bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Classification of Tomato Disease using Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Hamami Faqih , Dahlan Iqbal Ahmad
Published: June 2022

Agriculture is an important sector for national food needs. The main crops in agriculture include rice, wheat, potatoes, sugar cane. Other crops include nuts, fruit, vegetables, tubers and others. Plant diseases are one of the problems that always arise in the agricultural sector. Every food ingredient has the potential to have disease. Usually diseased plants will be given pesticides. Detection of plant diseases is very important. Especially if we know the type of disease from the plant. To find out the type of disease with the naked eye is quite difficult, especially since the form of the disease has a similar pattern. In this research, we propose to classify the tomato disease from its leaf with thousands of tomato images. There are three types of analysed diseases they are bacterial spot, early blight and yellow leaf curl. We implement convolutional neural network approach to find the best classifier model. From various experiments, it was found that the neural network architecture that was built could achieve accuracy up to 87%
Performance evaluation of a water level sensor under various turbidity levels in lowland crop production systems
Authors: Pereira G S , Ramirez R C , Agulto E S , Ella V B
Published: June 2022

The practice of alternate wetting and drying (AWD), a water-saving technology in lowland crop production systems, can be greatly facilitated using wireless water level sensors. However, these sensors generally work under clear water conditions. The sensitivity of these sensors to turbidity is important for accurate water level measurement and appropriate irrigation scheduling. This study evaluated the performance of a high-end water level sensor of the submersible pressure transducer type under various turbidity levels. The performance tests were performed in the laboratory using water samples collected from a typical lowland rice production system under various levels of turbidity replicated three times with clear water as control. The readings of the sensors were compared with manual readings for each turbidity level in all replications. Results showed that the measured water level depth generally increases with increasing turbidity for each voltage level. The linear regression or calibration equation developed for each turbidity level proved to be adequate as evidenced by a relatively low RMSE of less than 1 mV. Results of ANOVA suggest that turbidity significantly affects the accuracy of the water level sensor (p <.001). A unified calibration equation (R2=0.9985 and RMSE=1.971 mV) was developed to account for the effect of turbidity up to 4300 FAU on the water level measurements. Results of this study can be used to improve the accuracy of water level monitoring in irrigated lowland crop production systems employing alternate wetting and drying technology to further increase irrigation efficiencies and augment water savings particularly during the dry season or under water-scarce conditions for a more sustainable crop production.
Conventional and sensor-based streamflow data acquisition system for sustainable water resources management and agricultural applications: an extensive review of literature
Authors: Llaban A B , Ella V B
Published: June 2022

This paper presents an extensive review of literature of conventional and sensor-based methods for streamflow data collection intended for sustainable water resources management and agricultural applications. Conventional methods reviewed are direct measurements, e.g., floating method, volumetric method, current meter, trajectory, dilution method, Acoustic Doppler current profiler and electromagnetic. Hydraulic structure methods are also included, and remote sensing and particle image velocimetry as non-contact approaches. This paper also presents a review of published literature on local studies in the Philippines that employed sensor-based measurement of streamflow for water resources management. A comparative analysis of the various methods was then made based on their applicability with respect to the characteristics of the streams, ease of operation, effectiveness, accuracy, and the cost. Results showed that for most cases, when resources are available, current meter method is still, the best method to be used due to its high accuracy, time efficiency and versatility. For hilly terrain which covers larger areas, Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) is suitable with accurate results. For long term measurements, hydraulic structures maybe considered due to its high accuracy when installed properly and if the conditions are met. Additionally, when other methods are impractical and impossible to use, float method is best due to its advantage in operation and cost especially in flat and unobstructed terrain. For channels with small quantity of streamflow that converges into a single descend like a waterfall, volumetric method is suitable. Sensor-based methods are the most effective for real-time monitoring of streamflow and they are applicable to almost any terrain and river size. In selecting the most suitable method for streamflow monitoring, the characteristics of the river or stream, ease of access, accuracy, and availability of financial and physical resources must be considered. Finally, recommendations are offered to maximize the potential applicability of the most effective methods for sustainable water resources management and agricultural applications particularly in developing countries.
Design and Performance Test of Autonomous Precision Spraying Robot for Cabbage Cultivation
Authors: Mustafid M A , Subrata I D M , Pramuhadi G , Harahap I S
Published: June 2022

Pest control in cabbage cultivation generally using pesticides by spraying all areas of cabbage plantation by using a backpack sprayer (knapsack sprayer, semi-automatic sprayer, or electric sprayer). This type of sprayer has difficult to set a consistent spraying duration on each cabbage which affects the accuracy of its application dosage, inconsistence spray pressure affects the droplets produced, and also backpack sprayers can cause injury and harm the health of farmers. This research was conducted to design and analyze an autonomous robot that can precisely spray pesticide on cabbage with appropriate spraying position, droplets diameter, and application dosage. The robot can run straight along the cabbage beds using a wall-follower method and successfully detect and spray pesticide solution on each cabbage by using machine vision with an accuracy of 88% and 80% accuracy of spraying position. The application dosage (L/ha) produced by the robot can approach the reference value compared with the farmer.
Mapping of Soil EC in Relation with Selected Chemical Properties of Soil
Authors: Danindra D , Setiawan RPA , Desrial  , Solahudin M , Astika IW , Widodo S
Published: June 2022

