bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
INDIKATOR SASARAN STRATEGIS AKUNTABILITAS KINERJA PEGAWAI
Authors: Hermawan Ade , Rohman Abd. 
Published: November 2022

The government requires every government agency and work unit to compile accountability reports as a form of accountability. Therefore, it is necessary to develop and implement an appropriate, clear and tangible accountability system so that the administration of government at both the central and regional levels can be efficient, accountable and free from practices of corruption, collusion and nepotism (KKN). This study uses an evaluation method with a quantitative descriptive approach, with some respondents being State Civil Apparatuses who had received the services of the Personnel, Education and Training Agency (BKPP). The secondary data uses the Banjarbaru City BKPP performance report document. The information and facts obtained are then read, analyzed, and interpreted to draw conclusions. The results showed that the accountability of the performance of the Banjarbaru City BKPP was that the Performance Accountability of the Banjarbaru City Personnel, Education and Training Agency in general tended to be good as measured by two main indicators, namely the arrangement of personnel resources and the quality of personnel administration services. The indicator of the arrangement of personnel resources is measured using three items, namely the item apparatus that gets Competency Development, the position item that is filled in accordance with the competence, and the item apparatus that obeys the staffing regulations. AbstrakPemerintah mewajibkan setiap instansi pemerintah dan unit kerja untuk menyusun laporan akuntabilitas kinerjanya sebagai wujud pertanggung jawaban. Dari itu diperlukan pengembangan dan penerapan sistem pertanggung jawaban yang tepat, jelas dan nyata sehingga penyelenggaraan pemerintah baik tingkat pusat maupun daerah dapat berdaya guna, berhasil guna, dapat dipertanggung jawabkan dan bebas dari praktik korupsi, kolusi, dan nepotisme (KKN). Penelitian ini menggunakan metode evaluasi dengan pendekatan deskriptif kuantitatif dengan responden sebagian Aparatur Sipil Negara yang pernah mendapatkan pelayanan Badan Kepegawaian, Pendidikan dan Pelatihan (BKPP). Data skunder menggunakan dokumen laporan kinerja BKPP Kota Banjarbaru. Analisis data melalui tahapan mempelajari, menelaah dan menganalisa data. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa Akuntabilitas Kinerja Badan Kepegawaian, Pendidikan dan Pelatihan kota Banjarbaru secara umum cenderung baik yang diukur dengan dua indikator utama yaitu penataan sumber daya aparatur dan kualitas pelayanan administrasi kepegawaian. Indikator penataan sumber daya aparatur diukur dengan menggunakan tiga item, yakni item aparatur yang mendapatkan Pengembangan Kompetensi, item jabatan yang diisi sesuai dengan kompetensi, dan item aparatur yang taat terhadap peraturan kepegawaian.
Calprotectin as a diagnostic marker for sepsis: A meta-analysis
Authors: Gao Rong-Yue , Jia Hui-Miao , Han Yu-Zhen , Qian Ben-Shu , You Pan , Zhang Xiao-Ke , Li Wen-Xiong , Huang Li-Feng 
Published: November 2022

IntroductionSepsis is a life-threatening condition, and biomarkers are needed to diagnose sepsis fast and accurately. We aimed to perform this meta-analysis to investigate the diagnostic value of calprotectin on sepsis in critically ill patients.MethodsThe investigators searched MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane Library. Studies were included if they assessed the diagnostic accuracy of serum calprotectin for sepsis in intensive care unit (ICU). We estimated its diagnostic value and explored the source of heterogeneity. The bivariate model and the hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic (HSROC) curve were used in the meta-analysis.ResultsSix records assessing 821 patients were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio (PLR), and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) were separately as 0.77, 0.85, 5.20, 0.27, respectively. The Fagan's nomogram showed post‐test probabilities of 91% and 35% for positive and negative outcomes, respectively. Subgroup analysis indicated that sepsis definition could be a possible source of heterogeneity, but there’s no sufficient data to investigate sepsis-3 definition. Sensitivity analysis suggested that two studies could affect the stability of pooled results.ConclusionOn the basis of our meta-analysis, calprotectin is a helpful marker for early diagnosis of sepsis on ICU admission.
Correlation of cardiovascular risk predictors with overweight and obesity in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia
Authors: Wang Yaodong , He Jinchun 
Published: November 2022

