bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Season, basal media and plant growth regulators effect in wood plant in vitro propagation: a comprehensive review
Authors: Jayusman  , Hakim L , Dalimunthe A
Published: December 2022

Wood plant in-vitro propagation is currently widely used and is not limited to the preparation of superior seeds but has been widely utilized for the production of phytopharmaceuticals and the production of a valuable and specific tree for the benefit of man. Studies focused on the influence of explant collection seasons, selection of basic media, and plant growth hormone. The results of the study showed the magnitude of the variables that must be considered in the propagation of tissue cultures even in the same species and types of cultures. The period of January and March is the best time for explant retrieval because it provides the best explant response in bud breakage, lowest browning, and best bud induction. The basic media of MS (Murashige & Skoog), as well as its various modifications and the basic medium of WPM (Wood Plant Medium), tend to be widely chosen as the basic media at various levels of subcultures in many woody plant species. The application of growth regulators shows a tendency to use BAP (benzyl amino purine) and NAA (naphthalene acetic acid) whose application is separately or in combination with a certain concentration according to the species and subculture phase. Other plant growth regulators (PGRs) that are also quite widely used are the IBA (indole butyric acid), IAA (indole acetic acid), and G3 (gibberellic acid) groups which are used in the multiplication and rooting stages. The information from the study can be used as basic information at the stage of optimizing tissue culture activities in different species, explanatory, and regeneration types. The success of the optimization stage will be used as an improvement to the previous woody plant tissue culture protocol so that optimization of success is achieved. In vitro propagation is always associated with the number of resources used, so efforts to improve in vitro protocols are a very important activity to evaluate that will lead to increased effectiveness to reduce resource inputs, and be able to realize low-cost wood plant tissue culture propagation.
Seed characteristics of Curculigo latifolia and its prospect to in vitro propagation
Authors: Muslihatin W , Manuhara Y S W , Werbrouck S
Published: December 2022

The propagation of Curculigo latifolia only occurs naturally in the wild and it is difficult to be domesticated via seed. It is suspected that the seeds are recalcitrant and require a special medium and care. In this study, we evaluated the structure of seed of C. latifolia using a stereo microscope, SEM and tetrazolium for seed viability test. The characteristics of the seeds observed in this study were the shape and color of the seeds, viability of the seeds with tetrazolim test. Seeds from the fresh fruit were cultured on MS0 medium to determine the ability of the seeds to germinate. This study showed that seeds aged 8-9 weeks after flowering were viable seeds with a red color indicated on all seed surfaces through the tetrazolium test.The structure of C. latifolia embryo is classified as an axial embryo with hypogeal germination type. Seeds of C. latifolia have potential to be used as explants for in vitro culture.
Land capability analysis using LCLP software in cangkringan micro watershed model
Authors: Fadhilla S , Kusumandari A , Senawi  , Lubis Y S , Siregar A W , Hakim L
Published: December 2022

Each land in a watershed area has different capabilities depending on the characteristics of the land in the area. Land capability analysis is needed in land management and land use, the aim is that land use can be carried out optimally and reduce the impact of land damage. Determination of land capability class using the matching method, by matching and comparing land characteristics or land limiting factors with land capability class criteria according to the USDA classification system. This study was started by conducting field observations and taking soil samples, then analyzed using Land Capability and Landuse Planing (LCLP) software and GIS to get a map of the land capability class. The results showed that the land capability in site are consists of class II-IV and VI-VII. The limiting factors for land management are erosion (e), permeability (P), texture (t) and slope (L)
Utilization of effluent biodigester as a bioactivactor for the decomposition of rice husk (Oryza sativa) into compost
Authors: Afrianti S , Irvan  , Nur T B , Delvian
Published: December 2022

Accelerate the biodegradation of rice husks into compost requires a bioactivator. The bioactivator used is the effluent from a biogas reactor which integrates with the fermenter. The composting process for rice husk (Oryza sativa) adds a bioactivatorwith two treatments. Treatment A uses an effluent bioactivator Biogas reactor; treatment B uses an effluent bioactivator from the University of North Sumatra pilot plant. This study aimed to compare the effect of variations in composting treatment and B on the results of composting rice husks. From the results of the study, the two treatments at temperatures were not too much different; the average of treatment A was 330C, and B was 33.200C; the average value of pH in Treatment A was 7.1 and B was 7.3, while the average value of Content moisture in treatment A was 55.59% and in B was 55.16%. Meanwhile, the value of nutrients and macros is not too much different between treatments A and B. The organic C in A is 14.12%, and B is 14.36%. The N-Total value in treatment A is 1.08%, and B is 1.12%, the value of P2O5Ain0.77 and B is 0.69%, the valueAis 0.57% and B is 0.60%, the value of CaO in treatment A is 0.17%, and B is 0.22%, the value of MgO in treatment A is 0.29%, and B is 0.34, the value of Cu in treatment A is 9 ppm, and B is 9.1 ppm, the value of Zn in treatment A is 50 ppm, and B is 52 ppm.
Lignin utilization from black liquor as raw material lignin resorsinol formaldehyde adhesives (LRF)
Authors: Manurung H , Azhar I
Published: December 2022