Agriculture 4.0 demands the development of technology and science to continue to develop in the world of agriculture. Agriculture 4.0 applies the use of the latest technology to increase efficiency in agriculture both in terms of on-farm to off-farm. Provision of fertilizers and plant nutrients is an important factor in plant growth, but the fertilizer and nutrient needs of each plant have different amounts depending on the condition of the soil media. Nowadays physical and chemical measurements of soil require laboratory analysis to determine soil conditions in the field, this method requires time-consuming analysis and cannot represent the physical and chemical properties of the soil in a timely manner. One form of soil properties is the electrical conductivity of the soil (EC) where this EC value can represent the physical and chemical properties of the soil. Veris 3100 is one instrument that can measure EC in real-time. This EC value can also determine land fertility as a soil analysis before land preparation. This research was conducted with a land area of 40x60m, while the veris 3100 takes EC data once every 1 second so that the speed of the tractor has a considerable influence on the amount of data taken by the Veris 3100. The speed of the tractor in this study uses a gear composition of Low -2 (L2).. By the time the data was taken, the 3100 version recorded more than 3000 data. Of course, this data needs to be searched and needs to be averaged by 10x10m so that it can be compared with the soil component data. The Relation between soil EC and some soil properties has a not very good Relation with the largest R square value found in the Relation between soil EC and cation exchange capacity with a value of 0.1471.
Optimization of performance of a sweet sorghum peg-tooth type threshing cylinder
Authors: Caoili R M , Suministrado D C , Amongo R M C , Resurreccion A N , Peralta E K
Published: June 2022

Box and Behnken Design employed response surface methodology to characterize the performance of the peg-tooth type threshing cylinder. Independent variables include the number of peg-tooth, threshing cylinder speed, and concave clearance. Response variables were threshing recovery, threshing cylinder efficiency, and the amount of mechanically damaged grain. The statistical software Design Expert ® developed mathematical models that had a good fit of actual and predicted responses. Numerical optimization revealed that the best operating conditions were 36 peg-teeth, 830 to 840 rpm threshing cylinder speed settings, and 15 mm concave clearance. Models were validated and found 99.66%, 99.59%, and 93.81% accurate for predicting threshing recovery, threshing cylinder efficiency, and amount of mechanically damaged grain, respectively.
Development of the turn algorithm of an autonomous combine harvester at the corner of paddy fields
Authors: Sutisna S P , Subrata I D M , Setiawan R P A , Mandang T
Published: June 2022

One of the problems that occur in harvesting rice using a combine harvester is when at the corner of the paddy field, especially in harvesting the outermost path. The outer harvesting path is very close to the edge of the paddy field, so that the free space for its maneuverer is very limited. This study aims to develop an algorithm to overcome difficulties when the combine harvester turns at the corner of the paddy field. The turning algorithm was designed using two methods: turning 90° without backward movement and turning 90° with backward movement. The first method is applied to several paths closest to the paddy field bunds, while the second method is applied to the remaining paths close to the midpoint of the paddy fields. The reason for applying the second method in the middle of the paddy field is that there is sufficient free space for backward movement. The combination of the two methods was tested on a simulated paddy field area of 225 m2. The test results of the combination of the two turning methods showed that the total area of the plant that was not cut was 3.25 m2, with an average turning time of 12.4 seconds.
Analysis of Soil Puddling Method and the Effect to Soil Physical Properties and Rice Plant Growth
Authors: Dewanti A N , Mandang T
Published: June 2022

Soil puddling is soil tilling activities by mixing soil and water to produce mud. There are two puddling methods commonly used by farmers, namely one-stage puddling method and two-stage puddling method. The objective of this research is to analyze the physical properties of the soil resulting from the two commonly used puddling methods and to analyze the effect of the puddling method on the growth of rice plants. The research was carried out in experimental rice fields, University Farm, IPB University. The results showed that after puddling with one-stage or two-stage method, there was a decrease in dry bulk density, increased in porosity, and increased in water content. In the plot of one-stage puddling method with IP value of 70.07%, the growth of rice plants after 60 DAP was indicated by dry biomass weight, plant height, and root length each of 109.84 g/clump, 119.76 cm, and 28.40 cm respectively, while in the plot of two-stage puddling method with an IP of 60.06%, each was 104.20 g/clump, 113.78 cm, and 26.36 cm respectively.
Study of the use of Binahong (Anredera cordifolia) herbal as complementary treatment wounds in the Tenger Tribe
Authors: Azizah LN , Mashuri  , Abidin Z
Published: June 2022

