Biolistics-mediated transformation of hornworts and its application to study pyrenoid protein localization.

Hornworts are a deeply diverged lineage of bryophytes that are sister to mosses and liverworts. Hornworts have an array of unique features that can be leveraged to illuminate not only the early evolution of land plants, but also alternative paths for nitrogen and carbon assimilation via cyanobacterial symbiosis and a pyrenoid-based CO2-concentrating mechanism (CCM), respectively. Despite this, hornworts are one of the few plant lineages with limited available genetic tools. Here we report an efficient biolistics method for generating transient-expression and stable transgenic lines in the model hornwort, Anthoceros agrestis. An average of 569 (± 268) cells showed transient expression per bombardment, with green fluorescent protein expression observed within 48-72 hours. A total of 81 stably transformed lines were recovered across three separate experiments, averaging six lines per bombardment. We followed the same method to transiently transform nine additional hornwort species, and obtained stable transformants from one. This method was further used to verify the localization of Rubisco and Rubisco activase in pyrenoids, which are central proteins for CCM function. Together, our biolistics approach offers key advantages over existing methods as it enables rapid transient expression and can be applied to widely diverse hornwort species.

Polyethylene Glycol 4000 for Fecal Disimpaction in Cerebral Palsy Children.

Objectives: This study evaluated the efficacy of Polyethylene glycol 4000 for fecal disimpaction in children with cerebral palsy. Materials & Methods: A randomized control trial study was conducted on children with cerebral palsy between February - March 2017 in the pediatric neurology outpatient clinic Dr. Soetomo Hospital. Children aged 2-16 years with fecal impaction randomly assigned into polyethylene glycol 4000 (PEG 4000) and saline enema group. Polyethylene glycol 4000 was given at a dosage of 0.7 g/kg and enema using normal saline 15ml/kg twelve hourly. Constipation was diagnosed using ROME IV criteria, and abdominal palpation identified fecal impaction. Efficacy was evaluated by clinical observation and adverse symptom monitoring. Data were analyzed by statistical software using an independent t-test (p<0,05). Results: Thirty-two children were randomized into the study. Muscle relaxant was discovered in 17/32 patients. Sex, age, and body weight were not statistically different between groups. The resolution of fecal impaction was significantly different between PEG 4000 and saline enema (21.69 hours and 39 hours respectively; p=0.001). Application of muscle relaxant and severity of the disease did not involve treatment efficacy. There was no adverse symptom reported during treatment. Conclusion: Polyethylene glycol 4000 results in fecal disimpaction faster than enema in constipated children with cerebral palsy.

Carotenoids in red fruit (Pandanus conoideus Lam.) have a potential role as an anti­pigmentation agent (Review).

Melasma is a persistent condition characterized by excessive melanin production in the skin. The management of melasma necessitates a protracted treatment duration, which is associated with diminished levels of patient satisfaction. One effective strategy for mitigating occurrence of melasma is consumption of nutricosmetics with depigmentation properties. The present review aimed to investigate the potential of red fruit as a depigmentation agent. Carotenoids serve a crucial role in human nutrition as a precursor to vitamin A. Carotenoids serve as scavengers of reactive oxygen species generated by ultraviolet radiation. Carotenoids promote skin health. Red fruit, a fruit originating from Papua (Indonesia) has anti-pigmentation properties associated with its ability to block melanogenesis through various protein pathways such as PKA, ERK, and AKT signaling pathways. The consumption of food rich in carotenoids, such as red fruit, has advantageous properties to reduce hyperpigmentation and skin brightening.

The improvement of block chain technology simulation in supply chain management (case study: pesticide company).

This research was conducted on industrial agriculture in Indonesia. Risk analysis was carried out based on previous research. One source of risk was obtained, namely raw materials that did not meet specifications, which was then proposed to be mitigated by evaluating supplier performance. This activity involves a lot of data, requiring efficient and effective data storage and access. The level in the simulation layout includes analysing system needs, using problem diagrams, compiling activity diagrams, deciding subprocesses, and filtering information. The analysis is carried out by comparing the use of supply chains with Blockchain and without Blockchain, which is then obtained to determine whether there is an increase. A sequentially stored data scenario describes a situation when the transaction process is in progress and is stored sequentially according to the process that occurs. Storing data in groups explains a problem when a transaction has been completed and stored in groups with similar data, making it easier to track specific data. In this regard, a simulation will be carried out using a website, namely a blockchain demo. The design stage starts with identifying system requirements, creating use case diagrams, compiling activity diagrams, determining subprocesses, and selecting information. The simulation results obtained will be analysed to determine the feasibility of Blockchain as a means of supporting risk mitigation related to data using aspects, including security, trust, traceability, sustainability, and costs.

