bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identifikasi timbulan minyak jelantah di daerah sekitar Universitas Jember (UNEJ)
Authors: Wiliandani Meiliasyari , Yuriandala Yebi , Maziya Fina Binazir
Published: October 2023

Tingginya penggunaan minyak goreng mempengaruhi jumlah timbulan limbah minyak jelantah yang dihasilkan. Tuntutan konsumen kepada pedagang akan makanan yang terjangkau namun dengan tingginya harga minyak goreng memicu penyalahgunaan minyak jelantah dengan menggunakannya berulang kali. Selain itu, pengolahan daur ulang minyak jelantah memiliki kesulitan terkait ketersediaan bahan baku untuk memenuhi kapasitas mesin produksinya. Oleh sebab itu, perlu dilakukan penelitian ini sebagai studi awal untuk mengetahui jumlah timbulan minyak jelantah beserta karakteristiknya agar mengurangi dampak negatif dan tercipta perencanaan manajemen limbah minyak jelantah yang terukur dan sesuai dengan tujuan yang diharapkan. Penelitian ini dilakukan berdasarkan SNI 19-3964-1994 untuk identifikasi jumlah timbulan dan SNI 7709:2019 untuk karakteristik minyak jelantah. Hasil yang didapatkan adalah total timbulan minyak jelantah di daerah Kampus UNEJ adalah sebanyak 104,556 L/hari dan berat 95,085 kg/hari. Dari total 15 sampel memiliki warna yang bervariasi mulai dari hitam kecoklatan, coklat kemerahan, dan kuning kecoklatan. Densitas minyak jelantah bervariasi antara 0,900 – 0,936 g/ml, kadar air pada minyak jelantah bervariasi antara 0,1 – 1%. Hasil asam lemak bebas bervariasi antara 0,2 – 4,1%.
The high use of cooking oil affects the amount of waste cooking oil (WCO) produced. Consumer demands to merchants for affordable food but with the eminent prices of cooking oil create misuse of WCO by using it repeatedly. In addition, the WCO recycling treatment has difficulties related to the availability of raw materials to meet the capacity of its production machinery. Therefore, it is necessary to carry out this research as an initial study to investigate the amount of WCO and its characteristics in order to reduce the negative impact and create a measurable waste management plan for WCO in accordance with the expected goals. This research was conducted based on SNI 19-3964-1994 for the identification amount of WCO and SNI 7709:2019 for the characteristics. The results obtained from the total amount of WCO in the UNEJ Campus area is 104,556 l/day with a weight of 95,085 kg/day. From a total of 15 samples, the colors varied from brownish black, reddish brown, and brownish yellow. The density of WCO varies between 0.900 – 0.936 g/ml. The water content varies between 0.1 – 1%. The free fatty acids varies between 0.2 - 4.1%.
Elemental content of coffee waste biochar under different temperatures of pyrolysis
Authors: Rahmat Ali , Mutolib Abdul , Sukamto Sukamto
Published: October 2023

One abundant waste in the coffee shop industry is coffee powder or bean waste due to the expired. To control the coffee waste can be convert to be biochar which is useful for soil amendment. The purpose of this study was to determine the chemical properties of biochar derived from Coffee Waste. Producing biochar was done by burning the Coffee Waste using a furnace with a temperature of 250°C and 350°C, then ground and sieved with a size of 355 micrometers carried out at the Research Center for Limnology and Water Resources. Chemical property analysis using X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometer (XRF) at Lampung Advanced Characterization Laboratory- BRIN. Based on the results of the analysis using XRF showed that the highest content in terms of the macronutrient of biochar is Potassium (K2O) around 83%, then Phosphor (P2O5) around 5%, and Sulfur (SO3) around 2-3%, then Magnesium (MgO) around 1.2-1.3%. That content only represents proportion of element, further analysis is needed to measure the concentration.
Salah satu limbah yang melimpah di industri kedai kopi adalah limbah bubuk atau biji kopi akibat kadaluwarsa. Untuk mengendalikan limbah kopi dapat dikonversi menjadi biochar yang berguna untuk pembenah tanah. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui sifat kimia biochar yang berasal dari Limbah Kopi. Pembuatan biochar dilakukan dengan cara membakar Limbah Kopi menggunakan tanur dengan suhu 250°C dan 350°C, kemudian digiling dan diayak dengan ukuran 355 mikrometer yang dilakukan di Puslit Limnologi dan Sumber Daya Air. Analisis sifat kimia menggunakan X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometer (XRF) di Lampung Advanced Characterization Laboratory-BRIN. Berdasarkan hasil analisis menggunakan XRF menunjukkan bahwa kandungan makronutrien tertinggi dari biochar adalah Kalium (K2O) sekitar 83%, kemudian Fosfor (P2O5) sekitar 5%, dan Belerang (SO3) sekitar 2-3%, kemudian Magnesium (MgO) sekitar 1,2-1,3%. Kandungan tersebut hanya mewakili proporsi unsur, analisis lebih lanjut diperlukan untuk mengukur konsentrasinya.
Indian record of the old-world psyllid Heterotrioza chenopodii (Reuter) (Hemiptera, Psylloidea, Triozidae) on quinoa Chenopodium quinoa (Amaranthaceae)
Authors: Palanisamy Aishwarya , Marimuthu Murugan , Narayanasamy Chitra , Venkatasamy Balasubramani
Published: October 2023