The event of injury in indonesia is an increasing where this is dominated by blucits/brumes. One of their wound healing can be done with complementary therapy. Complementary therapy currently used by the tenger tribe in the treatment of daily wounds. This is because medicine plants are very easy to get in the tenger area.. The purpose of this study was to analyze the implementation of wound treatment carried out by the Tengger Tribe. The design used is a qualitative research with in-depth data collection described in the form of a narrative. The population is the Ngadisari village community by meeting the inclusion criteria. The results showed that most of the respondents were 40-49 years old, more than indicated by the female gender, more of them had a junior high school education background, most of the locations of injuries to the hands, almost all causes of injuries. caused by sharp objects, more than looking at the area and depth of 0.5 - 2 cm, more than dealing with injuries that occurred 1-2 years ago, most of them used complementary therapies at the time of the injury., and mostly use potions and boiled water from Binahong. It can be said that of all respondents who did complementary therapy, most of them did complementary therapy for wound healing with binahong leaf ingredients. From these results, further research is needed to examine the content and benefits of binahong leaves, especially for wound healing.
Numerical methods and its application in freezing process
Authors: Rindang A , Sutrisno  , Darmawati E , Hartulistiyoso E
Published: June 2022

Numerical method is an efficient tool for simulating freezing process. Three types of numerical methods namely finite difference, finite element and finite volume analysis can be used for simulating freezing process in many fruit and vegetable products. To achieve a high quality of product, there are critical parameters that have corresponding effects to microstructure need to be consider in numerical modelling. However, the accuracy of the models can be improved by including several important parameters such as transport phenomena, ice formation and growth, mass and heat transfer coefficients, also properties of products, so that the assumptions used in developing the model can be justified. For further research, it is hoped that this review paper can provide new insights, so that a numerical model could describe not only heat and mass transfer phenomena but also the whole conditions in freezing process and all the critical parameters can be optimized.
Monopolar, bipolar, tripolar, and tetrapolar configurations in robot assisted electrical impedance sensing
Authors: Cheng Zhuoqi , Savarimuthu Thiusius Rajeeth
Published: June 2022

Objective. Tissue recognition is a critical process during a Robot-assisted minimally invasive surgery (RMIS) and it relies on the involvement of advanced sensing technology. Approach. In this paper, the concept of Robot Assisted Electrical Impedance Sensing (RAEIS) is utilized and further developed aiming to sense the electrical bioimpedance of target tissue directly based on the existing robotic instruments and control strategy. Specifically, we present a new sensing configuration called pseudo-tetrapolar method. With the help of robotic control, we can achieve a similar configuration as traditional tetrapolar, and with better accuracy. Main results. Five configurations including monopolar, bipolar, tripolar, tetrapolar and pseudo-tetrapolar are analyzed and compared through simulation experiments. Advantages and disadvantages of each configuration are thus discussed. Significance. This study investigates the measurement of tissue electrical property directly based on the existing robotic surgical instruments. Specifically, different sensing configurations can be realized through different connection and control strategies, making them suitable for different application scenarios.
Insights into post-growth doping and proposals for CdTe:In photovoltaic devices
Authors: Thomas Luke , Hobson Theo D C , Phillips Laurie J , Cheetham Kieran J , Tarbuck Neil , Jones Leanne A H , Smiles Matt J , Don Chris H , Thakur Pardeep K , Isaacs Mark , Shiel Huw , Campbell Stephen , Barrioz Vincent , Dhanak Vin , Veal Tim , Major Jonathan D , Durose Ken
Published: June 2022

This paper is motivated by the potential advantages of higher doping and lower contact barriers in CdTe photovoltaic devices that may be realized by using n-type rather than the conventional p-type solar absorber layers. We present post-growth doping trials for indium in thin polycrystalline CdTe films using the diffusion of indium metal with indium chloride. Chemical concentrations of indium up to 1019 cm−3 were achieved and the films were verified as n-type by hard x-ray photoemission. Post-growth chlorine treatment (or InCl3) was found to compensate the n-doping. Trial structures comprising CdS/CdTe:In verified that the doped absorber structures performed as expected both before and after chloride treatment, but it is recognized that this is not an optimum combination. Hence, in order to identify how the advantages of n-type absorbers might be fully realized in future work, we also report simulations of a range of p–n junction combinations with n-CdTe, a number of which have the potential for high V
oc.
The role of local narratives in emerging climate governance
Authors: Donald Rosalind , Young Camila , Mach Katharine J
Published: June 2022

Local climate narratives are influential, shaping climate responses at all scales. They can be unpredictable, however, reflecting local histories, power dynamics, needs, and priorities as much as expert knowledge of climate disruption and possible responses. As new modes of climate governance emerge in response to increasing climate impacts and risks, local climate narratives influence understandings of climate change and what should be done about it, as well as the prospects for implementing fair, effective climate responses. In this study, we examine the case of Miami-Dade County, Florida, USA, an early adopter of climate policies that faces deep inequity and worsening climate impacts. Using historical research, interviews, and policy document analysis, we (a) identify two long-term historic environmental narratives—one dominant narrative focused on economic growth and the other on environmental justice—that shape the local climate debate; (b) create a typology of contemporary climate narratives about emissions, sea level rise, climate gentrification, and resilience; and (c) analyze historic and contemporary narratives’ prevalence in emergent local climate policies. While most people in Miami agree that climate change is an immediate problem, various groups talk about and experience climate change very differently. These climate narratives are divided along the geographical and social lines of segregation, leading to conflicting understandings of climate risk and action stemming from socioeconomic and environmental inequities. Histories of growth and the environmental injustices that accompany it have strongly shaped contemporary climate narratives, at times contradicting scientific understandings of climate change and, until recently, leading to climate policies that prioritize economic growth. Community organizations have drawn on histories of environmental injustice to demand greater attention to equity in narratives informing climate discussions, such as debates about climate gentrification, but we find that policy documents still cite equity-related topics and narratives much less frequently. Paying attention to these histories offers an important and often neglected basis for understanding local climate debates, the potential for climate governance to either compound or alleviate existing inequities, and new directions for more equitable climate communication and policy.
Effect and response traits in severe environments in the context of positive plant–plant interactions. A commentary on: ‘Interspecific interactions alter plant functional strategies in a revegetated shrub-dominated community in the Mu Us Desert’
Authors: Delerue Florian , Michalet Richard
Published: June 2022