Quantification of hs-Troponin Levels and Global Longitudinal Strain among Critical COVID-19 Patients with Myocardial Involvement.

Background. Myocardial involvement among critically ill patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) often has worse outcomes. An imbalance in the oxygen supply causes the excessive release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which results in increased ventilation requirements and the risk of death in COVID-19 patients. Purpose. We evaluated the association between the hs-troponin I levels and global longitudinal strain (GLS) as evidence of myocardial involvement among critical COVID-19 patients. Methods. We conducted a prospective cohort study from 1 February to 31 July 2021 at RSUD Dr. Soetomo, Surabaya, as a COVID-19 referral center. Of the 65 critical COVID-19 patients included, 41 (63.1%) were men, with a median age (interquartile range) of 51.0 years (20.0-75.0). Subjects were recruited based on WHO criteria for severe COVID-19, and myocardial involvement in the form of myocarditis was assessed using CDC criteria. Subjects were examined using echocardiography to measure the GLS, and blood samples were taken to measure the hs-troponin. Subjects were then followed for their need for mechanical ventilation and in-hospital mortality. Results. Severe COVID-19 patients with cardiac injury were associated with an increased need for intubation (78.5%) and an increased incidence of myocarditis (50.8%). There was a relationship between the use of intubation and the risk of death in patients (66.7% vs. 33.3%, p-value < 0.001). Decreased GLS and increased hs-troponin were associated with increased myocarditis (p values < 0.001 and 0.004, respectively). Decreased GLS was associated with a higher need for mechanical ventilation (12.17 + 4.79 vs. 15.65 + 4.90, p-value = 0.02) and higher mortality (11.36 + 4.64 vs. 14.74 + 4.82; p-value = 0.005). Elevated hs-troponin was associated with a higher need for mechanical ventilation (25.33% vs. 3.56%, p-value = 0.002) and higher mortality (34.57% vs. 5.76%, p-value = 0.002). Conclusions. Critically ill COVID-19 patients with myocardial involvement and elevated cardiac troponin levels are associated with a higher need for mechanical ventilation and higher mortality.

Association between prescription drug monitoring programs use mandates and prescription stimulants received by Medicaid enrollees.

INTRODUCTION: Prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP) use mandates are an important policy tool to curb nonmedical opioid use. However, data are scarce about their efficacy on other commonly used prescription drugs such as stimulants. METHODS: We used 2010-2020 state-level secondary data from Medicaid State Drug Utilisation Data and quasi-experimental difference-in-differences research design to estimate the association between PDMP use mandates and population-adjusted stimulants (amphetamines and methylphenidate) prescribing outcomes: (i) number of prescriptions filled; and (ii) total amount reimbursed in US dollars. To account for heterogeneity in mandates across US states, two policy variables were considered: limited and expansive. Limited PDMP use mandates require prescribers or dispensers to check the PDMP only when prescribing/dispensing opioids or benzodiazepines, while expansive PDMP use mandates are non-specific to opioids/benzodiazepines and require prescribers or dispensers to check the PDMP when prescribing/dispensing targeted controlled substances in Drug Enforcement Agency Schedule II-V. The sample included 49 US states and the District of Columbia. Nevada was excluded since it implemented the PDMP mandate before the period of analysis. RESULTS: The state-wide implementation of the PDMP use mandate, either limited or expansive, was not associated with the number of prescriptions filled or the total amount reimbursed in US dollars for stimulants among Medicaid enrollees. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: There was no evidence for the associations between PDMP use mandates and stimulant prescribing among Medicaid enrollees. Future works are encouraged to replicate the study in other populations and with longer post-period analysis when the impact of the mandates might be more successfully materialised.

Can takotsubo syndrome be rapidly diagnosed in the emergency department? A case study.

Some patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome may have had nonobstructive coronary arteries. Nevertheless, a lot of people are not aware that, as of the fourth universal definition of myocardial infarction, Takotsubo syndrome is no longer categorized as myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteies group. This can lead to diagnostic delays, the use of unnecessary examination, and harmful medical intervention. We present a 68-year-old woman with typical chest pain for 6 h. She had a history of hypertension, transient ischemic attack, and diabetes mellitus. She was diagnosed first with acute coronary syndrome but was later found to have takotsubo syndrome, based on high international takotsubo diagnostic score and transthoracic echocardiography findings of systolic apical ballooning. Within 5 days, she makes a gradual recovery.

