bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preparation and application of heterogeneous catalyst based on KOH impregnated activated carbon from rubber seed kernel for biodiesel synthesis
Authors: Iriany  , Taslim  , Bani O , Aldi A , Rahmadani S
Published: December 2022

Research to explore the potential of rubber seeds kernel as a carbon source for the preparation of heterogeneous catalysts has been carried out. This study aimed to characterize rubber seed kernel carbon, impregnate it with KOH, and apply it as a heterogeneous catalyst in biodiesel synthesis. In this research, rubber seed kernel was powdered then carbonized in a furnace for 4 h at 500°C, followed by activation with HCl for 1 h and dried. The resulting activated carbon was impregnated with KOH solution for 3 h at 80°C. After pre-drying, it was calcined at 500°C for 3 h. The rubber seed kernel powder, activated carbon, and KOH impregnated carbon were characterized using SEM-EDX and FTIR. KOH impregnated carbon was used as a heterogeneous catalyst in coconut oil transesterification for biodiesel synthesis. The parameters studied were catalyst load (2 - 4%) and reaction temperature (55 - 65°C). Molar ratio of oil to methanol and time were set at 1:9 and 2 h, respectively. The highest yield (96.43%) was obtained at 3% catalyst load and reaction temperature of 60°C.
Simulation model in determining forestry and plantation circumstances
Authors: Sembiring N , Napitupulu H L , Sembiring M T , Ishak A
Published: December 2022

Plantation and forestry systems consist of several dynamic subsystems as well as complexes that are integrated. Plantation and forestry productivity is largely determined by the interactions of each of these sub-systems. Simulation models can illustrate interactions between sub-systems in detail to be analyzed and evaluated in predicting any conditions that may occur. The model is indispensable because it leads to significant savings in time and money. This article is compiled by selecting and analyzing the previous research methods selected to draw conclusions on interactions between sub-systems to achieve effective and efficient plantation productivity. The final results show that how sub-systems affect forestry and plantation productivity can be demonstrated by hybrid simulation models. Therefore, hybrid simulation methods can be used to determine the integration process of each party in affecting the productivity of plantations and forests. The hybrid simulation model incorporated in two distinct approaches, namely Agent Based Modeling and System Dynamics. The models of hybrid simulation are useful as an illustration of interactions between each sub-system taking into account influential input variables.
Designing eucalyptus replanting model using hybrid simulation method : a review
Authors: Sembiring N , Mansurin M I , Banurea M D A , Tarigan C A , Waruwu T
Published: December 2022

The main objective of this paper is to find out the concept of designing the eucalyptus plant replanting model using a hybrid simulation method. Logically, single simulation is much easier to apply than hybrid simulation because its procedure is simpler and easier to do. However, it is possible for hybrid simulation to be the best solution in solving problems. Based on previous studies, hybrid simulation which combines agent based model and dynamics system is the right solution in answering this research study object. The eucalyptus plant replanting model is computerized and uses a causal loop diagram. Furthermore, this model will be simulated in two ways, namely (1) a state chart area and (2) stock and flow. This systematic review identified twelve articles and one book related to the topic discussed. In addition, with this hybrid simulation system, it is hoped that the availability of eucalyptus plant as an essential raw material in the pulp and paper mill can be maintained, and it can increase the company's profitability. Here we provide details of Hybrid Simulation using the Agent-Based Modeling and System Dynamics Modeling that underlines our research study.
Development of cricket flour-enriched cookies
Authors: Tedjakusuma F , Linggadiputra J , Cahya A D , Surya R
Published: December 2022

The need for high-protein foods strives for the food sector to find an efficiently produced protein sources. One of the most efficient and fast reproducing protein sources are insects containing high levels of protein, nutrients and vitamins. Crickets are one of the most consumed insects, especially in Southeast Asia. Despite the potential of crickets as sources of protein, cricket flour is very little used and studied in Indonesia. This study aimed to develop the best formulation for cricket flour-enriched cookies with a high nutrient and consumer acceptability. As the main ingredient of cookies, wheat was substituted by 5%, 10% and 20% of cricket flour. Among the tested formula, cookies with the 5% and 10% cricket flour showed the highest overall organoleptic acceptability. These cookies are significantly higher in protein and lower in fiber and carbohydrate compared to cookies made with wheat flour.
The effect of porang proportion on the characteristics of vegetarian tempeh patties burger
Authors: Herawati H , Kamsiati E , Widowati S
Published: December 2022