This article comments on:

Chun Miao, Yuxuan Bai, Yuqing Zhang, Weiwei She, Liang Liu, Yangui Qiao and Shugao Qin, Interspecific interactions alter plant functional strategies in a revegetated shrub-dominated community in the Mu Us Desert, China, Annals of Botany, Volume 130, Issue 2, 1 August 2022, Pages 149–159 https://doi.org/10.1093/aob/mcac039
Contrasting patterns of genetic diversity and lack of population structure in the lesser spotted eagleClanga pomarina(Aves: Accipitriformes) across its breeding range
Authors: Väli Ülo , Treinys Rimgaudas , Bergmanis Ugis , Daroczi Szilard , Demerdzhiev Dimitar , Dombrovski Valery , Dravecký Miroslav , Ivanovski Vladimir , Kicko Ján , Langgemach Torsten , Lontkowski Jan , Maciorowski Grzegorz , Poirazidis Kostas , Rodziewicz Maciej , Meyburg Bernd-Ulrich
Published: June 2022

Characterizing the genetic diversity and structure of populations is essential for understanding their evolutionary history and planning species conservation. The lesser spotted eagle (Clanga pomarina) is a large migratory raptor with a relatively small breeding range concentrated in Eastern Europe. We evaluated the level of genetic diversity and population structuring by estimating the length diversity of 23 microsatellite markers in 306 individuals and sequencing 473 nucleotides from the mitochondrial pseudo-control region in 265 individuals across the distribution range. The microsatellite data suggested shallow differentiation between geographical regions and moderate genetic diversity across the range; no recent population bottlenecks were detected. Mitochondrial diversity was relatively low; however, high values were recorded at the southern edge of the distribution range. This, in combination with the star-like distribution of mitochondrial haplotypes, suggests the expansion of the European population from a single (Balkan) refugium during the late Pleistocene or early Holocene after the glacial population bottleneck. However, the Caucasian population may have survived in a separate refugium. We conclude that the lack of clear population structuring and ongoing gene flow across Europe support the treatment of the geographically restricted global population of the lesser spotted eagle as a single evolutionary and conservation unit.
How Does Race Work in Social Work Education? Everyday Racial Logics, Distinctions and Practices on Social Work Qualifying Programmes in England
Authors: Morton Julie , Jeyasingham Dharman , Vindegg Jorunn , Fjeldheim Siri
Published: June 2022

This article presents findings from a study which explored the everyday ways race works on social work programmes in England. The study focused on how race was spoken about and conceptualised, how people were categorised and ordered according to race and the social interactions where race was understood by participants to be significant. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight social work lecturers and nineteen black social work students at two universities in England, to explore the following topics: classroom-based and practice learning, assessment and feedback, interactions between students and between students and educators, and university and practice agency cultures. Data were analysed using thematic analysis and the following themes identified: the routine interpellation of black students and communities in terms of absolute cultural differences, black students’ everyday experiences of marginalisation, hostility and othering, and the racialisation of black students in judgements made about their academic and practice performance. The article concludes that social work education must engage more deeply with contemporary theorisations of race and culture, and that social work educators need a reflexive understanding of how notions such as diversity, equality and universal academic standards are put into practice in ways that marginalise and devalue black students.
Do genetic factors contribute to sex-specific differences in resilience to amyloid pathology?
Authors: Groot Colin , Holstege Henne , Ossenkoppele Rik
Published: June 2022

This scientific commentary refers to ‘Sex differences in the genetic architecture of cognitive resilience to Alzheimer’s disease’ by Eissman et al. (https://doi.org/10.1093/brain/awac177).
The Wernicke conundrum revisited: evidence from connectome-based lesion-symptom mapping
Authors: Matchin William , den Ouden Dirk-Bart , Hickok Gregory , Hillis Argye E , Bonilha Leonardo , Fridriksson Julius
Published: June 2022

Wernicke’s area has been assumed since the 1800s to be the primary region supporting word and sentence comprehension. However, in 2015 and 2019, Mesulam and colleagues raised what they termed the ‘Wernicke conundrum’, noting widespread variability in the anatomical definition of this area and presenting data from primary progressive aphasia that challenged this classical assumption. To resolve the conundrum, they posited a ‘double disconnection’ hypothesis: that word and sentence comprehension deficits in stroke-based aphasia result from disconnection of anterior temporal and inferior frontal regions from other parts of the brain due to white matter damage, rather than dysfunction of Wernicke’s area itself.