PurposeWe aimed to analyze the correlation between overweight and obesity-related indicators and cardiovascular risk predictors in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) and to evaluate their mutual predictive properties.MethodsA total of 103 patients with FH included from 2004 to 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. Pearson correlation analysis and multiple linear regression analysis were used to assess the correlation between overweight and obesity-related indicators and cardiovascular risk predictors in FH patients. Subject operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to analyze their reciprocal predictive performance.Results(1) Atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) (β = 0.020) and ApoB/ApoA1 Ratio (BAR) (β = 0.015) were independently correlated with body mass index (BMI) (P &lt; 0.05); AIP (β = 1.176) was independently correlated with waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) (P &lt; 0.01); AIP (β = 1.575), BAR (β = 0.661) and atherogenic coefficient (AC) (β = 0.427) were independently correlated with waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) (P &lt; 0.05). (2) The area under the ROC (AUC) for overweight corresponding to AIP, BAR, and AC were 0.695 (95% CI = 0.593–0.797, P &lt; 0.01), 0.660 (95% CI = 0.555–0.766, P &lt; 0.01), and 0.632 (95% CI = 0.525–0.740, P &lt; 0.05), respectively; and AUCs for central obesity corresponding to AIP, BAR and AC were 0.757 (95% CI = 0.656–0.857, P &lt; 0.001), 0.654 (95% CI = 0.536–0.771, P &lt; 0.05) and 0.651 (95% CI = 0.538–0.764, P &lt; 0.05), respectively. The AUCs for moderate risk of AIP corresponding to BMI, WHR, and WHtR were 0.709 (95% CI = 0.608–0.811, P &lt; 0.001), 0.773 (95% CI = 0.678–0.867, P &lt; 0.001), 0.739 (95% CI = 0.641–0.836, P &lt; 0.001), respectively, and BMI, WHR and WHtR corresponded to an AUC of 0.691 (95% CI = 0.585–0.797, P &lt; 0.01), 0.734 (95% CI = 0.632–0.835, P &lt; 0.001), and 0.706 (95% CI = 0.603–0.810, P &lt; 0.01) for high risk of AIP, respectively.ConclusionAIP has independent positive linear correlation with indicators related to overweight and obesity in FH patients; AIP has good predictive performance for overweight and obesity in FH patients, and WHR has good performance for identifying moderate and high risk of AIP in FH patients.
Exploring risk factors of short-term readmission in heart failure patients: A cohort study
Authors: Niu Xiao Na , Wen He , Sun Nan , Zhao Ran , Wang Ting , Li Yan 
Published: November 2022

BackgroundThe risk of all-cause mortality in patients with heart failure (HF) has been studied previously. Readmission risk of HF patients was rarely explored. Thus, we aimed to explore early warning factors that may influence short-term readmission of HF patients.MethodsThe data of this study came from an HF database in China. It was a retrospective single-center observational study that collected characteristic data on Chinese HF patients by integrating electronic medical records and follow-up outcome data. Eventually, 1,727 patients with HF were finally included in our study.ResultsIn our study, the proportion of HF patients with New York Heart Association (NYHA) class II, III, and IV HF were 17.20%, 52.69%, and 30.11%, respectively. The proportion of patients with readmission within 6 months and readmission within 3 months was 38.33% and 24.20%, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression showed that NYHA class (pIII = 0.028, pIV &lt; 0.001), diabetes (p = 0.002), Cr (p = 0.003), and RDW-SD (p = 0.039) were risk factors for readmission within 6 months of HF patients. NYHA class (pIII = 0.038, pIV &lt; 0.001), CCI (p = 0.033), Cr (p = 0.012), UA (p = 0.042), and Na (p = 0.026) were risk factors for readmission within 3 months of HF patients.ConclusionsOur study implied risk factors of short-term readmission risk in patients with HF, which may provide policy guidance for the prognosis of patients with HF.
Albinism in the largest extant amphibian: A metabolic, endocrine, or immune problem?
Authors: Chang Liming , Zhu Wei , Jiang Jianping 
Published: November 2022