The Old-World Psyllid, Heterotrioza chenopodii (Hemiptera, Psylloidea, Triozidae) was found infesting quinoa, Chenopodium quinoa (Amaranthaceae) crop. The psyllids were identified using taxonomic traits and further confirmation with mitochondrial marker based molecular approach. The information on damage and its life stages is reported along with the phylogenetic information of the species. The identity, analysis in NCBI indicated that the MT-COI sequences of H. chenopodii were 96 per cent identical to the previously deposited sequences with NCBI and five submissions with accession numbers were made viz., OP735496, OP740826, OP740828, OP740829 and OP740830. The phylogenetic tree represented the similarities in the analyzed sequences Indian populations are found to be merged in between the other similar global populations.
Eliminar xenobióticos del patrimonio cultural: un reto para la biolimpieza
Authors: Bosch-Roig Pilar , Sanchez Pons Mercedes , Sanmartín Patricia
Published: October 2023

La biolimpieza utiliza enzimas y microorganismos vivos para eliminar sustancias indeseadas de materiales de alto valor patrimonial. En los últimos treinta años, ha mostrado avances y aplicaciones exitosas en obras de pequeño, medio y gran tamaño, y de distinta naturaleza, como esculturas en piedra, pinturas murales y lienzos, demostrando que es una interesante y útil tecnología verde, no invasiva, no tóxica y sostenible para la restauración, alternativa a métodos químicos y mecánicos tradicionales.

Su validez sobre sustancias naturales inorgánicas (nitratos y sulfatos) y orgánicas (colas animales) ha quedado demostrada, mientras que frente a sustancias sintéticas (xenobióticas) su recorrido es menor e inconcluso.

Tradicionalmente los xenobióticos son eliminados empleando procedimientos mecánicos y disolventes, con los consiguientes riesgos de erosión en el material original y toxicidad para el trabajador y el medio ambiente, además de con limitaciones para actuar en materiales porosos, con fisuras y grietas. Su eliminación mediante biolimpieza se presenta como la alternativa necesaria, atóxica y eco-sostenible.

En este artículo revisamos el estado del arte en la biolimpieza de sustancias xenobióticas, comenzando por las que pueden ser consideradas más simples, como son las resinas sintéticas, y continuando por grafitis y bitúmenes, que añaden la complejidad de la inclusión de otros elementos, como pigmentos, extendedores y aditivos. Para a continuación presentar el proyecto recién concedido BIOXEN (PID2021-123329NA-I00), en el que las autoras son las principales responsables y con el que se pretende abordar de manera definitiva la biolimpieza de restos de materiales xenobióticos del patrimonio.
Picollo, M., Stols-Witlox, M., y Fuster López, L. (ed.) UV-Vis Luminescence: Imaging Techniques
Authors: Aranda Alonso María
Published: October 2023

Reseña del libro UV-Vis Luminescence: Imaging Techniques, editado por la Universitat Politècnica de València.
Madariaga, J. M. (ed.) Analytical Strategies for Cultural Heritage Materials and Their Degradation
Authors: Domínguez Vidal Ana
Published: October 2023

Reseña del libro Analytical Strategies for Cultural Heritage Materials and Their Degradation editado en 2021 por el profesor Juan Manuel Madariaga.
Penyuluhan Bahasa pada Kegiatan Administratif di KUD Gunung Makmur Desa Penanggal Kecamatan Candipuro Kabupaten Lumajang
Authors: Santosa Vrestanti Novalia , Widhaningrum Siska Nanda
Published: October 2023

Village Unit Cooperatives (KUD) are cooperatives in rural areas engaged in providing community needs related to agricultural activities. The Village Unit Cooperative can also be said to be a forum for economic organization with a social character and is a forum for the development of various rural community economic activities organized by the community and for the community itself. Village Unit Cooperatives are also referred to as multi-business cooperatives because they try to fulfill various fields such as savings and loans, consumption, production, marketing and services. The situation at KUD Gunung Makmur Penanggal shows that in carrying out tasks, especially in preparing the materials and information needed, the results are still minimal or have not been implemented optimally. This is evident from the implementation of administrative tasks that have not been carried out properly, especially in terms of language both in writing and orally. The purpose of implementing this community service is (1) being able to make a guest book, (2) being able to archive incoming and outgoing letters correctly and according to the provisions, (3) being able to archive important data, so it's easy to find it, when needed at any time, (4) able to communicate politely according to linguistic rules. The community service activity program is carried out at the Gunung Makmur KUD office, Penanggal Village. The training materials provided include (1) skills in making guest books; (2) skills in filing incoming and outgoing letters correctly and according to regulations; (3) skills in archiving important data, so that it is easy to find them, when needed at any time; (4) polite active communication according to linguistic rules. The time for carrying out the activity is August 15-20 2022. It is important to improve the ability to communicate both orally and in writing for all devices or staff at KUD Gunung Makmur Penanggal Village in carrying out administrative tasks, especially village administration which includes skills in making guest books, skills in filing incoming letters and outgoing letters correctly and according to the provisions, as well as archiving important data, so it's easy to find it, when needed at any time. However, this activity can be carried out optimally, if there is cooperation from all elements in the KUD. We have great hopes, to carry out community service with the help of all KUD Gunung Makmur staff in Penanggal Village.
Inshore juvenile lobsters threatened by warming waters and migratory fish predators in southern New England
Authors: Huizenga K , Oviatt C
Published: October 2023