Black liquor is the result of pulp processing which contains several chemical compounds such as lignin, carbohydrate degradation products, resins and fatty acids. The main objective of the study was to determine the amount of lignin content contained in black liquor from the kraft process and its potential as a raw material for adhesives. Several research results state that the lignin contained in black liquor can be used as an adhesive. Lignin was isolated from black liquor by means of repeated deposition (reprepitation). The lignin obtained was then tested by FTIR, then the lignin was used as an adhesive with the addition of resorcinol and formaldehyde with an applicative composition of lignin resorcinol formaldehyde adhesive on a resin with a mole ratio of lignin (L) : resorcinol (R) : formaldehyde (F) = 1: 0.5 : 2; 1 : 0.3 : 2; with an additive content of 1.5% of the solid resin. Then tested for specific gravity, pH, content of non-volatile solids, viscosity, and gelatination. The results of the study were in the form of black liquor, dark brown to blackish in color with the form of a slightly viscous concentrated liquid. In testing with a pH meter, it showed that the initial pH of the black liquor was 12, this indicates that the waste pulp in the form of leachate is alkaline. Indicators on pH and specific gravity alone do not meet PF adhesive standards. The shape, appearance, viscosity (thickness), residual evaporation and gelatinization period are in accordance with PF adhesive standards. The results obtained from the ratio of different moles of resorcinol do not differ much from the test results, but it can be seen from the data that the specific gravity of the LRF adhesive (1:0,5:2) is closer to the standard for PF adhesive, although the distance between the two values is not much different. Overall this adhesive has the potential and needs further research for its application.
Partial purification and characterization of keratinase produced by keratinolytic fungi, Earliella scabrosa A2 and Aspergillus flavus A11
Authors: Gozali C , Suryanto D , Hartanto A
Published: December 2022

Chicken feather waste originating from the poultry industry and its processing is a potential source of protein and amino acids that can still be used as functional compounds. This study aimed to study the keratinolytic activity of local fungal isolates in vitro as a keratin-degrading agent. Keratinase secreted by keratinolytic fungal isolates were produced and characterized in 1% (w/v) Feather Meal Broth (FMB) composed of pure chicken feathers. Fungal isolates used in this study were A2 and A11 which were later identified based on ITS-rDNA genetic similarity to Earliella scabrosa and Aspergillus flavus, respectively. Crude enzymes were precipitated using an increasing ammonium sulphate salt gradient. The enzyme activity of Earliella scabrosa A2 and Aspergillus flavus A11 were 19 and 7.5 U/mL respectively. The crude enzymes showed an increase of activity during 80% of precipitation for isolate A2 with 10 U/mL and for isolate A11 with 18.6 U/mL. The specific activity after dialysis were 61.99 U/mg for isolate A2 and 75.11 U/mg for isolate A11. The optimum condition of keratinase activity for isolate A2 were at pH 7 and 30°C while isolate A11 showed its optimum activity at pH 8 and 45°C.
The effect of distance planting of red mangrove (Rhizophoraapiculata) on Pulau Sembilan, PangkalanSusu District, Langkat Regency
Authors: Yunasfi  , Siregar K , Dalimunthe A
Published: December 2022

Mangroves are a very important coastal resource for socio-economic development In addition, mangrove habitats contribute to complex food webs and energy transfer. This research was conducted in the mangrove forest area of Pulau Sembilan Village, Pangkalan Susu. This research activity was carried out for 3 months from October to December 2022. Observations in this study were carried out every two weeks. This study was based on a completely randomized design (CRD) with 5 treatments with 6 replications. The treatment in question is the spacing with P0 = 46 meters, P1 = 47 meters, P2 = 48 meters, P3 = 49 meters and P4 = 50 meters. From the research on the effect of plant spacing on Rhizophoraapiculata, the highest seedling height growth was obtained in the P0 treatment (40m spacing) with a value of 213.2 cm or average 35.5 cm. The highest increase in plant diameter was found in the P0 treatment with a value of 7.59mm or average 1.27 mm. The highest added value was found in treatment P2 with a value of 37.0 cm. The increase in leaf length is 55.4 cm which is found in the P4 treatment.
Solar tracker design on solar panel for stm32 microcontroller based on battery charging system
Authors: Rangkuti H H , Sinaga N P , Ariani F
Published: December 2022

This paper describes about solar energy is one of the energy sources that won’t terminated. Solar energy can be easily converted into electrical energy by using solar panels. Solar panels that are placed horizontally on the ground, the solar panel cannot absorb the light perfectly. Therefore, solar panels require an automatic solar tracking system to increase the efficiency of the solar panels. In this study, a solar tracker has been designed using a light dependent resistor (ldr) sensor based on the stm32 microcontroller. From the results of the study, the increase in power obtained from the use of a solar tracker was 27.97%. In static solar panels, the time required to fully charge the 12v, 7ah lead acid battery is 5 hours 10 minutes, while using a solar tracker the lead acid battery charging time is 3 hours 30 minutes. The use of a solar tracker saves battery charging time for 1 hour 40 minutes compared to static solar panels.
Utilization of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in identifying the characteristics of the riparian ecosystem of the Percut River, North Sumatra Province
Authors: Slamet B , Adinda D , Nduru O P J , Samsuri
Published: December 2022