Understanding the Roles of Selenium on Thyroid Hormone-Induced Thermogenesis in Adipose Tissue.

Brown adipose tissue (BAT) and white adipose tissue (WAT) are known to regulate lipid metabolism. A lower amount of BAT compared to WAT, along with adipose tissue dysfunction, can result in obesity. Studies have shown that selenium supplementation protects against adipocyte dysfunction, decreases WAT triglycerides, and increases BAT triiodothyronine (T3). In this review, we discuss the relationship between selenium and lipid metabolism regulation through selenoprotein deiodinases and the role of deiodinases and thyroid hormones in the induction of adipose tissue thermogenesis. Upon 22 studies included in our review, we found that studies investigating the relationship between selenium and deiodinases demonstrated that selenium supplementation affects the iodothyronine deiodinase 2 (DIO2) protein and the expression of its associated gene, DIO2, proportionally. However, its effect on DIO1 is inconsistent while its effect on DIO3 activity is not detected. Studies have shown that the activity of deiodinases especially DIO2 protein and DIO2 gene expression is increased along with other browning markers upon white adipose tissue browning induction. Studies showed that thermogenesis is stimulated by the thyroid hormone T3 as its activity is correlated to the expression of other thermogenesis markers. A proposed mechanism of thermogenesis induction in selenium supplementation is by autophagy control. However, more studies are needed to establish the role of T3 and autophagy in adipose tissue thermogenesis, especially, since some studies have shown that thermogenesis can function even when T3 activity is lacking and studies related to autophagy in adipose tissue thermogenesis have contradictory results.

Prescription drug monitoring programs use mandates and prescription stimulant and depressant quantities.

BACKGROUND: While the mandate to check patients' prescription history in Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) database before prescribing/dispensing controlled drugs has been shown to be an important tool to curb opioid abuse, less is known about whether the mandate can reduce the misuse of other commonly abused prescription drugs. We examined whether PDMP use mandates were associated with changes in prescription stimulant and depressant quantities. METHODS: Using data from Automated Reports and Consolidate Ordering System (ARCOS), we employed difference-in-differences design to estimate the association between PDMP use mandates and prescription stimulant and depressant quantities in 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia from 2006 to 2020. Limited PDMP use mandate was specific only to opioids or benzodiazepines. Expansive PDMP use mandate was non-specific to opioid or benzodiazepine and required prescribers/dispensers to check PDMP when prescribing/dispensing targeted controlled substances in Schedule II-V. The main outcomes were population-adjusted prescription stimulant (amphetamine, methylphenidate, lisdexamfetamine) and depressant (amobarbital, butalbital, pentobarbital, secobarbital) quantities in grams. RESULTS: There was no evidence that limited PDMP use mandate was associated with a reduction in the prescription stimulant and depressant quantities. However, expansive PDMP use mandate that was non-specific to opioid or benzodiazepine and required prescribers/dispensers to check PDMP when prescribing/dispensing targeted controlled substances in Schedule II-V was associated with 6.2% (95% CI: -10.06%, -2.08%) decline in prescription amphetamine quantity. CONCLUSION: Expansive PDMP use mandate was associated with a decline in prescription amphetamine quantity. Limited PDMP use mandate did not appear to change prescription stimulant and depressant quantities.

How Elicitation Procedure Shapes Beliefs About Others' Affective Responses to Action and Inaction.

Humans have long pondered the distinction between action and inaction. Classic work in social sciences provides evidence that most people believe that others experience higher levels of affect when they obtain the same outcome through action as opposed to inaction. In this paper, we theorize that people's attributions of affect to identical outcomes resulting from action versus inaction are largely constructive in nature, such that they heavily depend on the elicitation procedure. Seven preregistered studies demonstrate that most individuals cease to attribute greater affect to identical outcomes resulting from action as opposed to inaction when it is made possible-or salient-that they can state that action and inaction are associated with equal levels of affect. Consequently, the present studies suggest that researchers can reach different conclusions about participants' general proclivity to attribute greater affect to identical outcomes resulting from action (vs. inaction) depending on how participants' beliefs are measured.

COVID-19 uncertainty, financial markets and monetary policy effects in case of two emerging Asian countries.