The southern New England stock of the American lobster Homarus americanus has declined since its peak in the 1990s. While the decline of lobsters has been directly attributed to warming sea temperatures, indirect effects such as migratory fish species shifting north may also be important. Two sets of experiments and a survey of gut contents collected from wild-caught scup Stenotomus chrysops and black sea bass Centropristis striata during the summer were performed to assess thermal and predatory stressors on juvenile lobsters. A temperature experiment compared the growth and survival of young-of-year (YOY) and 1 yr old lobsters in ambient seawater and seawater warmed or cooled by 3°C. Two predation experiments compared the survival of juvenile lobsters in treatments with scup, black sea bass, and Asian shore crabs Hemigrapsus sanguineus. Increased water temperature did not increase mortality in juvenile lobsters, but it did tend to have a negative impact on growth and weight gain of YOY lobsters and weight gain of 1 yr old lobsters. In the predation experiments, fewer lobsters survived in mesocosms with black sea bass and scup than in the control treatment. Fish gut contents contained few lobsters, but black sea bass stomachs contained many juvenile cancer crabs, signifying that the fish prey in cobble habitat that is preferred by both juvenile cancer crabs and lobsters. While juvenile lobsters can survive current temperatures, they may face compounding challenges as warmer water slows their growth and leaves them more susceptible to predation by increasing numbers of migratory scup and black sea bass.
From a Crisis Response to Feminist Talking Circles: Reconsidering Collaborative Feedback Practices in the Digital Humanities
Authors: Howard Jacquelyne Thoni , Tabor Rachel
Published: October 2023

Digital humanities (DH) scholars have examined how feminist methodologies promote inclusive practices to value all stages of the development process. DH scholars can learn from feminist educators, however, about how to extend ‘cultures of care’ in DH learning spaces around feedback processes. Centring these feminist tenets, the Technology and Digital Humanities Lab at Newcomb Institute models strategies for how mentors in DH labs and classrooms can use digital tools to adapt during and beyond crises to intentionally build cultures of care and set up supportive spaces for giving and receiving feedback. During the COVID-19 pandemic interns use Zoom to conduct their weekly meetings. While others had a negative connotation with Zoom meetings, we found that the intentional use of the platform’s sharing features created opportunities to unify our community, permitting more discussion across peers when showing their work. Over time we tailored our Zoom use to create a hybrid feminist solidarity circle to meet DH students’ learning needs. We argue through adapting our use of digital tools like Zoom, primarily introduced as a crisis response, we better entrenched our feminist tenets of equitable collaboration by creating a process that encouraged students to seek feedback more openly and on their terms.
Nursery upweller type has minimal impact on subsequent grow-out of Eastern oysters (Crassostrea virginica)
Authors: Tarnecki Andrea M. , Landry Kevin , Rikard Scott
Published: October 2023

Demand for oysters in the premium half-shell market drives the need for research to optimize and improve oyster aquaculture production methods. After setting, oysters are typically maintained in nursery upwellers that provide nutrients and oxygen while removing waste. They remain in the nursery until they are large enough to be deployed in aquaculture gear. Land-based upweller systems include silo and bottle upwellers, with bottles requiring less space and maintenance. However, it is unknown if upweller type influences oyster growth, shape, or survival after field deployment. This study reared Eastern oysters, Crassostrea virginica, to 2 mm in silo or bottle upwellers and deployed them to floating bags for a six-week grow-out period. Oysters were sampled initially, then size graded, counted, and redeployed every two weeks. Changes in growth parameters, quality ratios, survival, and hinge backbend deformity prevalence were determined after six weeks. Initially, silo-reared oysters were larger than those reared in bottles, likely due to the need for flow rate optimization and/or the tumbling action that breaks the fragile growing edge of the shell. Despite these initial differences, there were minimal size differences between upweller types after six weeks of growth in the field. There were no significant differences in survival, hinge backbend abnormality prevalence, or size class distribution between upweller types. These results indicate that upweller choice has minimal impact on the grow-out phase of oyster production and both systems are acceptable for Eastern oyster production in the northern Gulf of Mexico.
Precision drug design against Acidovorax oryzae: leveraging bioinformatics to combat rice brown stripe disease
Authors: Khattak Arif Ali , Qian Jiahui , Xu Lihui , Tomah Ali Athafah , Ibrahim Ezzeldin , Khan Muhammad Zafar Irshad , Ahmed Temoor , Hatamleh Ashraf Atef , Al-Dosary Munirah Abdullah , Ali Hayssam M. , Li Bin
Published: October 2023