The Percut River border area has changed its function. Changes in land use result in a decrease in the area and types of vegetation that grow on river borders. Considering that the area is quite long and inaccessible in some locations, it can identify riparian vegetation by utilizing remote sensing technology. This study aims to identify the characteristics of the Percut river riparian vegetation using a UAV. Eight vegetation indices were used to analyse land cover types in this riparian ecosystem, namely Green-red ratio (GR), Green-red vegetation index (GRVI), RGB-based vegetation index (RGBVI), Visible atmospherically resistant index (VARI), Simple blue-green ratio (BGI2), Excess green index (ExG), Normalized green-blue difference index (NGBDI) and Modified green-red vegetation index (MGRVI). The analysis of the vegetation index based on RGB images shows that not all indices used are good in separating vegetation from other land covers. Analysis of riparian vegetation characteristics based on the RGB index is recommended using the RGBVI index (RGB-based vegetation index).
Determination of potential fishing ground of mackerel fish (Rastrelliger kanagurta) using satellite imagery in the Malacca Strait
Authors: Fadhilah A , Kurniawan D , Harahap Z A , Leidonald R
Published: December 2022

Mackerel fish (Rastrelliger kanagurta) is a fishery commodity in high demand by the community which is caught in the Malacca Strait. The number of mackerel catches tends to fluctuate every month because it is influenced by different mackerel fishing grounds. Determination of fishing ground tends to use traditional methods such as seeing ripples and a flock of birds flying above the water surface. This study aims to determine the effect of sea surface temperature and chlorophyll-a concentration on mackerel catches and determine the value of primary productivity of the VGPM model every month and also to determine the potential fishing ground to catch mackerel fish based on the sea surface temperature (SST) and chlorophyll-a concentration and Aqua MODIS satellite image data (SST and Chlorophyll-a) were downloaded from oceancolour.gfc.nasa.gov while the catch data were obtained from the Belawan Ocean Fishery Port, the data was taken from 2016 to 2020. The influence of SST and Chlorophyll-a concentration was analyzed and visualized on a map. It was found that every month the potential fishing ground for catching mackerel fish has a different location due to the influence of sea surface temperature and fluctuating chlorophyll-a caused by seasonal changes that occur in Indonesia, where the average SST ranged from 30.01 to 31.34°C and the concentration of chlorophyll-a ranged from 1.48 – 2.28 mg/m3 from 2016 – 2020 with a high net primary productivity ranged from 802.12 – 1.341.59 mgC/m2/day from 2016 to 2020. The potential area for catching mackerel (Rastrelliger kanagurta) caught using purse seines in the Malacca Strait is in the coordinates range of 980 10"51.6” – 1000 19"4.8” (longitude) and 30 28" 48” – 4 0 56"34.8” (latitude) and perpendicular horizontally to the Langkat Regency to Asahan Regency shoreline with a distance under 12 miles to 50 miles. Information on potential areas for catching mackerel can help fishermen in fishing activities so that they are more efficient and catch maximum results.
Performance testing of the thermal conductivity measuring equipment on particle board isolators
Authors: Azhari  , Nasution T I , Nurhasanah Rossy
Published: December 2022

We investigated the value of thermal conductivity of particle board using a tool designed with the principle of converting electrical energy into heat energy by varying temperatures. This study aims to determine the value of thermal conductivity of oil certain particle board and to what extent it can function as a thermal insulation material and to determine the performance of the thermal conductivity test equipment. The size of this tool is 10 mm of thickness, 65 mm of width, 140 mm of length and 40 mm of height, which is equipped with the function of measuring the conductivity value of the material. The average error value of the temperature sensor compared to the standard thermocouple is 0.8%. By entering the value of the area and thickness of the sample, the average conductivity value of the composite material is 0,028 W/m°C. The low material conductivity value will be used as a building construction material. The data show that the sensitivity, accuracy, and precision of this tool are very good for testing the conductivity of a material.
Sensory profiling of beverages from Tulsi leaves (Ocimum tenuiflorum Linne) using Quantitative Descriptive Analysis (QDA)
Authors: Marvell J , Ervina E
Published: December 2022

Tulsi, also known as holly basil, are well known for their medicinal, pharmacological, and health benefits. However, the sensory profiles of food or beverages made from this plant have never been reported before. This study aimed to define the sensory characteristics of beverages made from tulsi leaves using the Quantitative Descriptive Analysis (QDA) method. Fourteen trained panelists were selected and trained, three samples of tulsi beverages were evaluated and the tests were replicated twice. In total, 27 sensory attributes were generated. The dominant attributes include yellow, brown and transparent colors for the visual aspect, representing tea-like beverage. Moreover, both the odor and flavor of basil, mint and grassy were also perceived as key attributes for the tulsi beverages. In addition, the tulsi beverages were also characterized by strong astringent taste and aftertaste. In general, the test was reliable, however, additional training is needed to train the panelists intensively for the selected attributes. The results obtained from this research can be used as a preliminary study to develop new functional food products made from tulsi leaves by considering their sensory profiles.
The challenges of implementing agroecology as a social movement by members of The Serikat Petani Indonesia
Authors: Sinaga R P K , Lubis M A , Nasution F A , Sembiring E P H
Published: December 2022