The development of veggie burger patties products is increasing along with changes in people's lifestyles that are more concerned with a healthy product. Tempeh is a source of vegetable protein that has various health benefits. Glucomannan from porang tubers acts as a texture-forming material in food products. This study aimed to determine the effect of the proportion of porang on the characteristics of the veggie burger made from tempeh. This study was arranged in a completely randomized design with treatment proportions of porang:tempeh (75:25); (50:50); (25:75) compared to control (100% tempeh). Parameters observed included colour, cooking loss, cooking yield, hardness and proximate content. The results showed that the treatment had a significant effect on the colour of the burger before and after frying, cooking loss, cooking yield, and moisture content. The use of porang had increased the water content of patties burger. The proportion of porang:tempeh (25:75) produced a patties burger with the lowest cooking loss and the highest cooking yield. The proximate content of burger patties in the proportion of porang:tempeh (25:75) had a value that was not significantly different from the control (100% tempeh).
The effects of various isoelectric points in tofu processing on physicochemical properties and antioxidant capacities
Authors: Lo D , Steviany  , Harris G T , Febrianta H , Hutabarat D J C , Wijaya C
Published: December 2022

Tofu is a derivative product of soybean that is widely consumed by the society for its high nutritional content and good benefits for health. Research on the physicochemical especially antioxidant content of tofu was still rarely evaluated. The aim of this research is to increase the antioxidant effect of tofu by using Lactobacillus casei FNCC-0090 and Lactobacillus plantarum spp. as coagulants. Tofu was coagulated using Lactobacillus casei FNCC-0900 and Lactobacillus plantarum spp. to reach the isoelectric points of tofu with pH 4.8, 5 and 5.2. The physicochemical of tofu were analysed which consist of total protein content, crude fat content, carbohydrate content, moisture content, ash content, antioxidant capacities, colour, yield and texture of tofu. The results showed that there is a significant difference in moisture content, colour, protein, yield, texture and antioxidant capacities of tofu. While fat, ash, carbohydrate content of tofu did not show a significant difference between sample but showed a significant difference with control. In antioxidant capacity, the antioxidant increased by 11.21% in the radical scavenging capacity, 5.1% in the reduction capacity and 4.9% in the chelating capacity of tofu.
Effect of ingredient composition on characteristics of artificial rice made from banana flour
Authors: Kamsiati E , Herawati H , Setyadjit  , Sunarmani  , Mulyawanti I.
Published: December 2022

Artificial rice is a grain that similar with rice made from flour with the main content of carbohydrates. In the production of artificial rice, the composition of the ingredients will determine the characteristics of the product. This study aimed to determine the effect of raw material composition on the characteristics of artificial rice made from banana flour. This study was arranged in a completely randomized design with treatments including the use of 100% banana flour; 100% banana flour + emulsifier and 90% banana flour + 10% + emulsifier. Parameters observed were colour, expansion ratio, and sensory characteristics. Then, the best product was analysed its nutritional content. The results showed that the formulation had an effect on the Lightness, redness and Chromaticity index of banana grain. The use of emulsifier produced artificial rice which has a higher bulk density. Artificial rice from a formula of 90% banana flour combined with 10% tapioca and emulsifier had the highest average panelist preference. The artificial rice has the characteristics of lightness 36.89, redness 0.03, yellowness 6.03, Chroma 6.06 and Hue 94.71, bulk density 0.61g/mL. The product had 7.65% moisture content, 0.84% fat; 3.07% protein; 86.67% carbohydrates; and 1.77% ash content.
How agroecology practices in lobu rappa village can improve peasant community welfare
Authors: Nasution F A , Anshari A , Thamrin H , Thamrin M H , Indainanto Y I , Aqmarina Y
Published: December 2022