Bacterial brown stripe disease caused by Acidovorax oryzae is a major threat to crop yields, and the current reliance on pesticides for control is unsustainable due to environmental pollution and resistance. To address this, bacterial-based ligands have been explored as a potential treatment solution. In this study, we developed a protein–protein interaction (PPI) network for A. oryzae by utilizing shared differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and the STRING database. Using a maximal clique centrality (MCC) approach through CytoHubba and Network Analyzer, we identified hub genes within the PPI network. We then analyzed the genomic data of the top 10 proteins, and further narrowed them down to 2 proteins by utilizing betweenness, closeness, degree, and eigenvector studies. Finally, we used molecular docking to screen 100 compounds against the final two proteins (guaA and metG), and Enfumafungin was selected as a potential treatment for bacterial resistance caused by A. oryzae based on their binding affinity and interaction energy. Our approach demonstrates the potential of utilizing bioinformatics and molecular docking to identify novel drug candidates for precision treatment of bacterial brown stripe disease caused by A. oryzae, paving the way for more targeted and sustainable control strategies. The efficacy of Enfumafungin in inhibiting the growth of A. oryzae strain RS-1 was investigated through both computational and wet lab methods. The models of the protein were built using the Swiss model, and their accuracy was confirmed via a Ramachandran plot. Additionally, Enfumafungin demonstrated potent inhibitory action against the bacterial strain, with an MIC of 100 µg/mL, reducing OD600 values by up to 91%. The effectiveness of Enfumafungin was further evidenced through agar well diffusion assays, which exhibited the highest zone of inhibition at 1.42 cm when the concentration of Enfumafungin was at 100 µg/mL. Moreover, Enfumafungin was also able to effectively reduce the biofilm of A. oryzae RS-1 in a concentration-dependent manner. The swarming motility of A. oryzae RS-1 was also found to be significantly inhibited by Enfumafungin. Further validation through TEM observation revealed that bacterial cells exposed to Enfumafungin displayed mostly red fluorescence, indicating destruction of the bacterial cell membrane.
Effects of dietary sodium butyrate on growth performance, immune function, and intestinal microflora of Chinese soft-shelled turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis)
Authors: Ge Lingrui , Yu Yi , Wen Xingxing , Xiao Hewei , Liu Kejun , Liu Zhuying , Liu Shuai , Li Qian , Wang Xiaoqing , Deng Zaofu , Hu Yazhou
Published: October 2023

The Chinese soft-shelled turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis) has become increasingly susceptible to frequent diseases with the intensification of farming, which severely impacts the development of the aquaculture industry. Sodium butyrate (SB) is widely used as a feed additive due to its promotion of growth, enhancement of immune function, and antioxidative properties. This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary SB on the growth performance, immune function, and intestinal microflora of Chinese soft-shelled turtles. A total of 300 Chinese soft-shelled turtles (mean weight: 11.36 ± 0.21g) were randomly divided into four groups with three parallel sets in each group. Each group was fed a diet supplemented with 0%, 0.005%, 0.01%, or 0.02% SB for 60 days. The results demonstrated an upward trend in weight gain rate (WGR) and specific growth rate (SGR) with increasing SB supplementation, and the experimental group fed with 0.02% SB showed a significant increase in WGR and SGR compared to other groups (P< 0.05). These levels of SB also decreased the levels of feed conversion ratio (FCR) and the total cholesterol (TC) content of Chinese soft-shelled turtles, and the 0.02% SB was significantly lower than that of other groups (P< 0.05). The activity of complement protein in vivo increased with increases in SB content, and the activities of complement C3 and C4 reached the highest level with 0.02% SB. The species abundance of the experimental group D fed with 0.02% SB was significantly higher than that of other groups (P< 0.05). Furthermore, the relative abundance of Clostridium sensu stricto 1 was significantly increased with 0.02% SB (P< 0.05). In conclusion, adding 0.02% SB to the diet improves the growth performance, feed digestion ability, and intestinal microbiota of Chinese soft-shelled turtles.
Energetic impact of reconstructed debris flow on the intensity and duration of growth disturbances in tree rings
Authors: Wang Xueliang , Sun Juanjuan , Zhang Yong , Jiao Qisong , Qi Shengwen , Wang Ran , Liu Haiyang , Zhang Mengjie
Published: October 2023

A rare study on the quantitative relationship between the energetic impact of debris flows on the intensity and duration of growth disturbances of tree rings was carried out, partly due to a lack of feasible approaches and detailed field evidence. In this study, we first used a dendrogeomorphic technique to determine the age of a recent debris flow derived from historic landslide deposits at Qingyang Mountain (QYM) on the northeastern Tibet plateau. We acquired the quantitative data on the annual widths of tree rings in history and confirmed the influence of the debris flow rather than other factors (e.g., climatic events and inset outbreaking) in disturbing the growth of tree rings in a specific year. Using this approach, we determined that the age of the debris flow at QYM occurred in 1982, which was speculated to be triggered by the high monthly precipitation registered during July 1982. Subsequently, based on the boundaries of historic debris flow identified on remote sensing images before and after 1982 and the depth-integrated continuum model, we reconstructed the process of the 1982 debris flow and obtained the kinematic energy of the debris flow impacting the sampled trees. Based on the study, we observed that two growth disturbance patterns of tree rings influenced by the reconstructed 1982 debris flow were revealed, including growth suppression and asymmetric growth. We obtained a raw logarithm relationship between duration (i.e., lasting time for the disturbed tree rings to recover the initial width) and intensity of growth disturbances (i.e., growth suppression ratio of disturbed tree rings). We concluded that there is a negative exponential relationship between the simulated kinematic energy of debris flow impacting the disturbed trees and the time to recover the initial width of corresponding tree rings.
Effect of iodine nutritional status on the recurrence of hyperthyroidism and antithyroid drug efficacy in adult patients with Graves’ disease: a systemic review
Authors: Xie Qingxing , Zhang Xinyi , Ma Jinfang , Lu Xi , Zhang Yuwei , Tong Nanwei
Published: October 2023

Aim

To probe the appropriate iodine nutritional status for patients with Graves’disease (GD) hyperthyroidism and on antithyroid drugs (ATD) or after drugwithdrawal.