The disintegration of peasants' social, economic, and cultural systems, as well as environmental harm, have been facilitated by conventional agricultural models and the existence of the green revolution. The Serikat Petani Indonesia (SPI, Indonesian Peasants Union) has made agroecology a social movement issue in an effort to resist the capitalistic agricultural system and has become one of the milestones in the realization of food sovereignty. SPI's initiatives to persuade its members to adopt an agro-ecological model of agriculture rather than a conventional one, however, cannot be implemented effectively. There are still issues that need to be resolved before SPI member may adopt agroecology, despite the fact that instruction is being implemented on both a conceptual and practical level. As an illustration, the SPI base at Pamah Village, Serdang Bedagai Regency, North Sumatra is one instance where the program for agroecological application has not been successful. As a reflection on the problems that SPI member peasants encounter in implementing agroecological agriculture, the author is interested in conducting research to see and analyze the types of challenges peasants in Pamah Village face while adopting agroecology. This study adopts a qualitative methodology to accomplish its goals, and its data-gathering methods include participatory observations, in-depth interviews, literature and documentary studies, participatory observations, and a limited group discussion. The data is then examined using the Narrative Research Analysis approach after the field data has been collected. Based on the study's findings, it is known that the failure to adopt agroecological agricultural models as an alternative is a strategic issue brought on by low-intensity organizations in the grassroots sector, as well as the quality of efforts to stimulate the involvement of the peasants in analyzing the problems that are entrenched and to choose alternative goals that are also not fully achieved.
CapsNet-LDA: predicting lncRNA-disease associations using attention mechanism and capsule network based on multi-view data
Authors: Zhang Zequn , Xu Junlin , Wu Yanan , Liu Niannian , Wang Yinglong , Liang Ying
Published: December 2022

Cumulative studies have shown that many long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are crucial in a number of diseases. Predicting potential lncRNA-disease associations (LDAs) can facilitate disease prevention, diagnosis and treatment. Therefore, it is vital to develop practical computational methods for LDA prediction. In this study, we propose a novel predictor named capsule network (CapsNet)-LDA for LDA prediction. CapsNet-LDA first uses a stacked autoencoder for acquiring the informative low-dimensional representations of the lncRNA-disease pairs under multiple views, then the attention mechanism is leveraged to implement an adaptive allocation of importance weights to them, and they are subsequently processed using a CapsNet-based architecture for predicting LDAs. Different from the conventional convolutional neural networks (CNNs) that have some restrictions with the usage of scalar neurons and pooling operations. the CapsNets use vector neurons instead of scalar neurons that have better robustness for the complex combination of features and they use dynamic routing processes for updating parameters. CapsNet-LDA is superior to other five state-of-the-art models on four benchmark datasets, four perturbed datasets and an independent test set in the comparison experiments, demonstrating that CapsNet-LDA has excellent performance and robustness against perturbation, as well as good generalization ability. The ablation studies verify the effectiveness of some modules of CapsNet-LDA. Moreover, the ability of multi-view data to improve performance is proven. Case studies further indicate that CapsNet-LDA can accurately predict novel LDAs for specific diseases.
Honest calibration assessment for binary outcome predictions
Authors: Dimitriadis Timo , Dümbgen Lutz , Henzi Alexander , Puke Marius , Ziegel Johanna
Published: December 2022

Probability predictions from binary regressions or machine learning methods ought to be calibrated: if an event is predicted to occur with probability $x$, it should materialize with approximately that frequency, which means that the so-called calibration curve $p(\cdot)$ should equal the identity, i.e., $p(x) = x$ for all $x$ in the unit interval. We propose honest calibration assessment based on novel confidence bands for the calibration curve, which are valid subject to only the natural assumption of isotonicity. Besides testing the classical goodness-of-fit null hypothesis of perfect calibration, our bands facilitate inverted goodness-of-fit tests whose rejection allows for the sought-after conclusion of a sufficiently well-specified model. We show that our bands have a finite-sample coverage guarantee, are narrower than those of existing approaches, and adapt to the local smoothness of the calibration curve $p$ and the local variance of the binary observations. In an application to modelling predictions of an infant having low birth weight, the bounds give informative insights into model calibration.
Medical and surgical postoperative complications after breast conservation versus mastectomy in older women with breast cancer: Swedish population-based register study of 34 139 women
Authors: de Boniface Jana , Szulkin Robert , Johansson Anna L V
Published: December 2022

Background

Mastectomy rates in breast cancer are higher in older patients. The aim was to compare postoperative complication rates after breast-conserving surgery (BCS) to mastectomy in women aged 70–79 and older than 80 years versus those aged 50–69 years, and to evaluate survival effects.

Methods

This population-based cohort included women aged 50 years and older with invasive breast cancer T1–3 N0–3 M0 operated on in Sweden 2008–2017. Major surgical and medical 30-day postoperative complications were assessed in adjusted logistic regression models. Overall survival was assessed in Cox models adjusted for clinical confounders, socio-economics, and comorbidity.

