN PARTAI POLITIK: STUDI KEDUDUKAN MAHKAMAH PARTAI POLITIK DI INDONESIA
Authors: Azzahra Farida
Published: February 2023

Perselisihan internal partai politik di Indonesia saat ini diselesaikan melalui mahkamah partai politik. Namun, putusan mahkamah partai yang bersifat final dan mengikat sebagai peradilan tingkat pertama dan terakhir hanya berlaku bagi perselisihan partai politik yang menyangkut kepengurusan partai, sementara mengenai sengketa partai politik lainnya, dapat diajukan diajukan gugatan kembali ke Pengadilan Negeri dan Mahkamah Agung sebagaimana ketentuan Pasal 32 ayat (5) Undang-Undang Partai Politik. Ketentuan tersebut menunjukan masih lemahnya kedudukan mahkamah partai sebagai badan penyelesaian perselisihan partai politik di Indonesia. Pada praktiknya, penyelesaian perselisihan partai politik melalui mahkamah partai hanya menjadi syarat administratif belaka. Hal ini kemudian membuat proses penyelesaian sengketa yang berlarut-larut, bahkan hal ini akan menimbulkan problematika ketidakpastian hukum terhadap anggota partai yang juga menjabat sebagai anggota legislatif. Penelitian ini mencoba untuk mengkaji kedudukan mahkamah partai pada sistem kekuasaan kehakiman Indonesia serta menguraikan kebutuhan rekonstruksi badan penyelesaian partai politik. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode yuridis normatif. Hasil penelitian menunjukan bahwa perlu untuk merekonstruksi kedudukan mahkamah partai menjadi suatu badan peradilan independen yang berada di bawah peradilan umum guna mempercepat proses penyelesaian perselisihan partai politik dan juga memberi kepastian hukum.
PENEGAKAN HUKUM TERHADAP AKTIVITAS PINJAMAN ONLINE
Authors: Utomo Setiyo , Alfian Alfian , Aprilia Lisa
Published: February 2023

Perkembangan teknologi saat ini memberikan dampak terhadap sektor keuangan. Perubahan mempengaruhi sistem pengamanan dalam sektor keuangan. Tujuan Penelitian ini untuk menganalisa terhadap transaksi di sektor keuangan secara elektonik dan dampak terhadap aktivitas yang dilakukan. Penelitian ini adalah penelitian doktrinal, dengan pendekatan undang-undang dan pendekatan konseptual dengan analisa dengan metode deduktif. Hasil penelitian ini adanya bentuk penegakan hukum bagi perusahaan pinjaman online yang harus terdaftar terlebih dahulu di Otoritas Jasa Keuangan karena apabila tidak dilakukan pendaftaran akan mengakibatkan terhadap perlindungan hukum bagi masyarakat yang melakukan aktifitas pinjaman online.
Efektivitas Eksekusi Terhadap Pengusaha Yang Tidak Membayar Pesangon Pekerja Di Perusahaan
Authors: Mashari Mashari , Suroto Suroto
Published: February 2023

Permasalahan tentang pesangon di Indonesia masih sering terjadi, utamanya dalam hubungan pengusaha dan pekerja. Tujuan penelitian ini untuk mengkaji pelaksanaan eksekusi terhadap pengusaha belum berjalan efektif karena dalam praktiknya sebagian besar pengusaha yang tidak membayar pesangon pekerja setelah terjadi pemutusan hubungan kerja. Penelitian ini menggunakan yuridis empiris dengan menggunakan data primer dan data sekunder, dengan pendekatan secara konseptual dikaitkan dengan kasus. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa pelaksanaan eksekusi terhadap pengusaha belum berjalan efektif karena eksekusi yang dilakukan oleh ketua Pengadilan dalam praktiknya tidak semuanya berjalan dengan lancar. Pelaksanaan eksekusi sering terjadi hambatan dalam proses pelaksanaan eksekusi karena pihak pengusaha yang kalah tidak mau melaksanakan eksekusi, selain itu juga biaya eksekusi yang mahal. Efektivitas eksekusi terhadap pengusaha yang tidak membayar pesangon pekerja di perusahaan berdasarkan Undang-Undang Nomor 11 Tahun 2020 tentang Cipta Kerja bahwa pengusaha yang tidak membayar pesangon pekerja diancam sanksi pidana 4 (empat) tahun penjara. Tindakan pengusaha yang tidak membayar pesangon pekerja dianggap melakukan tindakan pidana kejahatan. Hal ini sangat membantu pekerja untuk mempercepat penyelesaian perselisihan dengan laporan Polisi agar pengusaha membayar pesangon tersebut.
Pembentukan Lembaga Pelaksana Pidana Sebagai Wujud Sistem Peradilan Pidana Integral
Authors: Ritonga Binsar Zaroha , Soponyono Eko
Published: February 2023