This paper examines the effectiveness of the monetary policies undertaken by the central bank on economic growth during COVID-19 uncertainty in case of India and Indonesia. We use an innovative framework of Growth-at-Risk as oppose to standard macroeconomic models, which can predict the growth in a much robust way particularly when an economy is facing shocks like COVID-19. The empirical results based on Growth-at-Risk model clearly reveal that effect of COVID-19 pandemic on economic growth is much adverse in comparison to actual declines. Further, this study shows the effectiveness of monetary and financial policies undertaken by the central banks of both India and Indonesia, which have actually subsided the adverse impact of COVID-19.

Complete genome analyses of G12P[8] rotavirus strains from hospitalized children in Surabaya, Indonesia, 2017-2018.

Rotavirus A (RVA) is a major viral cause of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) worldwide. G12 RVA strains have emerged globally since 2007. There has been no report of the whole genome sequences of G12 RVAs in Indonesia. We performed the complete genome analysis by the next-generation sequencing of five G12 strains from hospitalized children with AGE in Surabaya from 2017 to 2018. All five G12 strains were Wa-like strains (G12-P[8]-I1-R1-C1-M1-A1-N1-T1-E1-H1) and were clustered into lineage-III of VP7 gene phylogenetic tree. STM430 sample was observed as a mixed-infection between G12 and G1 strains: G12/G1-P[8]-I1-R1-C1-M1-A1-N1-T1-E1-H1. A phylogenetic tree analysis revealed that all five Indonesian G12 strains (SOEP379, STM371, STM413, STM430, and STM433) were genetically close to each other in all 11 genome segments with 98.0%-100% nucleotide identities, except VP3 and NSP4 of STM430, suggesting that these strains have originated from a similar ancestral G12 RVA. The VP3 and NSP4 genome segments of STM430-G12P[8] were separated phylogenetically from those of the other four G12 strains, probably due to intra-genotype reassortment between the G12 and G1 Wa-like strains. The change from G12P[6] lineage-II in 2007 to G12P[8] lineage-III 2017-2018 suggests the evolution and diversity of G12 RVAs in Indonesia over the past approximately 10 years.

MitoTEMPOL modulates mitophagy and histopathology of Wistar rat liver after streptozotocin injection.

Objectives: This study aims to explore the effect of mitoTEMPOL on histopathology, lipid droplet, and mitophagy gene expression of Wistar rat's liver after injection of streptozotocin (STZ). Materials and Methods: Twenty male Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups: Control (n=5); 100 mg/kg BW/day mitoTEMPOL orally (n=5); 50 mg/kg BW STZ intraperitoneal injection (n=5); and mitoTEMPOL+STZ (n=5). STZ was given a single dose, while mitoTEMPOL was given for 5 weeks after 1 week of STZ injection. Histopathological appearance, lipid droplets, mitophagy, and autophagy gene expression were examined after the mitoTEMPOL treatment. Results: We found metabolic zone shifting that might be correlated with the liver activity of fatty acid oxidation in the STZ group, a decrease of lipid droplets in mitoTEMPOL and mitoTEMPOL + STZ compared with Control and STZ groups were found in this study. We also found significant changes in PINK1, Parkin, BNIP3, Mfn1, and LC3 gene expression, but no difference in Opa1, Fis1, Drp1, and p62 gene expression, suggesting a change of mitochondrial fusion rather than mitochondrial fission correlated with mitophagy. Conclusion: All this concluded that mitoTEMPOL could act as a modulator of mitophagy and metabolic function of the liver, thus amplifying its crucial role in preventing mitochondrial damage in the liver in the early onset of diabetes mellitus.

The Role of Exercise-Induced Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) Hormesis in Aging: Friend or Foe.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are oxygen derivatives that arise intrinsically from the oxidative phosphorylation process and extrinsically as a response to xenobiotics and pollution. ROS is involved in various conditions such as exercise, aging, inflammation, and neurodegenerative diseases. In the aging process, increased cellular senescence and decreased endogenous antioxidants also occur. Meanwhile, physical activity, specifically exercise, can modulate ROS. The impact of exercise on ROS varies from harmful to beneficial and depends on the type of exercise as they induce different types of ROS. Long-term exercise regulates signaling pathways that enhance antioxidant defense systems and control ROS production. This review will discuss studies on how exercise can regulate ROS and which type of exercise has a role in delaying the aging process. This review also exposes the impact of nutraceutical antioxidant agents that likely enhance the benefit of exercise. The nutraceutical antioxidants agents that likely enhance the benefit of exercise are creatine, whey, and ascorbic acid. Exercise is rewarding for the aging population concerning increasing their quality of life. Special consideration to exercise needs to be given to the type of exercise, and the exercise must be done continuously.