Results

Of 34 139 women, 8372 (24.5 per cent) were aged 70–79 years, 3928 (11.5 per cent) were 80 years of age or older, and 21 839 (64.0 per cent) were aged 50–69 years. Major surgical postoperative complications did not differ between age groups receiving equivalent surgery (BCS: 2.1 per cent and 2.0 per cent versus 2.1 per cent (P = 0.90); mastectomy: 4.6 per cent and 5.1 per cent versus 4.6 per cent (P = 0.49)). Major medical postoperative complications were higher in women aged >70 years than in women aged 50–69 years (BCS: 1.0 per cent and 2.3 per cent versus 0.4 per cent (P < 0.001); mastectomy: 3.1 per cent and 6.2 per cent versus 1.1 per cent (P < 0.001)), which persisted after adjustments. In women treated by mastectomy, major medical and surgical postoperative complications were associated with worse overall survival in all but the middle age group.

Conclusion

Mastectomy has higher medical and surgical postoperative complication rates than BCS. Major medical postoperative complications increase significantly with age. Major postoperative complications are associated with worse survival after mastectomy, which should be used with caution in older women.
Downregulation of PMP22 ameliorates myelin defects in iPSC-derived human organoid cultures of CMT1A
Authors: Van Lent Jonas , Vendredy Leen , Adriaenssens Elias , Da Silva Authier Tatiana , Asselbergh Bob , Kaji Marcus , Weckhuysen Sarah , Van Den Bosch Ludo , Baets Jonathan , Timmerman Vincent
Published: December 2022

Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease is the most common inherited disorder of the PNS. CMT1A accounts for 40–50% of all cases and is caused by a duplication of the PMP22 gene on chromosome 17, leading to dysmyelination in the PNS. Patient-derived models to study such myelination defects are lacking as the in vitro generation of human myelinating Schwann cells has proved to be particularly challenging. Here, we present an induced pluripotent stem cell-derived organoid culture, containing various cell types of the PNS, including myelinating human Schwann cells, which mimics the human PNS. Single-cell analysis confirmed the PNS-like cellular composition and provides insight into the developmental trajectory. We used this organoid model to study disease signatures of CMT1A, revealing early ultrastructural myelin alterations, including increased myelin periodic line distance and hypermyelination of small axons. Furthermore, we observed the presence of onion-bulb-like formations in a later developmental stage. These hallmarks were not present in the CMT1A-corrected isogenic line or in a CMT2A iPSC line, supporting the notion that these alterations are specific to CMT1A. Downregulation of PMP22 expression using short-hairpin RNAs or a combinatorial drug consisting of baclofen, naltrexone hydrochloride and D-sorbitol was able to ameliorate the myelin defects in CMT1A-organoids. In summary, this self-organizing organoid model can capture biologically meaningful features of the disease and capture the physiological complexity, forms an excellent model for studying demyelinating diseases and supports the therapeutic approach of reducing PMP22 expression.
Transcriptome Analysis of the Differentially Expressed Heat-resistant Genes betweenCalliptamus italicusandGomphocerus sibiricus
Authors: Luo Di , Liu Qian , Wang Jinfeng , Jashenko Roman , Ji Rong
Published: December 2022

Calliptamus italicus and Gomphocerus sibiricus are indicator species in Xinjiang’s low-altitude (700–1,900 m) and high-altitude (2,000–3,400 m) grasslands, respectively. C. italicus is tolerant to high-temperature stress, with its semilethal temperature (LT50) being 10.5°C higher than that of G. sibiricus. The two locust species were subjected to high-temperature stress to explore the molecular mechanisms and differences in high temperature tolerance between the two locust species. Next, the next generation sequencing (NGS) data were mapped to reference transcripts obtained using single molecule real Time (SMRT) sequencing to construct a nonparameter transcriptome. The transcriptomic response of these two locust species displayed different patterns. C. italicus had 126 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), with 59 and 67 being significantly up-regulated and down-regulated, respectively. The heat shock protein (Hsp) genes were highly expressed upon two locust species exposure to high-temperature stress, with Hsp70 being expressed the most. G. sibiricus had 86 DEGs, of which 45 were significantly up-regulated and 41 significantly down-regulated. In addition, the expression of the key enzyme encoding gene Myo-inositol oxygenase (MIOX) in inositol degradation was the highest in G. sibiricus. In the KEGG pathway, the biological processes and metabolic pathways were the most enriched pathways in C. italicus and G. sibiricus, respectively. Moreover, the quantitative fluorescence results were consistent with the transcriptome results, implying that the transcriptome results were accurate. The findings in this study provide valuable information for future research exploring the evolution mechanisms of heat resistance in C. italicus and G. sibiricus.
Duration of exposure to epidural anesthesia at delivery, DNA methylation in umbilical cord blood and their association with offspring asthma in Non-Hispanic Black women
Authors: Wang Yaxu , Tzeng Jung-Ying , Huang Yueyang , Maguire Rachel , Hoyo Cathrine , Allen Terrence K
Published: December 2022