To test this hypothesis, we performed lesion-deficit correlations, including connectome-based lesion-symptom mapping, in four large, partially overlapping groups of English-speaking chronic left hemisphere stroke survivors.

After removing variance due to object recognition and associative semantic processing, the same middle and posterior temporal lobe regions were implicated in both word comprehension deficits and complex non-canonical sentence comprehension deficits. Connectome lesion-symptom mapping revealed similar temporal-occipital white matter disconnections for impaired word and non-canonical sentence comprehension, including the temporal pole. We found an additional significant temporal-parietal disconnection for non-canonical sentence comprehension deficits, which may indicate a role for phonological working memory in processing complex syntax, but no significant frontal disconnections. Moreover, damage to these middle-posterior temporal lobe regions was associated with both word and non-canonical sentence comprehension deficits even when accounting for variance due to the strongest anterior temporal and inferior frontal white matter disconnections, respectively.

Our results largely agree with the classical notion that Wernicke’s area, defined here as middle superior temporal gyrus and middle-posterior superior temporal sulcus, supports both word and sentence comprehension, suggest a supporting role for temporal pole in both word and sentence comprehension, and speak against the hypothesis that comprehension deficits in Wernicke’s aphasia result from double disconnection.
Posterior cingulate cortex reveals an expression profile of resilience in cognitively intact elders
Authors: Kelley Christy M , Ginsberg Stephen D , Liang Winnie S , Counts Scott E , Mufson Elliott J
Published: June 2022

The posterior cingulate cortex, a key hub of the default mode network, underlies autobiographical memory retrieval and displays hypometabolic changes early in Alzheimer disease. To obtain an unbiased understanding of the molecular pathobiology of the aged posterior cingulate cortex, we performed RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) on tissue obtained from 26 participants of the Rush Religious Orders Study (11 males/15 females; aged 76–96 years) with a pre-mortem clinical diagnosis of no cognitive impairment and post-mortem neurofibrillary tangle Braak Stages I/II, III, and IV. Transcriptomic data were gathered using next-generation sequencing of RNA extracted from posterior cingulate cortex generating an average of 60 million paired reads per subject. Normalized expression of RNA-seq data was calculated using a global gene annotation and a microRNA profile. Differential expression (DESeq2, edgeR) using Braak staging as the comparison structure isolated genes for dimensional scaling, associative network building and functional clustering. Curated genes were correlated with the Mini-Mental State Examination and semantic, working and episodic memory, visuospatial ability, and a composite Global Cognitive Score. Regulatory mechanisms were determined by co-expression networks with microRNAs and an overlap of transcription factor binding sites. Analysis revealed 750 genes and 12 microRNAs significantly differentially expressed between Braak Stages I/II and III/IV and an associated six groups of transcription factor binding sites. Inputting significantly different gene/network data into a functional annotation clustering model revealed elevated presynaptic, postsynaptic and ATP-related expression in Braak Stages III and IV compared with Stages I/II, suggesting these pathways are integral for cognitive resilience seen in unimpaired elderly subjects. Principal component analysis and Kruskal–Wallis testing did not associate Braak stage with cognitive function. However, Spearman correlations between genes and cognitive test scores followed by network analysis revealed upregulation of classes of synaptic genes positively associated with performance on the visuospatial perceptual orientation domain. Upregulation of key synaptic genes suggests a role for these transcripts and associated synaptic pathways in cognitive resilience seen in elders despite Alzheimer disease pathology and dementia.
Preparation and Evaluation of an Azobenzenediamide Bridged bis(β-Cyclodextrin)-Bonded Chiral Stationary Phase for HPLC
Authors: Zhong Hui , Zhang Tianci , Zeng Qingli , Li Laisheng
Published: June 2022

An azobenzenediamide bridged bis(β-cyclodextrin) chiral stationary phase (AZCDP) was prepared, and its high-performance liquid chromatography performance in reversed-phase and polar organic modes was evaluated by chiral probes, including triazoles, flavanones, amino acids and β-blockers. The results showed that AZCDP had strong chiral separation ability and the 40 chiral compounds were successfully resolved, of which 32 were completely separated (Rs ≥ 1.5) and the best enantioresolution was up to 3.93 within 20 min under a wide range of pH value and temperature. The separation ability of AZCDP with double cavities was significantly better than common CD-CSPs with single cavity, which was related to the synergistic inclusion effect. Compared with the previously reported stilbene (C=C)-bridged CSP, AZCDP with azobenzene (N=N)-bridged had a wider resolution range. For example, it could resolve myclobutanil, pindolol, carteolol, betaxolol, bevanolol and bitertanol, which could not be resolved before, and should be related to the fact that the flexible N=N was more compatible with the synergistic inclusion between cavities than the rigid C=C bridge group. The azobenzenediamide bridging group could also provide hydrogen bond, π–π and other sites, which was conducive to chiral separations.
Initiation of ventricular arrhythmia in the acquired long QT syndrome
Authors: Alexander Cherry , Bishop Martin J , Gilchrist Rebecca J , Burton Francis L , Smith Godfrey L , Myles Rachel C
Published: June 2022

Aims

Long QT syndrome (LQTS) carries a risk of life-threatening polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (Torsades de Pointes, TdP) and is a major cause of premature sudden cardiac death. TdP is induced by R-on-T premature ventricular complexes (PVCs), thought to be generated by cellular early-afterdepolarisations (EADs). However, EADs in tissue require cellular synchronisation, and their role in TdP induction remains unclear. We aimed to determine the mechanism of TdP induction in rabbit hearts with acquired LQTS (aLQTS).