Method

Studies were retrieved from three databases (Embase, Medline, and Cochrane Library) and were screened and evaluated using predefined criteria. The risk of bias of each trial was assessed using a tool from Cochrane. The iodine nutritional status of the subjects was redefined according to the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria and classified as insufficient/adequate/above requirements/excessive iodine intake.

Result

Two randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 3 observational studies were selected from the 376 retrieved papers, which had different degrees of risk of bias in study design. The heterogeneity among them prevented us from further synthesizing effect indicators and subsequent statistical analyses. Two RCTs with high quality showed that insufficient or above requirements iodine intake was detrimental for ATD-treated GD patients; adequate iodine intake was associated with a lower risk of recurrence and better efficacy in controlling thyrotoxicosis. It could be speculated from three low-quality observational studies that excessive iodine intake may be associated with higher (or similar) recurrence rates and lower remission rates compared to above requirements iodine intake in these patients, but none of them could answer the question of the effect of insufficient or adequate iodine intake on this issue.

Conclusion

Although the available evidence is suboptimal, this systematic review tentatively suggests that in adult patients with GD hyperthyroidism receiving ATDs and according to WHO criteria for iodine nutritional status, adequate iodine intake is associated with a lower recurrence rate, a higher remission rate and a better efficacy to control thyrotoxicosis than insufficient, above requirement, or excessive iodine intake. Future RCTs with large samples are expected to elucidate the actual impact of different iodine nutritional statuses on the recurrence rate of hyperthyroidism and the efficacy of ATD to control thyrotoxicosis in these patients.

Systematic review registration

identifier CRD42022359451.
Incidence of vitamin D deficiency in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: a meta-analysis
Authors: Llopis-Ibor Clara Inés , Mariscal Gonzalo , de la Rubia Ortí Jose Enrique , Barrios Carlos
Published: October 2023

Introduction

This study aimed to investigate the incidence of vitamin D deficiency in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis through a meta-analysis and to analyze trends and risk factors.

Methods

Potentially relevant studies were searched using the terms “Vitamin D AND scoliosis.” Data on the incidence and risk factors, such as race, curve magnitude, and sex, were extracted from the selected studies. Review Manager 5.4 software was used for the data analysis. Six studies with a total of 1, 428 patients met the inclusion criteria.

Results

The incidence of vitamin D insufficiency in patients with idiopathic scoliosis was 36.19% (95% CI [21.93 to 50.46]. In contrast, the incidence of vitamin D deficiency was 41.43% (95% CI [16.62 66.23]. Vitamin D levels were compared between Caucasian and African patients and it was concluded that Caucasian patients had a lower risk of vitamin D deficiency [RR 0.15, 95% CI (0.03 to 0.82; P = 0.03]. There was also an association between patients with idiopathic scoliosis and lower vitamin D -5.58, 95% CI [-7.10, -4.06]. Finally, no significant differences were observed in terms of curve magnitude assessed with the Cobb angle mean difference (MD) 4.45, 95% CI [-0.55, 9.44], or sex with lower-than-normal levels of vitamin D OR 0.96, 95% CI [0.58 to 1.60].

Discussion

The incidence rates of vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis were 36.19% and 41.43%, respectively. The Caucasian race was associated with a lower risk of vitamin D deficiency compared to the African race. Vitamin D deficiency was not related to curve magnitude or sex.
Control of pest ants by pathogenic fungi: state of the art
Authors: Folgarait Patricia J. , Goffré Daniela
Published: October 2023

Pest ants are known for their damage to biodiversity, harm to agriculture, and negative impact on human welfare. Ants thrive when environmental opportunities arise, becoming pests and/or invading non-native areas. As social insects, they are extremely difficult to control using sustainable methods like biological control. The latter, although safer to the environment, acts slowly allowing the ants to use their individual and social defenses. Among biocontrol agents, fungal pathogens were proposed as promising, however, it is difficult to ascertain their success when the bibliography has not been reviewed and condensed. Therefore, this paper is the first in performing such task by analyzing publications mainly from 2000 to 2022 about the control of pest ants by fungi. From 85 publications selected, 77% corresponded to laboratory studies. Beauveria and Metarhizium were the genera most used in laboratory and field studies. Most of them included Acromyrmex and Atta leaf-cutter ants (LCA), and Solenopsis fire ants. From laboratory experiments, we evaluated how ant net mortality was affected by ant and fungal species, and also by origin, concentration, and inoculation technique of the fungal strains tested. Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae produced the greatest mortality, along with the inoculation spray technique and fungal strains collected from ants. There was a positive relationship between ant mortality and fungal concentration only for those studies which evaluated more than one concentration. Twenty field experimental studies were found, covering 13 pest species, mainly LCA and Solenopsis invicta. Only B. bassiana was tested on Solenopsis, M. anisopliae was mostly used for Acromyrmex, and M. anisopliae or Trichoderma were mainly used with Atta species. The median control field efficiency varied from 20% to 85% for different fungi and ant genera. When grouping all fungal species together, the median control efficiency seemed to be better for Acromyrmex (67%) than for Atta and Solenopsis (both 43%). Our review shows that, at this stage of knowledge, it is very difficult to extrapolate any result. We offer suggestions to improve and standardize laboratory and field experimental studies in order to advance more efficiently in the fungal control of pest ants.
Ensemble learning-based approach for automatic classification of termite mushrooms
Authors: Duong Thi Kim Chi , Tran Van Lang , Nguyen The Bao , Nguyen Thi Thuy , Ho Ngoc Trung Kien , Nguyen Thanh Q.
Published: October 2023