Epidural anesthesia is an effective pain relief modality, widely used for labor analgesia. Childhood asthma is one of the commonest chronic medical illnesses in the USA which places a significant burden on the health-care system. We recently demonstrated a negative association between the duration of epidural anesthesia and the development of childhood asthma; however, the underlying molecular mechanisms still remain unclear. In this study of 127 mother–child pairs comprised of 75 Non-Hispanic Black (NHB) and 52 Non-Hispanic White (NHW) from the Newborn Epigenetic Study, we tested the hypothesis that umbilical cord blood DNA methylation mediates the association between the duration of exposure to epidural anesthesia at delivery and the development of childhood asthma and whether this differed by race/ethnicity. In the mother–child pairs of NHB ancestry, the duration of exposure to epidural anesthesia was associated with a marginally lower risk of asthma (odds ratio = 0.88, 95% confidence interval = 0.76–1.01) for each 1-h increase in exposure to epidural anesthesia. Of the 20 CpGs in the NHB population showing the strongest mediation effect, 50% demonstrated an average mediation proportion of 52%, with directional consistency of direct and indirect effects. These top 20 CpGs mapped to 21 genes enriched for pathways engaged in antigen processing, antigen presentation, protein ubiquitination and regulatory networks related to the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) class I complex and Nuclear Factor Kappa-B (NFkB) complex. Our findings suggest that DNA methylation in immune-related pathways contributes to the effects of the duration of exposure to epidural anesthesia on childhood asthma risk in NHB offspring.
Need for home care or nursing home admission after myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock and/or out-of-hospital cardiac arrest
Authors: Lauridsen Marie D , Rørth Rasmus , Butt Jawad H , Strange Jarl E , Schmidt Morten , Kristensen Søren L , Kragholm Kristian , Johnsen Søren P , Møller Jacob E , Hassager Christian , Køber Lars , Fosbøl Emil L
Published: December 2022

Aims

Myocardial infarction (MI) with cardiogenic shock (CS) and/or out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) are conditions with potential loss of autonomy. In patients with MI, the association between CS and OHCA and need for home care or nursing home admission was examined.

Methods and results

Danish nationwide registries identified patients with MI (2008–19), who prior to the event lived at home without home care and discharged alive. One-year cumulative incidences and hazard ratios (HRs) were reported for home care need or nursing home admission, a composite proxy for disability in activities of daily living (ADL), along with all-cause mortality. The study population consisted of 67 109 patients with MI (by groups: −OHCA/−CS: 63 644; −OHCA/+CS: 1776; +OHCA/−CS: 968; and +OHCA/+CS: 721). The 1-year cumulative incidences of home care/nursing home were 7.1% for patients who survived to discharge with −OHCA/−CS, 20.9% for −OHCA/+CS, 5.4% for +OHCA/−CS, and 8.2% for those with +OHCA/+CS. The composite outcome was driven by home care. With the −OHCA/−CS as reference, the adjusted HRs for home care/nursing home were 2.86 (95% CI: 2.57–3.19) for patients with −OHCA/+CS; 1.31 (95% CI: 1.00–1.73) for + OHCA/−CS; and 2.18 (95% CI: 1.68–2.82) for those with +OHCA/+CS. The 1-year cumulative mortality were 5.1% for patients with −OHCA/−CS, 9.8% for −OHCA/+CS, 3.0% for +OHCA/−CS, and 3.4% for those with +OHCA/+CS.

Conclusion

In patients discharged alive after a MI, CS, and to a lesser degree OHCA were associated with impaired ADL with a two-fold higher 1-year incidence of home care or nursing home admission compared with MI patients without CS or OHCA.
Reducing gap in pre-hospital delay between women and men presenting with ST-elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Foster-Witassek Fabienne , Rickli Hans , Roffi Marco , Pedrazzini Giovanni , Eberli Franz , Fassa Amir , Jeger Raban , Fournier Stéphane , Erne Paul , Radovanovic Dragana
Published: December 2022

Aims

This study aimed to analyse changes in pre-hospital delay over time in women and men presenting with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in Switzerland.

Methods and results

AMIS Plus registry data of patients admitted for STEMI between 2002 and 2019 were analysed using multivariable quantile regression including the following covariates: interaction between sex and admission year, age, diabetes, pain at presentation, myocardial infarction (MI) history, heart failure history, hypertension, and renal disease. Among the 15,350 patients included (74.5% men), the median (interquartile range) delay between 2002 and 2019 was 150 (84; 345) min for men and 180 (100; 414) min for women. The unadjusted median pre-hospital delay significantly decreased over time for both sexes but the decreasing trend was stronger for women. Specifically, the unadjusted sex differences in delay decreased from 60 min in 2002 (P = 0.0042) to 40.5 min in 2019 (P = 0.165). The multivariable model revealed a significant interaction between sex and admission year (P = 0.038) indicating that the decrease in delay was stronger for women (−3.3 min per year) than for men (−1.6 min per year) even after adjustment. The adjusted difference between men and women decreased from 26.93 min in 2002 to −1.97 min for women in 2019.