Methods and results

Optical mapping of action potentials (APs) and intracellular Ca2+ was performed in Langendorff-perfused rabbit hearts (n = 17). TdP induced by R-on-T PVCs was observed during aLQTS (50% K+/Mg++ & E4031) conditions in all hearts (P < 0.0001 vs. control). Islands of AP prolongation bounded by steep voltage gradients (VGs) were consistently observed before arrhythmia and peak VGs were more closely related to the PVC upstroke than EADs, both temporally (7 ± 5 ms vs. 44 ± 27 ms, P < 0.0001) and spatially (1.0 ± 0.7 vs. 3.6 ± 0.9 mm, P < 0.0001). PVCs were initiated at estimated voltages of ∼ −40 mV and had upstroke dF/dtmax and Vm-Ca2+ dynamics compatible with ICaL activation. Computational simulations demonstrated that PVCs could arise directly from VGs, through electrotonic triggering of ICaL. In experiments and the model, sub-maximal L-type Ca2+ channel (LTCC) block (200 nM nifedipine and 90% gCaL, respectively) abolished both PVCs and TdP in the continued presence of aLQTS.

Conclusion

These data demonstrate that ICaL activation at sites displaying steep VGs generates the PVCs which induce TdP, providing a mechanism and rationale for LTCC blockers as a novel therapeutic approach in LQTS.
Impaired regulation of MMP2/16–MLCK3 by miR-146a-5p increased susceptibility to myocardial ischaemic injury in aging mice
Authors: Dong Ming , Chen Dishen , Zhu Yanxia , Yang Shu , Kumar Santosh , Zhang Rui , Zhou Yin , Yang Ziyi , Zheng Na , Zhu Ting , Xiang Jiaqing , Liu Yun , Kang Lin , Liu Jie
Published: June 2022

Aims

Aging impairs cardiac function and increases susceptibility to myocardial ischaemic injury. Cardiac myosin light chain kinase (MLCK3) phosphorylates cardiac myosin regulatory light chain (MLC2), controlling sarcomere organization and cardiomyocyte contraction. Dysregulation of MLCK3 and phosphorylated MLC2 (p-MLC2) contributes to heart failure after myocardial infarction (MI). We aimed at exploring how the MLCK3–p-MLC2 axis changes in aging hearts post MI and at investigating the underlying regulatory mechanisms.

Methods and results

We generated adult (3 months) and aged (30 months) MI mouse models to compare their cardiac performance, and then detected MLCK3 expression and MLC2 activity. Aging increased the size of MI-induced infarctions and promoted cardiac contractile dysfunction. Furthermore, MLCK3 expression and MLC2 activity increased in adult hearts after MI, but not in aged hearts. miR-146a was found consistently increased in adult and aged hearts post MI. Mechanistic analyses performed in vitro demonstrated that miR-146a-5p down-regulated matrix metalloprotease (MMP)2/16 expression in cardiomyocytes. This down-regulation in turn increased MLCK3 expression and MLC2 activity. However, miR-146a-5p failed to regulate the MMP2/16–MLCK3–p-MLC2 axis in senescent cardiomyocytes or in cardiac miR-146a conditional knockout mice, with the latter experiencing an exacerbated deterioration of cardiac function post MI.

Conclusion

These results suggest that an increase of MLCK3 and p-MLC2 contents through decreasing MMP2/16 by miR-146a-5p represents a compensatory mechanism that can protect cardiac contractile function after MI. Aging impairs this miR-146a-5p-regulated MMP2/16–MLCK3–p-MLC2 contractile axis, leading to compromised contractile function and increased susceptibility to heart failure.
Inverted left atrial appendage mimicking a left atrial mass after surgical repair of an atrial septal defect: a case report
Authors: Buttar Sana N , Andersen Henrik Ø , Poulsen Jesper B , Thyregod Hans Gustav H
Published: June 2022

Background

Inverted left atrial appendage (ILAA) is a rare condition following cardiac surgery. Failure to recognize the condition or making misdiagnosis of a tumour, a thrombus or vegetation can lead to unnecessary and potentially adverse events. We present a case of ILAA after surgical repair of an atrial septal defect (ASD) in a young female.