Termite mushrooms are edible fungi that provide significant economic, nutritional, and medicinal value. However, identifying these mushroom species based on morphology and traditional knowledge is ineffective due to their short development time and seasonal nature. This study proposes a novel method for classifying termite mushroom species. The method utilizes Gradient Boosting machine learning techniques and sequence encoding on the Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) gene dataset to construct a machine learning model for identifying termite mushroom species. The model is trained using ITS sequences obtained from the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) and the Barcode of Life Data Systems (BOLD). Ensemble learning techniques are applied to classify termite mushroom species. The proposed model achieves good results on the test dataset, with an accuracy of 0.91 and an average AUCROC value of 0.99. To validate the model, eight ITS sequences collected from termite mushroom samples in An Linh commune, Phu Giao district, Binh Duong province, Vietnam were used as the test data. The results show consistent species identification with predictions from the NCBI BLAST software. The results of species identification were consistent with the NCBI BLAST prediction software. This machine-learning model shows promise as an automatic solution for classifying termite mushroom species. It can help researchers better understand the local growth of these termite mushrooms and develop conservation plans for this rare and valuable plant resource.
Kappa free light chains index in multiple sclerosis very long-term prognosis
Authors: Arroyo-Pereiro Pablo , García-Serrano Lydia , Morandeira Francisco , Urban Blanca , Mas Virginia , Framil Mario , León Isabel , Muñoz-Vendrell Albert , Matas Elisabet , Romero-Pinel Lucía , Martínez-Yélamos Antonio , Martínez-Yélamos Sergio , Bau Laura
Published: October 2023

Introduction

The role of the kappa-free light chain (kFLC) in the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) and, to a lesser extent, its role as a medium-term prognostic marker have been extensively studied. This study aimed to explore its potential as a long-term prognostic marker for MS.

Methods

We performed an exploratory retrospective observational study by selecting patients systemically followed up in our MS unit with available cerebrospinal fluid and serum samples at the time of initial evaluation. Two groups were defined: benign MS (bMS), defined as patients with Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) ≤ 3 at 10 years of follow-up, and aggressive MS (aMS), defined as patients with EDSS ≥ 6 at 15 years of follow-up. Clinical variables were collected, and the immunoglobulin G (IgG) index, kFLC index, and oligoclonal bands (OCB) were determined for all patients and compared between the groups.

Results

Twenty bMS and 15 aMS patients were included in this study. Sixty percent (21/35) were female, and the mean age at the time of the first symptom was 31.5 ± 9.45 years, with no statistical differences between groups. Median follow-up time was 19.8 years (Interquartile range, IQR 15.9–24.6). The median EDSS scores at the last follow-up were 1.5 and 7.5 in the bMS and the aMS group, respectively. No statistically significant differences were found in the kFLC index between the two groups (136.6 vs. 140.27, p=0.59). The IgG index was positive in 62.9% of patients (55% bMS vs. 73.3% aMS, p>0.05), and OCB was positive in 88.6% (90% bMS vs. 86.7% aMS, p>0.05). A significant positive correlation was found between IgG and kFLC indices (rs = 0.85, p<0.001).

Conclusion

Given the absence of differences between the two groups with opposite disease courses, it is unlikely that the kFLC index is a reliable and powerful marker of long-term prognosis in MS.
Leishmania major-derived lipophosphoglycan influences the host’s early immune response by inducing platelet activation and DKK1 production via TLR1/2
Authors: Ihedioha Olivia C. , Sivakoses Anutr , Beverley Stephen M. , McMahon-Pratt Diane , Bothwell Alfred L. M.
Published: October 2023

Background

Platelets are rapidly deployed to infection sites and respond to pathogenic molecules via pattern recognition receptors (TLR, NLRP). Dickkopf1 (DKK1) is a quintessential Wnt antagonist produced by a variety of cell types including platelets, endothelial cells, and is known to modulate pro-inflammatory responses in infectious diseases and cancer. Moreover, DKK1 is critical for forming leukocyte-platelet aggregates and induction of type 2 cell-mediated immune responses. Our previous publication showed activated platelets release DKK1 following Leishmania major recognition.

Results

Here we probed the role of the key surface virulence glycoconjugate lipophosphoglycan (LPG), on DKK1 production using null mutants deficient in LPG synthesis (Δlpg1- and Δlpg2-). Leishmania-induced DKK1 production was reduced to control levels in the absence of LPG in both mutants and was restored upon re-expression of the cognate LPG1 or LPG2 genes. Furthermore, the formation of leukocyte-platelet aggregates was dependent on LPG. LPG mediated platelet activation and DKK1 production occurs through TLR1/2.