Association of Recreational Cannabis Legalization With Cannabis Possession Arrest Rates in the US.

Importance: Recreational cannabis legalization (RCL) has been advocated as a way to reduce the number of individuals interacting with the US criminal justice system; in theory, however, cannabis decriminalization can achieve this objective without generating the negative public health consequences associated with RCL. It is still unclear whether RCL can bring additional benefits in terms of reducing cannabis possession arrests in states that have already decriminalized cannabis. Objective: To examine whether RCL was associated with changes in cannabis possession arrests in US states that had already decriminalized cannabis during the study period and whether these changes differed across age and racial subgroups. Design, Setting, and Participants: This repeated cross-sectional study used cannabis possession arrest data from the Federal Bureau of Investigation Uniform Crime Reporting Program (UCRP) for US states from 2010 through 2019. Statistical analysis was conducted from October 6, 2021, to October 12, 2022. Exposures: Implementation of statewide RCL. Main Outcomes and Measures: Cannabis possession arrest rates per 1000 population per year were assessed with a quasi-experimental difference-in-differences design and were used to estimate the association of RCL with arrest rates in RCL states that had or had not decriminalized cannabis before RCL. This association was also examined in subgroups for age (adults vs youths) and race (Black vs White). Results: This study included UCRP data for 31 US states, including 9 states that implemented RCL during the study period (4 without and 5 with decriminalization) and 22 non-RCL states. In the 4 states that had not decriminalized cannabis before legalization, RCL was associated with a 76.3% decrease (95% CI, -81.2% to -69.9%) in arrest rates among adults. In the 5 states that had already decriminalized cannabis, RCL was still associated with a substantial decrease in adult arrest rates (-40.0%; 95% CI, -55.1% to -19.8%). There was no association of RCL with changes in arrest rates among youths. In addition, changes in arrest rates associated with RCL did not differ among Black and White individuals. Conclusions and Relevance: In this repeated cross-sectional study, RCL was associated with a sizable reduction in cannabis possession arrests among adults in states that had already decriminalized cannabis during the study period (2010-2019), albeit the magnitude was smaller compared with states that had not decriminalized cannabis before RCL. In addition, RCL did not seem to be associated with changes in arrest rates among youths or disparities in arrest rates among Black and White individuals.

Potential role of ß-carotene-modulated autophagy in puerperal breast inflammation (Review).

Puerperal breast inflammation is common in the first 6-8 weeks postpartum, and without proper management, may lead to a decrease in breastmilk production and early cessation of breastfeeding. Recent studies showed that carotenoids decrease the severity of puerperal breast inflammation. This article summarizes the significant findings on ß-carotene with a potential role as an autophagy modulator in puerperal breast inflammation. Puerperal milk stasis causes an increase in inflammatory cytokines and inflammatory cells, leading to reactive oxygen species (ROS) activation that causes oxidative damage to mammary glands and affects breast milk secretion. ß-carotene has an anti-inflammatory effect related to its ROS-scavenging activity and modulates autophagy, thus stimulating the removal of damaged cellular structures and supporting milk gland survival. ß-carotene modulates autophagy through phosphorylation of NF-κB, JNK, p38, Akt, and Nrf2, affects the ratio of Microtubule-associated protein 1A/1B-light chain 3 (LC3)-II/LC3-I, and has a role in the regulation of the JAK2/STAT3, PI2K/Akt/mTOR and AMPK pathways. Although the in vitro and in vivo studies showed promising results, further studies on humans are required to better conclude the potential role of ß-carotene in managing puerperal breast inflammation.

Does expanding access to cannabis affect traffic crashes? County-level evidence from recreational marijuana dispensary sales in Colorado.

This article examines the effect of recreational cannabis dispensary sales on traffic crashes by employing difference-in-differences model that exploits the variation in the timing of recreational marijuana dispensary entry across counties within Colorado. Using marijuana-related hospital discharge as a measure of marijuana abuse/misuse, the results indicate a sizable rise in marijuana-related hospital discharges after the entry of retail cannabis stores. However, there is a lack of evidence that traffic crash incidents are affected by the entry. The preferred estimate suggests that, at 90% confidence level, a large increase in traffic crashes by more than 5% can be ruled out.