Case summary

A 3-year-old caucasian female was admitted for surgical repair of an ASD. The intraoperative course was uneventful until the opening of the right atrium (RA) after the commencement of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and vacuum application, where the inferior vena cava (IVC) cannula was seen displaced in the RA. Cannula was repositioned, and ASD was repaired. On post-CPB transesohageal echocardiography (TEE), a newly developed mass was revealed in the left atrium (LA). The heart was re-arrested, and LA was re-assessed with unexpected finding of ILAA. ILAA was everted. RA was closed and CPB weaned off. Repeated post-CPB TEE showed no mass in the LA. No recurrence of mass was demonstrated on follow-up transthoracic echocardiography (TTE).

Discussion

The incidence of ILAA is rare. Therefore, it is usually forgotten and not anticipated as a complication during heart surgery using CPB. In our case, dislodgement of the IVC cannula into the RA in combination with vacuum application in the setting of an ASD may have resulted in ILAA. This has not been reported in previous cases. ILAA should be suspected on intraoperative TEE if the mass is newly developed. Visual inspection of the left atrium appendage (LAA) in situ is recommended before chest closure.
Case report of a large lipoma discovered intraoperatively in a chronically irritated implantable cardioverter-defibrillator pocket
Authors: Burger Heiko , Göbel Gerhard , Richter Manfred , Pecha Simon
Published: June 2022

Background

The implantation of cardiac implantable electronic devices is a globally established therapy to treat cardiac arrhythmias with low complication rates. Apart from technical problems, however, complications can arise from the implanted material. This can lead to bleeding, infections, or chronic irritation of the generator pocket, resulting in swellings, seromas, perforations, or fistulas. However, the cause of tissue changes is not always clear, and therefore, we would like to report on a rare tissue degeneration diagnosed in a patient.

Case summary

After a history of ventricular fibrillation, a 46-year-old patient received an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) for secondary prevention. Six years later, the generator pocket swelled without evidence of infection. With the suspected diagnosis of a chronically irritated pocket, the device was then surgically relocated. After a 2-year symptom-free period, the patient presented again with a severely swollen but only slightly painful device pocket. Once again, there were no signs of infection, and so the pocket was revised again, assuming a chronic irritant effusion. Intraoperatively, a lipomatous structure (12 × 6 × 3 cm) emerged from the subpectoral ICD pocket. After its complete removal, the histopathological examination revealed a lipoma. A bacterial genesis could be ruled out by microbiological samples, and the wound healed cosmetically well and without further discomfort.

Conclusion

This case shows that the reason of chronically irritated generator pockets, in addition to the usually known tissue changes, can also be tumours. Therefore, resected tissue should be examined histopathologically and, if indicated, specific therapy initiated.
Gender, Unemployment, and Subjective Well-Being: Why Do Women Suffer Less from Unemployment than Men?
Authors: Heyne Stefanie , Voßemer Jonas
Published: June 2022

Previous studies have shown that women suffer less from unemployment than men in terms of subjective well-being. However, there is little research that aims to test possible explanations for this gender-specific reaction. We distinguish two different ways in which unemployment reduces well-being, namely the financial and non-financial effects of becoming unemployed. Gender differences in both types could explain the different effects on the well-being of women and men. Using the German Socio-Economic Panel, we analyse why women are less affected by unemployment than men. Applying fixed-effects panel regressions, we find substantially smaller negative effects for women, but this can only to a small extent be explained by different financial effects. To test the relevance of non-financial effects, we investigate how gender differences vary between subgroups, for which the non-financial effects should differ. Our analyses show that gender differences are more pronounced both among people who were socialized in West Germany compared to East Germany and among parents compared to singles. Moreover, differences in labour market attachment prior to the transition to unemployment explain a large share of the gender gap. These findings support the assumption that non-financial effects are responsible for the weaker consequences of unemployment among women.
Hypertensive disorders of pregnant women with heart disease: the ESC EORP ROPAC Registry
Authors: Ramlakhan Karishma P , Malhamé Isabelle , Marelli Ariane , Rutz Tobias , Goland Sorel , Franx Arie , Sliwa Karen , Elkayam Uri , Johnson Mark R , Hall Roger , Cornette Jérôme , Roos-Hesselink Jolien W
Published: June 2022

Aims

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) occur in 10% of pregnancies in the general population, pre-eclampsia specifically in 3–5%. Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy may have a high prevalence in, and be poorly tolerated by, women with heart disease.

Methods and results

The prevalence and outcomes of HDP (chronic hypertension, gestational hypertension or pre-eclampsia) were assessed in the ESC EORP ROPAC (n = 5739), a worldwide prospective registry of pregnancies in women with heart disease.

The overall prevalence of HDP was 10.3%, made up of chronic hypertension (5.9%), gestational hypertension (1.3%), and pre-eclampsia (3%), with significant differences between the types of underlying heart disease (P < 0.05). Pre-eclampsia rates were highest in women with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) (11.1%), cardiomyopathy (CMP) (7.1%), and ischaemic heart disease (IHD) (6.3%). Maternal mortality was 1.4 and 0.6% in women with vs. without HDP (P = 0.04), and even 3.5% in those with pre-eclampsia. All pre-eclampsia-related deaths were post-partum and 50% were due to heart failure. Heart failure occurred in 18.5 vs. 10.6% of women with vs. without HDP (P < 0.001) and in 29.1% of those with pre-eclampsia. Perinatal mortality was 3.1 vs. 1.7% in women with vs. without HDP (P = 0.019) and 4.7% in those with pre-eclampsia.