Sistem peradilan pidana merupakan identik dengan sistem penegakan hukum pidana. Sistem ini terdiri dari subsistem yang masing-masing memiliki tugas dan fungsi tersendiri namun subsistem bekerja saling menopang satu sama lain. Pelaksanaan pidana di Indonesia yang masih terfragmentasi di berbagai sub penegakan hukum mengakibatkan sistem peradilan pidana yang belum integral. Tujuan dari artikel ini adalah untuk mengetahui dan menganalisis kebijakan hukum pembentukan lembaga pelaksana pidana dan integrasi kewenangan pelaksana dalam lembaga tersendiri sesuai dengan sistem peradilan pidana integral. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah menggunakan metode yuridis normatif dengan studi literatur. Penegakan hukum di Indonesia yang belum memiliki lembaga pelaksana pidana. Pembentukan lembaga pelaksana pidana merupakan tahap akhir dari sistem peradilan pidana integral. Pembentukan lembaga pelaksana pidana ini berfungsi sebagai pelaksana pidana yang merupakan akhir dari sistem peradilan pidana. Sistem peradilan pidana integral didasari dari konsep sinkronasi dan harmonisasi perundangan yang dapat dijadikan sebagai acuan dalam kebijakan hukum di masa yang akan datang.
Legalisasi Standar Tarif Hotel Dalam Ekosistem "New Normal" Terintegrasi Bagi Pariwisata Bali Dampak Covid-19
Authors: Gorda Anak Agung Ayu Ngurah Sri Rahayu , Sudharma Kadek Januarsa Adi
Published: February 2023

Standarisasi tarif hotel menjadi perhatian yang sangat penting di mana kurangnya aturan tertulis yang jelas bekerja seperti perang tarif antar hotel di Bali. Putu Satyawira Marhaendra (Ketua Federasi Serikat Pekerja Pariwisata Bali), mengharapkan jangan terjadi berebut tarif kamar hotel saat pariwisata dibuka di era “new normal”. Tentunya di tengah pandemi Covid-19. Adapun artikel penelitian ini bertujuan untuk membangun argumentasi hukum dalam mengkonstruksikan aturan-aturan hukum dalam pengaturan standarisasi harga hotel dalam ekosistem “new normal” yang terintegrasi bagi pariwisata Bali sebagai dampak pandemi Covid-19. Metode yang digunakan adalah studi yuridis normatif tentang entitas hukum normatif, menyelidiki bahan pustaka yang terdiri dari bahan kode hukum primer dan sekunder, dan mencari kebenaran dari aspek normatif berdasarkan logika ilmiah. Berdasarkan temuan tersebut terkait dengan kebijakan pemerintah di masa pandemi Covid-19, khususnya penanggulangan dan penanganan pandemi Covid-19, pemerintah telah membentuk Gugus Tugas Covid-19 di tingkat nasional dan daerah yang bertujuan untuk mengurangi perang harga yang sering terjadi antara hotel dan penyedia akomodasi, di mana pengusaha pariwisata, khususnya villa, hotel dan SPA, wajib melakukan standarisasi harga.