There are various strategies to improve the welfare of farming communities. Building an agroecological region is one of them. Agroecology encompasses more than just managing agricultural land; it also includes many other elements and facets that make up the agricultural ecosystem. In Lobu Rappa Village, Aek Songsongan District, Asahan Regency, one of the agroecological regions is situated. The practice of agroecology was initiated by the Sinar Tani Indonesia Foundation. The descriptive qualitative approach is used in this research design. The research method used by the author is direct observation and interviews with agroecological practitioners in Lobu Rappa Village. The three operational activity pillars of organizing, interpreting, and implementing are used to carry out the program. The results showed that the agroecology practice had improved the welfare of the peasants.
Substitution of wheat flour with almond drink dregs-based flour and its effect on cracker quality
Authors: Santoso J A , Pamungkaningtyas F H
Published: December 2022

Cracker is one of the popular snacks in Indonesia. Not only are they easy to carry and ready to eat, but they are also inexpensive, have a long shelf life, and are consumed by all age groups. Typical snacks on the market are poor in nutritional value as they are majorly high in carbohydrates and fat, for example, fish crackers, bread, and sweet confectionaries. On the other hand, Indonesians' mean fibre intake is inadequate compared to the fibre Daily Allowance Intake in Indonesia. The increasing trend of vegetable-based drinks such as almond milk resulted in the rise of almond drink dregs – a by-product of almond milk resulting from the filtration step of almond milk processing. Incorporating almond drink dregs-based flour improved the nutritional profile of crackers, particularly the protein and fibre content, and did not affect the moisture content. The wheat and almond drink dregs-based flour ratio of 1:4 resulted in the highest protein and fibre content and the least force to deform the cracker. There was no significant impact of flour substitution on the organoleptic properties of crackers.
The influence of pore characteristics on rock fragmentation mechanism by high-voltage electric pulse
Authors: LIU Weiji , ZHANG Youjian , ZHU Xiaohua , LUO Yunxu
Published: December 2022

High-voltage electric pulse (HVEP) is an innovative low-energy and high-efficiency technique. However, the underlying physics of the electrical breakdown within the rock, and the coupling mechanism between the various physical fields involved in HVEP still need to be further understood. In this study, we establish a 2D numerical model of multi-physical field coupling of the electrical breakdown of porous rock with randomly distributed pores to investigate the effect of pore characteristics (porosity, pore media composition) on the partial electrical breakdown of rock (i.e. the generation of a plasma channel inside the rock). Our findings indicate that the generation of a plasma channel is directionally selective and extends in the direction of a weak electrical breakdown intensity. As the porosity of the rock increases, so does the intensity of the electric field in the ‘electrical damage’ region—the greater the porosity, the greater the effectiveness of rock-breaking. As the fraction of pore fluid (S
water/S
air) gradually declines, the generation time of the plasma channel decreases, and the efficacy of rock-breaking by HVEP increases. In addition, in this study, we conducted an indoor experiment utilizing an electric pulse drill to break down the rock in order to recreate the growth mode of the plasma channel in the rock. Moreover, the experimental results are consistent with the simulation results. In addition, the development of this type of partial electrical breakdown is confirmed to be related to electrode polarity and pore characteristics via the experiment of the symmetrical needle-needle electrode arrangement, which further demonstrates the mechanism of partial electrical breakdown. This research is significant for comprehending the process of electric impulse rock-breaking and gives theoretical guidance and technological support for advancing electric impulse drilling technology.
Warming diminishes the stability of primary productivity in global grass- and forb-dominated ecosystems
Authors: Gao Qingzhu , Ganjurjav Hasbagan , Hu Guozheng , Xu Hongmei , Schwartz Mark W , Gornish Elise S , Zhu Wenquan
Published: December 2022