BackgroundPigment regression is an intriguing phenomenon that can be caused by disorders in melanin metabolism or endocrine regulation, or by autoimmune disorders. Albino animals serve as excellent models for the study of the genetic determination of morphology, particularly the evolution of and molecular mechanisms underlying chromatophore-related diseases in animals and humans.Material and MethodsThe artificial culture of Andrias davidianus, the largest extant amphibian, is flourishing in China due to the great ecological and economic value of this animal. Approximately 0.1% of individuals express an albino phenotype accompanied by delayed somatic growth and mortality at early developmental stages. In this study, brain and skin transcriptomics were conducted to study the underlying molecular basis of the phenotype.ResultsThe results indicated decreased transcription of genes of melanin synthesis. Interestingly, MHC I isotypes and immune-related pathways accounted for the primary transcriptional differences between groups, suggesting that the albino phenotype represents a systematic immune problem to a far greater extent than a pigmentation defect. Albino individuals exhibited shifted transcription of MHC I isotypes, and the albino-specific isotype was characterized by increased charges and decreased space in the antigen- binding pocket, implying a drastic change in antigen specificity and a potential risk of autoimmune disorders.ConclusionThese results suggest an association between the albino phenotype and MHC I variants in A. davidianus, which could serve as a convenient model for vitiligo or other autoimmune diseases.
Association of thyroid function, within the euthyroid range, with cardiovascular risk: The EPIPorto study
Authors: Neves João Sérgio , Fontes-Carvalho Ricardo , Borges-Canha Marta , Leite Ana Rita , von Hafe Madalena , Vale Catarina , Martins Sandra , Guimarães João Tiago , Carvalho Davide , Leite-Moreira Adelino , Azevedo Ana 
Published: November 2022

BackgroundThyroid hormones are important modulators of cardiovascular function. Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are known to contribute to an increased cardiovascular risk. It remains uncertain whether thyroid hormones level within the euthyroid range are associated with cardiometabolic risk. We aimed to evaluate the association between thyroid function levels within the euthyroid range and cardiovascular risk in a population-based cohort.MethodsEight hundred thirty-five subjects aged ≥45 years from the EPIPorto population-based cohort were included. We excluded participants with TSH, free T4 (FT4), or free T3 (FT3) outside of the reference range, or with previous cardiovascular or thyroid disease. The associations between thyroid function, cardiovascular risk factors and the 10-year estimated risk of cardiovascular events (using SCORE2 and SCORE2-OP) were evaluated in linear and logistic regression models, crudely and adjusting for age, sex, BMI, diabetes, and smoking.ResultsThe mean age of the participants was 61.5 (SD 10.5) years and 38.9% were men. Eleven percent of the participants had diabetes, 47.8% had dyslipidemia, and 54.8% had hypertension. The mean body mass index (BMI) was 27.4 (SD 4.6) kg/m2, and the median (percentile25-75) 10-year risk of cardiovascular events was 5.46% (2.92, 10.11). Participants with higher BMI, larger waist circumference and higher hs-CRP had higher levels of FT3 and FT3/FT4 ratio. Lower FT3/FT4 ratio and higher FT4 levels were associated with higher prevalence of diabetes and more adverse lipid profile. Higher TSH, lower FT3 and lower FT3/FT4 ratio were associated with lower eGFR. Lower FT3, lower FT3/FT4 ratio and higher FT4 were associated with an increased 10-year risk of cardiovascular events.ConclusionsIn a population-based study, variations of thyroid function within the euthyroid range were associated with cardiovascular risk factors. On one hand, individuals with higher BMI, larger waist circumference and higher hs-CRP had higher levels of FT3 and FT3/FT4 ratio. On the other hand, a decreased conversion of T4 to T3 (lower FT3, lower FT3/FT4 ratio and/or higher FT4) was associated with a higher prevalence of diabetes, a more adverse lipid profile, a lower eGFR and an increased 10-year risk of cardiovascular events.
A signal recognition particle-related joint model of LASSO regression, SVM-RFE and artificial neural network for the diagnosis of systemic sclerosis-associated pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Xu Jingxi , Liang Chaoyang , Li Jiangtao 
Published: November 2022