Conclusion

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and pre-eclampsia rates were higher in women with CMP, IHD, and PAH than in the general population. Adverse outcomes were increased in women with HDP, and maternal mortality was strikingly high in women with pre-eclampsia. The combination of HDP and heart disease should prompt close surveillance in a multidisciplinary context and the diagnosis of pre-eclampsia requires hospital admission and continued monitoring during the post-partum period.
Candidate biomarkers of physical frailty in heart failure: an exploratory cross-sectional study
Authors: Denfeld Quin E , Purnell Jonathan Q , Lee Christopher S , Orwoll Eric S , Camacho S Albert , Hiatt Shirin O , Roberts Davis Mary , Winters-Stone Kerri , Woodward William R , Habecker Beth A
Published: June 2022

Aims

Physical frailty is highly prevalent and predictive of worse outcomes in heart failure (HF). Candidate biomarker analysis may help in understanding the mechanisms underlying physical frailty in HF. We aimed to identify candidate biomarkers associated with physical frailty in HF using a multimarker strategy of distinct pathophysiological processes.

Methods and results

We collected data and plasma samples from 113 adults with New York Heart Association Functional Class I–IV HF. Physical frailty was measured with the Frailty Phenotype Criteria. Plasma biomarkers included: N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide, norepinephrine, dihydroxyphenylglycol, soluble tumour necrosis factor alpha receptor-1, adiponectin, insulin, glucose, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), and myostatin. Comparative statistics and multivariate linear regression were used to test group differences and associations. The average age was 63.5 ± 15.7 years, half were women (48%), and most had a non-ischaemic aetiology of HF (73%). Physical frailty was identified in 42% and associated with female sex, higher body mass index and percent body fat, more comorbidities, and HF with preserved ejection fraction. Adjusting for Seattle HF Model projected survival score, comorbidities, body composition, and sex, physical frailty was associated with significantly lower plasma adiponectin [β ± standard error (SE) −0.28 ± 0.14, P = 0.047], IGF-1 (β ± SE −0.21 ± 0.10, P = 0.032), and myostatin (β ± SE −0.22 ± 0.09, P = 0.011). In sex-stratified analyses, IGF-1 and myostatin were significantly associated with physical frailty in men but not women.

Conclusion

We identified biomarkers involved in adipose tissue and skeletal muscle development, maintenance, and function that were associated with physical frailty in HF.
Systematic overexpression of genes encoded by mycobacteriophage Waterfoul reveals novel inhibitors of mycobacterial growth
Authors: Heller Danielle , Amaya Isabel , Mohamed Aleem , Ali Ilzat , Mavrodi Dmitri , Deighan Padraig , Sivanathan Viknesh
Published: June 2022

Bacteriophages represent an enormous reservoir of novel genes, many of which are unrelated to existing entries in public databases and cannot be assigned a predicted function. Characterization of these genes can provide important insights into the intricacies of phage–host interactions and may offer new strategies to manipulate bacterial growth and behavior. Overexpression is a useful tool in the study of gene-mediated effects, and we describe here the construction of a plasmid-based overexpression library of a complete set of genes for Waterfoul, a mycobacteriophage closely related to those infecting clinically important strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and/or Mycobacterium abscessus. The arrayed Waterfoul gene library was systematically screened in a plate-based cytotoxicity assay, identifying a diverse set of 32 Waterfoul gene products capable of inhibiting the growth of the host Mycobacterium smegmatis and providing a first look at the frequency and distribution of cytotoxic products encoded within a single mycobacteriophage genome. Several of these Waterfoul gene products were observed to confer potent anti-mycobacterial effects, making them interesting candidates for follow-up mechanistic studies.
Youth vaping beliefs and behaviors: evidence from New York
Authors: Coats Ellen M , Farrelly Matthew C , Henes Amy L , Pikowski Jessica M , Brown Elizabeth M , Nonnemaker James M
Published: June 2022

Current use of vaping products has increased in recent years among youth in the United States. We conducted cross-sectional surveys of vaping product users aged 15–17 in New York in 2017 and 2019 to assess vaping freqency, reported nicotine content of vaping products used, risk perceptions of vaping and openness to vaping cannabis (2019 survey only). Between 2017 and 2019, the proportion of youth vapers who were frequent vaping product users increased from 16.8% to 26.2% (P < 0.05). The proportion of youth vapers who usually used high-nicotine vaping products also increased, from 12.6% to 40.0% (P < 0.05). In both years, the use of high-nicotine vaping products was positively associated with frequent use (P < 0.05). The perceived likelihood of harm from vaping increased (P < 0.05), but respondents’ perception of harm from using tobacco-flavored vaping products remained higher than that from using menthol/mint or sweet flavors. In 2019, 60.6% of respondents reported having tried vaping cannabis. Results suggest shifts in youth vaping behavior toward more frequent use and use of higher nicotine vaping products, support previous findings about youth misperceptions about health risks of flavored vaping products and highlight openness to vaping cannabis among youth vaping product users.