Global warming has induced increases in productivity in open, grass- and forb-dominated (OGFD) ecosystems. However, little attention has been given to the temporal stability of productivity responses to global warming. We show that the stability of productivity in OGFD ecosystems decreased significantly over the past 40 years. Using the satellite-derived normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) data from the Global Inventory Modelling and Mapping Studies (GIMMS) group, we analyzed global patterns of the stability in productivity among OGFD ecosystems. We found that the global mean stability of NDVI-based productivity estimates significantly decreased from 1982 to 2015. Comparing different trends, we found that stability decreased by 36%, and increased by 27% of the total area of OGFD ecosystems. The stability of productivity in OGFD ecosystems decreased in the northern hemisphere, especially in the Mongolian plateau and Eurasian steppe. In contrast, stability increased significantly in the southern hemisphere. Increases in both mean annual temperature and annual temperature variability were correlated with decreases in the stability of productivity in the northern hemisphere. Although the productivity of OGFD ecosystems has generally increased with warming, the stability of production has decreased. OGFD ecosystems, particularly northern hemisphere systems with low baseline productivity may be vulnerable to the loss of grazing potential and grazing consistency in the warmer future. These observations highlight the need for adaptation strategies for animal husbandry to respond to variability in productivity and reduce the negative impact of climate change on grazed ecosystems.
Clonal integration systemically regulates leaf microstructure ofBouteloua dactyloidesinterconnected ramets to better adapt to different levels of simulated insect herbivory
Authors: Chai Xuxu , Sun Xiaoling , Cui Xinyi , Johnson Paul G , Fu Zhihui
Published: December 2022

Stolon connection of clonal plants can translocate resources and signalling molecules between interconnected ramets to enhance resistance. Plants are well known to enhance leaf anatomical structure and vein density to respond to insect herbivory. Herbivory signalling molecules are transferred through vascular system to alert distant undamaged leaves, which is called systemic defence induction. Here, we investigated how clonal integration modulates leaf vasculature and anatomical structure of Bouteloua dactyloides ramets to cope with different levels of simulated herbivory. Ramet pairs were subject to six treatments, daughter ramets were exposed to three defoliation levels (0 %, 40 % or 80 % leaf removal) and their stolon connections to mother ramets were either severed or kept intact. Local 40 % defoliation increased vein density and adaxial/abaxial cuticle thickness, decreased leaf width and areolar area of daughter ramets. However, such effects of 80 % defoliation were much smaller. Compared with remote 40 % defoliation, remote 80 % defoliation increased leaf width and areolar area and decreased vein density of interconnected undefoliated mother ramets. Without simulated herbivory, stolon connection negatively affected most leaf microstructural traits of both ramets except from denser veins of mother ramets and more bundle sheath cells of daughter ramets. The negative effect of stolon connection on leaf mechanical structures of daughter ramets was ameliorated in the 40 % defoliation treatment, but not in the 80 % defoliation treatment. Stolon connection increased vein density and decreased areolar area of daughter ramets in the 40 % defoliation treatment. In contrast, stolon connection increased areolar area and decreased bundle sheath cell number of 80 % defoliated daughter ramets. Defoliation signals were transmitted from younger ramets to older ramets to change their leaf biomechanical structure. Clonal integration can adjust leaf microstructure of younger ramets according to the degree of herbivory stress, especially leaf vasculature.
Sex differences in the predictability of risk-taking behavior
Authors: Brand Jack A , Henry Jason , Melo Gabriela C , Wlodkowic Donald , Wong Bob B M , Martin Jake M
Published: December 2022

Recent research has found that individuals often vary in how consistently they express their behavior over time (i.e., behavioral predictability) and suggested that these individual differences may be heritable. However, little is known about the intrinsic factors that drive variation in the predictability of behavior. Indeed, whether variation in behavioral predictability is sex-specific is not clear. This is important, as behavioral predictability has been associated with vulnerability to predation, suggesting that the predictability of behavioral traits may have key fitness implications. We investigated whether male and female eastern mosquitofish (Gambusia holbrooki) differed in the predictability of their risk-taking behavior. Specifically, over a total of 954 behavioral trials, we repeatedly measured risk-taking behavior with three commonly used assays—refuge-use, thigmotaxis, and foraging latency. We predicted that there would be consistent sex differences in both mean-level risk-taking behavior and behavioral predictability across the assays. We found that risk-taking behavior was repeatable within each assay, and that some individuals were consistently bolder than others across all three assays. There were also consistent sex differences in mean-level risk-taking behavior, with males being bolder across all three assays compared to females. In contrast, both the magnitude and direction of sex differences in behavioral predictability were assay-specific. Taken together, these results highlight that behavioral predictability may be independent from underlying mean-level behavioral traits and suggest that males and females may differentially adjust the consistency of their risk-taking behavior in response to subtle changes in environmental conditions.
HyperHMM: efficient inference of evolutionary and progressive dynamics on hypercubic transition graphs
Authors: Moen Marcus T , Johnston Iain G
Published: December 2022