Conclusion

Over two decades, delay between symptom onset and hospital admission in STEMI decreased significantly for men and women. The decline was more pronounced in women, leading to the sex gap disappearing in the adjusted analysis for 2019.
Sustaining Carbon Storage: Lessons from Hemiboreal Old-Growth Coniferous and Deciduous Forest Stands
Authors: Ķēniņa Laura , Elferts Didzis , Jaunslaviete Ieva , Bāders Endijs , Jansons Āris
Published: December 2022

For the last three decades, the area of old-growth forest stands in Europe has continued to increase as has their importance in achieving forest-related policy goals. This has triggered an increase in research interest in old-growth forests, both from climate change mitigation and biodiversity protection perspectives. However, carbon stock in old-growth stands in European hemiboreal forests had not been systematically studied. Therefore, in this article, we characterize differences in carbon stock between mature and old-growth stands on fertile mineral soils in hemiboreal Latvia to contribute to the understanding of carbon storage changes under different management strategies for forest lands. Carbon stock varied significantly both between old-growth stands of different dominant tree species and between mature (1.9–2.3 times younger) and old-growth stages of the same dominant species in forest stands. The carbon stock of tree biomass and deadwood was larger in old-growth stands, but their mean annual carbon stock change was significantly lower than in mature stands (27% to 47% depending on dominant tree species). Old-growth stands can serve as carbon reservoirs in areas with limited natural disturbances; however, for maintenance of climate neutrality, it is essential to expand the area of managed stands with larger annual carbon stock increase.

Study Implications: Forest ecosystems play a major role in regulation of global climate: They can store high quantities of carbon and also can gain or lose it rather quickly. For the last three decades, the area of old-growth forest stands in Europe has continued to increase as has their importance in achieving forest-related policy goals. Old-growth forests can represent the baseline carbon-carrying capacity in particular conditions. Therefore, we characterized differences in carbon stock between mature and old-growth stands on fertile mineral soils in hemiboreal Latvia to contribute to the understanding of carbon storage and for planning forest management activities.
Dual Domestication, Diversity, and Differential Introgression in Old World Cotton Diploids
Authors: Grover Corrinne E , Arick Mark A , Thrash Adam , Sharbrough Joel , Hu Guanjing , Yuan Daojun , Snodgrass Samantha , Miller Emma R , Ramaraj Thiruvarangan , Peterson Daniel G , Udall Joshua A , Wendel Jonathan F
Published: December 2022

Domestication in the cotton genus is remarkable in that it has occurred independently four different times at two different ploidy levels. Relatively little is known about genome evolution and domestication in the cultivated diploid species Gossypium herbaceum and Gossypium arboreum, due to the absence of wild representatives for the latter species, their ancient domestication, and their joint history of human-mediated dispersal and interspecific gene flow. Using in-depth resequencing of a broad sampling from both species, we provide support for their independent domestication, as opposed to a progenitor–derivative relationship, showing that diversity (mean π = 6 × 10−3) within species is similar, and that divergence between species is modest (FST = 0.413). Individual accessions were homozygous for ancestral single-nucleotide polymorphisms at over half of variable sites, while fixed, derived sites were at modest frequencies. Notably, two chromosomes with a paucity of fixed, derived sites (i.e., chromosomes 7 and 10) were also strongly implicated as having experienced high levels of introgression. Collectively, these data demonstrate variable permeability to introgression among chromosomes, which we propose is due to divergent selection under domestication and/or the phenomenon of F2 breakdown in interspecific crosses. Our analyses provide insight into the evolutionary forces that shape diversity and divergence in the diploid cultivated species and establish a foundation for understanding the contribution of introgression and/or strong parallel selection to the extensive morphological similarities shared between species.
Prediction Abilities of SCORE2 Risk Algorithms for Incident Dementia and All-Cause Mortality: Results From the UK Biobank Cohort Study
Authors: Zheng Fanfan , Xie Wuxiang , Li Chenglong , Gao Darui , Liang Jie
Published: December 2022

Background

Whether the updated Systematic COronary Risk Evaluation (SCORE2) risk algorithm is suitable for the prediction of incident dementia and all-cause mortality and whether its discrimination abilities for these outcomes are higher than those of the SCORE and Cardiovascular Risk Factors, Aging, and Dementia (CAIDE) risk algorithms are unclear.

Methods

The present study included 429 033 participants (mean age: 57.1 ± 8.1 years; male: 46.2%; White: 94.1%) free of dementia from the UK Biobank at baseline, with a median follow-up of 12.8 years. Cox regression models were adopted to investigate the longitudinal relationships of SCORE2 risk categories with outcomes, and receiver operating characteristic curve analyses were used to compare the discrimination abilities of the 3 algorithms.

Results

During 5 376 778 person-years of follow-up, 6 477 all-cause dementia, 2 726 Alzheimer’s disease (AD), 1 439 vascular disease (VD), and 31 981 all-cause deaths were identified. We found that higher SCORE2 risk was associated with higher risks of all-cause dementia, AD, VD, and all-cause mortality. The C-indices of SCORE2 risk for discriminating incident all-cause dementia, AD, VD, and all-cause death were 0.750 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.745 to 0.755), 0.750 (95% CI: 0.743 to 0.757), 0.800 (95% CI: 0.791 to 0.809), and 0.721 (95% CI: 0.718 to 0.724), respectively, which were significantly improved in comparison to those of the SCORE and CAIDE risk algorithms.