Conclusion

Thus, LPG is a key virulence factor that induces DKK1 production from activated platelets, and the circulating DKK1 promotes Th2 cell polarization. This suggests that LPG-activated platelets can drive innate and adaptive immune responses to Leishmania infection.
Aspartate metabolic flux promotes nitric oxide to eliminate both antibiotic-sensitive and -resistant Edwardsiella tarda in zebrafish
Authors: Xiang Jiao , Li Min-yi , Li Hui
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Metabolic reprogramming potentiates host protection against antibiotic-sensitive or -resistant bacteria. However, it remains unclear whether a single reprogramming metabolite is effective enough to combat both antibiotic-sensitive and -resistant bacteria. This knowledge is key for implementing an antibiotic-free approach.

Methods

The reprogramming metabolome approach was adopted to characterize the metabolic state of zebrafish infected with tetracycline-sensitive and -resistant Edwardsiella tarda and to identify overlapping depressed metabolite in dying zebrafish as a reprogramming metabolite.

Results

Aspartate was identify overlapping depressed metabolite in dying zebrafish as a reprogramming metabolite. Exogenous aspartate protects zebrafish against infection caused by tetracycline-sensitive and -resistant E. tarda. Mechanistically, exogenous aspartate promotes nitric oxide (NO) biosynthesis. NO is a well-documented factor of promoting innate immunity against bacteria, but whether it can play a role in eliminating both tetracycline-sensitive and -resistant E. tarda is unknown. Thus, in this study, aspartate was replaced with sodium nitroprusside to provide NO, which led to similar aspartate-induced protection against tetracycline-sensitive and -resistant E. tarda.

Discussion

These findings support the conclusion that aspartate plays an important protective role through NO against both types of E. tarda. Importantly, we found that tetracycline-sensitive and -resistant E. tarda are sensitive to NO. Therefore, aspartate is an effective reprogramming metabolite that allows implementation of an antibiotic-free approach against bacterial pathogens.
Case Report: Three cases of suspected female genital schistosomiasis and precancerous lesions for cervical cancer in a highly endemic country—from clinical management to public health implications
Authors: Marchese Valentina , Rakotomalala Zoly , Kutz Jean-Marc , Ratefiarisoa Sonya , Rakotomalala Rivo , Rasamoelina Tahinamandranto , Rakotozandrindrainy Raphael , Rausche Pia , Gheit Tarik , Hampl Monika , May Jürgen , Rakotoarivelo Rivo Andry , Fusco Daniela
Published: October 2023

Female genital schistosomiasis (FGS) is a chronic manifestation of schistosomiasis, usually caused by Schistosoma haematobium infection, which can be responsible for infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and abortion, and is associated with an increased prevalence of HIV infection. No screening programs are currently recommended for FGS. Colposcopy, the conventionally suggested diagnostic tool for FGS, is also considered a crucial screening tool for cervical cancer (CC). We performed an experimental screening via colposcopy for FGS at primary healthcare centers (PHCCs) in the Boeny region of Madagascar, allowing for the detection of patients with both FGS signs and HPV-related dysplasia (HPV-dy). All suspected FGS cases were treated with praziquantel on the day of colposcopy, and all images of suspected CC or HPV-dy were re-assessed by a gynecologist and, if needed, patients were then provided with additional colposcopy for histologic diagnosis and treatment. We describe three cases of FGS and HPV-related precancerous lesions detected during the project, discussing the state of art of the relationship between CC, FGS and HPV and the real-life challenges encountered in terms of both patient compliance and the diagnostic and treatment cascade. Despite the current diagnostic limitations, a screening for FGS via colposcopy may contribute to the early identification of CC or precancerous lesions. The addition of visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) during colposcopy for FGS screening could improve its impact on CC screening. In addition, although there is limited evidence of the effectiveness of praziquantel in FGS, treatment should in any case be proposed for suspicious lesions, given its safety and ease of administration. The benefit of combined screening could be maximised by increasing the availability of good quality services and improve awareness of both diseases among women
Analysis of patients’ privacy and associated factors in the perioperative period
Authors: Tan Mingyang , Li Hongyu , Wang Xiaofei
Published: October 2023

Background

Healthcare professionals recognize how to protect patient privacy in order to effectively reduce the occurrence of conflict between the two parties. Therefore, understanding the protection of patient privacy during the perioperative period and the relevant factors affecting privacy is essential to improving healthcare delivery.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional survey of a convenience sample of 400 perioperative patients. General demographic information, the perioperative privacy scale (PPS), and the Amsterdam preoperative anxiety and information scale (APAIS) were used for the survey. And factors affecting patient privacy were investigated by ANOVA or t-test analysis, Pearson correlation analysis, and linear regression models.

Results

This study found that perioperative patient privacy satisfaction scores were (53.51 ± 12.54). The results of the univariate analysis showed that factors affecting privacy satisfaction included gender, age, and the number of surgeries (p < 0.05). Preoperative anxiety and Information Needs Scale was negatively associated with the perioperative patient privacy satisfaction (r = −0.807, p < 0.01). Further analysis was performed using linear regression models to finally obtain five factors affecting perioperative patient privacy: gender, age, anesthesia modality, the number of surgeries, and the Amsterdam preoperative anxiety and information.