Background: Systemic sclerosis-associated pulmonary hypertension (SSc-PH) is one of the most common causes of death in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). The complexity of SSc-PH and the heterogeneity of clinical features in SSc-PH patients contribute to the difficulty of diagnosis. Therefore, there is a pressing need to develop and optimize models for the diagnosis of SSc-PH. Signal recognition particle (SRP) deficiency has been found to promote the progression of multiple cancers, but the relationship between SRP and SSc-PH has not been explored.Methods: First, we obtained the GSE19617 and GSE33463 datasets from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database as the training set, GSE22356 as the test set, and the SRP-related gene set from the MSigDB database. Next, we identified differentially expressed SRP-related genes (DE-SRPGs) and performed unsupervised clustering and gene enrichment analyses. Then, we used least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression and support vector machine-recursive feature elimination (SVM-RFE) to identify SRP-related diagnostic genes (SRP-DGs). We constructed an SRP scoring system and a nomogram model based on the SRP-DGs and established an artificial neural network (ANN) for diagnosis. We used receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves to identify the SRP-related signature in the training and test sets. Finally, we analyzed immune features, signaling pathways, and drugs associated with SRP and investigated SRP-DGs’ functions using single gene batch correlation analysis-based GSEA.Results: We obtained 30 DE-SRPGs and found that they were enriched in functions and pathways such as “protein targeting to ER,” “cytosolic ribosome,” and “coronavirus disease—COVID-19”. Subsequently, we identified seven SRP-DGs whose expression levels and diagnostic efficacy were validated in the test set. As one signature, the area under the ROC curve (AUC) values for seven SRP-DGs were 0.769 and 1.000 in the training and test sets, respectively. Predictions made using the nomogram model are likely beneficial for SSc-PH patients. The AUC values of the ANN were 0.999 and 0.860 in the training and test sets, respectively. Finally, we discovered that some immune cells and pathways, such as activated dendritic cells, complement activation, and heme metabolism, were significantly associated with SRP-DGs and identified ten drugs targeting SRP-DGs.Conclusion: We constructed a reliable SRP-related ANN model for the diagnosis of SSc-PH and investigated the possible role of SRP in the etiopathogenesis of SSc-PH by bioinformatics methods to provide a basis for precision and personalized medicine.
Regulation and directed inhibition of ECP production by human neutrophils
Authors: Vega-Rioja Antonio , Chacón Pedro , Fernández-Delgado Lourdes , Doukkali Bouchra , del Valle Rodríguez Alberto , Perkins James R. , Ranea Juan A. G. , Dominguez-Cereijo Leticia , Pérez-Machuca Beatriz María , Palacios Ricardo , Rodríguez David , Monteseirín Javier , Ribas-Pérez David 
Published: November 2022

BackgroundNeutrophils are involved in the pathophysiology of allergic asthma, where the Eosinophil Cationic Protein(ECP) is a critical inflammatory mediator. Although ECP production is attributed to eosinophils, we reported that ECP is also present in neutrophils from allergic patients where, in contrast to eosinophils, it is produced in an IgE-dependent manner. Given the key role of ECP in asthma, we investigated the molecular mechanisms involved in ECP production as well as the effects induced by agonists and widely used clinical approaches. We also analyzed the correlation between ECP production and lung function.MethodsNeutrophils from allergic asthmatic patients were challenged with allergens, alone or in combination with cytokines, in the presence of cell-signaling inhibitors and clinical drugs. We analyzed ECP levels by ELISA and confocal microscopy. Lung function was assessed by spirometry.ResultsIgE-mediated ECP release is dependent on phosphoinositide 3-kinase, the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2) and the production of reactive oxygen species by NADPH-oxidase. Calcineurin phosphatase and the transcription factor NFAT are also involved. ECP release is enhanced by the cytokines interleukin (IL)-5 and granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor, and inhibited by interferon-γ, IL-10, clinical drugs (formoterol, tiotropium and budesonide) and allergen-specific IT. We also found an inverse correlation between asthma severity and ECP levels.ConclusionsOur results suggest the molecular pathways involved in ECP production and potential therapeutic targets. We also provide a new method to evaluate disease severity in asthmatic patients based on the quantification ofin vitroECP production by peripheral neutrophils.
An interleukin-1 polymorphism additionally intensified by atopy as prognostic factor for aseptic non-mechanical complications in metal knee and hip arthroplasty
Authors: Summer B. , Lill D. , Remmel K. , Schraml A. , Schopf C. , Banke I. J. , Kuechenhoff H. , Maierhofer T. , Endres S. , Thomas P. 
Published: November 2022