Conclusion

The SCORE2 risk algorithm is applicable in predicting incident all-cause dementia, AD, VD, and all-cause mortality in European populations, and its discrimination abilities for dementia and death are significantly higher than those of the SCORE and CAIDE risk algorithms. Further validations in other populations are warranted.
Can Digital Communication Protect Against Depression for Older Adults With Hearing and Vision Impairment During COVID-19?
Authors: Zhang Amanda , Wroblewski Kristen E , Imbery Terence E , McClintock Martha K , Hawkley Louise C , Pinto Jayant M
Published: December 2022

Objectives

During social isolation imposed by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, older adults with impaired hearing and vision potentially experienced more communication challenges, increasing their risk for poor mental health. Digital communication (e.g., video calls, e-mail/text/social media) may alleviate in-person isolation and protect against depression. We addressed this question using data from the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project, a nationally representative panel study of community-dwelling older adults.

Method

Two thousand five hundred fifty-eight adults aged 55 and older comprised the analytic sample. Interviewer rating at baseline (2015–2016) classified those with vision impairment (VI) or hearing impairment (HI). Olfactory impairment (OI) was measured by objective testing. During COVID-19 (2020–2021), respondents reported how often they contacted nonhousehold family or friends and whether this was by phone, e-mail/text/social media, video, or in-person. They also quantified the frequency of depressive feelings.

Results

Older adults with VI or HI but not OI at baseline were significantly less likely to report regular use of video calling and e-mail/text/social media during the pandemic compared to those without impairment. Sensory impairments did not affect the frequency of phone or in-person communication. Adults with VI or HI were more likely to experience frequent depressive feelings during COVID-19. Video calls mitigated this negative effect of VI- and HI-associated depressive feelings in a dose-dependent manner.

Discussion

Among communication modalities, video calling had a protective effect against depressive feelings for people with sensory impairment during social isolation. Improving access to and usability of video communication for older adults with sensory impairment could be a strategy to improve their mental health.
High-throughput proteomics and in vitro functional characterization of the 26 medically most important elapids and vipers from sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Nguyen Giang Thi Tuyet , O'Brien Carol , Wouters Yessica , Seneci Lorenzo , Gallissà-Calzado Alex , Campos-Pinto Isabel , Ahmadi Shirin , Laustsen Andreas H , Ljungars Anne
Published: December 2022

Venomous snakes are important parts of the ecosystem, and their behavior and evolution have been shaped by their surrounding environments over the eons. This is reflected in their venoms, which are typically highly adapted for their biological niche, including their diet and defense mechanisms for deterring predators. Sub-Saharan Africa is rich in venomous snake species, of which many are dangerous to humans due to the high toxicity of their venoms and their ability to effectively deliver large amounts of venom into their victims via their bite. In this study, the venoms of 26 of sub-Saharan Africa's medically most relevant elapid and viper species were subjected to parallelized toxicovenomics analysis. The analysis included venom proteomics and in vitro functional characterization of whole venom toxicities, enabling a robust comparison of venom profiles between species. The data presented here corroborate previous studies and provide biochemical details for the clinical manifestations observed in envenomings by the 26 snake species. Moreover, two new venom proteomes (Naja anchietae and Echis leucogaster) are presented here for the first time. Combined, the presented data can help shine light on snake venom evolutionary trends and possibly be used to further improve or develop novel antivenoms.
Legitimacy and effectiveness concerns in China’s private antitrust enforcement regime: a comparative analysis with the EU and US regimes
Authors: Wang Jing , Cahill Dermot
Published: December 2022

The year 2007 heralded a major advance in China’s entry to the global economy’s rules-based marketplace. Its Anti-MonopolyLaw 2007 (AML 2007) taking inspiration from European Union (EU) antitrust concepts contained internationally familiar key antitrust prohibitions. It appeared to satisfy key benchmarks, which any credible antitrust enforcement system should exhibit, namely Legitimacy and Effectiveness. However, in this original contribution, analysing 14 years of leading case law, the authors identify several key persistent Legitimacy and Effectiveness issues which arise when private parties attempt antitrust enforcement through the courts. On key issues such as: (i) Compensation awards inadequacy; (ii) Lack of rights for indirect purchasers; (iii) Absence of a passing-on defence; and (iv) Limitations of collective litigation mechanisms, deficiencies arising in each of these four areas are identified and analysed. Pathways to reform are set out. Comparative analysis with the corresponding EU and US jurisprudence is undertaken throughout, to illuminate the contrast in treatment for antitrust litigants facing similar antitrust situations. Recently enacted reform legislation (AML 2022) does not remedy the antitrust protection concerns identified by the authors. Private parties seeking antitrust redress in China will therefore continue to have weaker remedies in antitrust enforcement cases, in contrast with their EU and US counterparts. The absence of comprehensive reform means that Legitimacy and Effectiveness deficiencies will continue to undermine legal protection for China’s private antitrust enforcement litigants. Furthermore, the research demonstrates how norm adoption on its own cannot raise the propect of better outcomes, unless accompanied by corresponding evolution in the provision of more robust enforcement rights and remedies for antitrust litigants, as well as evolution in judicial interpretation to support antitrust norms acceptance.