Conclusion

Healthcare professionals working in healthcare facilities need to be aware of the sensitivity of different populations to privacy when protecting patient privacy. Patients’ preoperative anxiety and information need status affect privacy satisfaction. This will mean that healthcare professionals will be able to identify key privacy concerns early and take appropriate action.
Splenectomy is significantly associated with thrombosis but not with pulmonary hypertension in patients with transfusion-dependent thalassemia: a meta-analysis of observational studies
Authors: Kalamara Tsampika-Vasileia , Dodos Konstantinos , Vlachaki Efthymia
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Thromboembolism (TE) and pulmonary hypertension (PH) constitute frequently occurring complications in patients with transfusion-dependent thalassemia and have been associated with splenectomy in different studies. Nevertheless, the size of the possible association varies greatly in literature. Herein, we sought to provide pooled effect estimates regarding the impact of splenectomy on TE and PH in transfusion dependent thalassemia (TDT) by retrieving relevant, available studies.

Methods

We systematically searched articles published in PubMed, Cochrane library, Scopus and gray literature from inception until the 30th of May, 2023. Pooled estimates in terms of odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated according to outcome measures. Risk of bias and quality of studies were evaluated.

Results

Regarding TE, 4 studies were selected for meta-analysis and the pooled data demonstrated that splenectomy was significantly associated with this outcome in TDT patients [OR = 4.08, 95% CI (1.03, 16.11), p = 0.04]. On the other hand, we pooled data from seven investigating PH, and, interestingly, the quantitative analysis revealed no association between splenectomy and PH [OR = 1.76, 95% CI (0.91, 3.41), p = 0.1].

Conclusion

Splenectomy is associated with higher risks of TE, but not with PH in patients with TDT.
Chromosome-scale assembly uncovers genomic compartmentation of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. albedinis, the causal agent of Bayoud disease in date palm
Authors: Khayi Slimane , Armitage Andrew D. , Gaboun Fatima , Meftah-kadmiri Issam , Lahlali Rachid , Fokar Mohamed , Mentag Rachid
Published: October 2023

Date palm (Phoenixdactylifera) is the most significant crop across North Africa and the Middle East. However, the crop faces a severe threat from Bayoud disease caused by the fungal pathogen Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. albedinis (FOA). FOA is a soil-borne fungus that infects the roots and vascular system of date palms, leading to widespread destruction of date palm plantations in North Africa over the last century. This is considered the most devastating pathogen of oasis agriculture in North Africa and responsible for loss of 13 million trees in Algeria and Morocco alone. In this study, we present a chromosome-scale high-quality genome assembly of the virulent isolate Foa 44, which provides valuable insights into understanding the genetic basis of Bayoud disease. The genome assembly consists of 11 chromosomes and 40 unplaced contigs, totalling 65,971,825 base pairs in size. It exhibits a GC ratio of 47.77% and a TE (transposable element) content of 17.30%. Through prediction and annotation, we identified 20,416 protein-coding genes. By combining gene and repeat densities analysis with alignment to Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici (FOL) 4287 isolate genome sequence, we determined the core and lineage-specific compartments in Foa 44, shedding light on the genome structure of this pathogen. Furthermore, a phylogenomic analysis based on the 3,292 BUSCOs core genome revealed a distinct clade of FOA isolates within the Fusarium oxysporum species complex (FOSC). Notably, the genealogies of the five identified Secreted In Xylem (SIX) genes (1, 6, 9, 11 and 14) in FOA displayed a polyphyletic pattern, suggesting a horizontal inheritance of these effectors. These findings provide a valuable genomics toolbox for further research aimed at combatting the serious biotic constraints posed by FOA to date palm. This will pave the way for a deeper understanding of Bayoud disease and facilitate the development of effective diagnostic tools and control measures.
Assessing the diagnostic accuracy of CT perfusion: a systematic review
Authors: Thirugnanachandran Tharani , Aitchison Sean G. , Lim Andy , Ding Catherine , Ma Henry , Phan Thanh
Published: October 2023

Background and purpose

Computed tomography perfusion (CTP) has successfully extended the time window for reperfusion therapies in ischemic stroke. However, the published perfusion parameters and thresholds vary between studies. Using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses of Diagnostic Test Accuracy Studies (PRISMA-DTA) guidelines, we conducted a systematic review to investigate the accuracy of parameters and thresholds for identifying core and penumbra in adult stroke patients.

Methods

We searched Medline, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and reference lists of manuscripts up to April 2022 using the following terms “computed tomography perfusion,” “stroke,” “infarct,” and “penumbra.” Studies were included if they reported perfusion thresholds and undertook co-registration of CTP to reference standards. The quality of studies was assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 (QUADAS-2) tool and Standards for Reporting of Diagnostic Accuracy (STARD) guidelines.

Results

A total of 24 studies were included. A meta-analysis could not be performed due to insufficient data and significant heterogeneity in the study design. When reported, the mean age was 70.2 years (SD+/−3.69), and the median NIHSS on admission was 15 (IQR 13–17). The perfusion parameter identified for the core was relative cerebral blood flow (rCBF), with a median threshold of <30% (IQR 30, 40%). However, later studies reported lower thresholds in the early time window with rapid reperfusion (median 25%, IQR 20, 30%). A total of 15 studies defined a single threshold for all brain regions irrespective of collaterals and the gray and white matter.

Conclusion

A single threshold and parameter may not always accurately differentiate penumbra from core and oligemia. Further refinement of parameters is needed in the current era of reperfusion therapy.