BackgroundIn contrast to infection or mechanical issues joint replacement failure following inflammatory adverse reactions is poorly understood.ObjectiveTo assess the association of IL-1β polymorphisms and history of allergy with aseptic non-mechanical complications following arthroplasty.MethodsIn 102 patients with aseptic non-mechanically caused symptomatic knee or hip arthroplasty (SA) and 93 patients with asymptomatic arthroplasty (AA) questionnaire-based history, patch test with at least standard series, lymphocyte transformation test (LTT) with nickel, cobalt and chromium and interleukin-1 polymorphism analysis were done. Three polymorphisms of the IL1B gene [IL-1b -3954 (rs1143634), IL-1b -511 (rs16944) and IL-1b -31 (rs1143627)] and one polymorphism of the IL1RN gene [IL1RN intron 2, variable number of tandem repeats, VNTR (rs2234663)] were assessed by PCR and gel electrophoresis.ResultsWe found no significant difference in smoking history and atopy but 25% versus 10% of self-reported metal allergy in SA versus AA; the patch test (respective, LTT) for metal sensitivity was more often positive in SA patients. The allele 498 bp of the IL1RN polymorphism occurred significantly more often in the SA group (37% versus 11%; p &lt; 0.0001). Upon additional presence of atopy, the difference was even greater (60% vs 10%) (p &lt; 0.000001). There was no association of IL-1 polymorphisms with metal allergy.ConclusionThe IL1RN VNTR allele 498 bp was strongly associated with SA. In patients with a history of atopy, presence of the IL1RN VNTR allele 498 bp led to a four-fold higher SA prevalence compared to patients without this allele.
Risk factors for peripheral venous catheter-related phlebitis stratified by body mass index in critically ill patients: A post-hoc analysis of the AMOR-VENUS study
Authors: Kashiura Masahiro , Yasuda Hideto , Oishi Takatoshi , Kishihara Yuki , Moriya Takashi , Kotani Yuki , Kondo Natsuki , Sekine Kosuke , Shime Nobuaki , Morikane Keita 
Published: November 2022

IntroductionPhlebitis is an important complication in patients with peripheral intravascular catheters (PIVCs). Although an association between body mass index (BMI) and phlebitis has been suggested, the risk of phlebitis according to BMI has not been well elucidated. Therefore, in this study, we analyzed the risk of phlebitis according to BMI in patients in the intensive care unit (ICU).Materials and methodsThis study undertook a secondary analysis of the data from a prospective multicenter observational study assessing the epidemiology of phlebitis at 23 ICUs in Japan. Patients admitted into the ICU aged ≥18 years with a new PIVC inserted after ICU admission were consecutively enrolled and stratified into the following groups based on BMI: Underweight (BMI &lt; 18.5 kg/m2), normal weight (18.5 ≤ BMI &lt; 25.0 kg/m2), and overweight/obese (BMI ≥ 25.0 kg/m2). The primary outcome was phlebitis. The risk factors for phlebitis in each BMI-based group were investigated using a marginal Cox regression model. In addition, hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated.ResultsA total of 1,357 patients and 3,425 PIVCs were included in the analysis. The mean BMI for all included patients was 22.8 (standard deviation 4.3) kg/m2. Among the eligible PIVCs, 455; 2,041; and 929 were categorized as underweight, normal weight, and overweight/obese, respectively. In the underweight group, catheter size ≥ 18 G and amiodarone administration were independently associated with the incidence of phlebitis. Drug administration standardization was associated with the reduction of phlebitis. In the normal weight group, elective surgery as a reason for ICU admission, and nicardipine, noradrenaline, and levetiracetam administration were independently associated with the incidence of phlebitis. Heparin administration was associated with the reduction of phlebitis. In the overweight/obese group, the Charlson comorbidity index, catheter size ≥ 18 G, and levetiracetam administration were independently associated with the incidence of phlebitis. Catheters made from PEU-Vialon (polyetherurethane without leachable additives) and tetrafluoroethylene were associated with the reduction of phlebitis.ConclusionWe investigated the risk factors for peripheral phlebitis according to BMI in ICU and observed different risk factors in groups stratified by BMI. For example, in underweight or overweight patients, large size PIVCs could be avoided. Focusing on the various risk factors for phlebitis according to patients’ BMIs may aid the prevention of phlebitis.