Motivation

The evolution of bacterial drug resistance and other features in biology, the progression of cancer and other diseases and a wide range of broader questions can often be viewed as the sequential stochastic acquisition of binary traits (e.g. genetic changes, symptoms or characters). Using potentially noisy or incomplete data to learn the sequences by which such traits are acquired is a problem of general interest. The problem is complicated for large numbers of traits, which may, individually or synergistically, influence the probability of further acquisitions both positively and negatively. Hypercubic inference approaches, based on hidden Markov models on a hypercubic transition network, address these complications, but previous Bayesian instances can consume substantial time for converged results, limiting their practical use.

Results

Here, we introduce HyperHMM, an adapted Baum–Welch (expectation–maximization) algorithm for hypercubic inference with resampling to quantify uncertainty, and show that it allows orders-of-magnitude faster inference while making few practical sacrifices compared to previous hypercubic inference approaches. We show that HyperHMM allows any combination of traits to exert arbitrary positive or negative influence on the acquisition of other traits, relaxing a common limitation of only independent trait influences. We apply this approach to synthetic and biological datasets and discuss its more general application in learning evolutionary and progressive pathways.

Availability and implementation

Code for inference and visualization, and data for example cases, is freely available at https://github.com/StochasticBiology/hypercube-hmm.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Benchmarking and integration of methods for deconvoluting spatial transcriptomic data
Authors: Yan Lulu , Sun Xiaoqiang
Published: December 2022

Motivation

The rapid development of spatial transcriptomics (ST) approaches has provided new insights into understanding tissue architecture and function. However, the gene expressions measured at a spot may contain contributions from multiple cells due to the low-resolution of current ST technologies. Although many computational methods have been developed to disentangle discrete cell types from spatial mixtures, the community lacks a thorough evaluation of the performance of those deconvolution methods.

Results

Here, we present a comprehensive benchmarking of 14 deconvolution methods on four datasets. Furthermore, we investigate the robustness of different methods to sequencing depth, spot size and the choice of normalization. Moreover, we propose a new ensemble learning-based deconvolution method (EnDecon) by integrating multiple individual methods for more accurate deconvolution. The major new findings include: (i) cell2loction, RCTD and spatialDWLS are more accurate than other ST deconvolution methods, based on the evaluation of three metrics: RMSE, PCC and JSD; (ii) cell2location and spatialDWLS are more robust to the variation of sequencing depth than RCTD; (iii) the accuracy of the existing methods tends to decrease as the spot size becomes smaller; (iv) most deconvolution methods perform best when they normalize ST data using the method described in their original papers; and (v) the integrative method, EnDecon, could achieve more accurate ST deconvolution. Our study provides valuable information and guideline for practically applying ST deconvolution tools and developing new and more effective methods.

Availability and implementation

The benchmarking pipeline is available at https://github.com/SunXQlab/ST-deconvoulution. An R package for EnDecon is available at https://github.com/SunXQlab/EnDecon.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Long-term survival in patients with node-positive breast cancer who undergo sentinel lymph node biopsy alone after neoadjuvant chemotherapy: meta-analysis
Authors: Keelan Stephen , Boland Michael R , Ryan Éanna J , Moran Laura R , Davey Matthew G , Lloyd Angus J , Elwahab Sami , Hill Arnold D K
Published: December 2022

Background

Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) in patients with breast cancer who are initially node-positive but convert to clinically/radiologically node-negative remains controversial. The primary aim was to assess pooled 5-year disease-free (DFS) and overall (OS) survival for patients who are initially node-positive but have a negative SLNB after NACT, and do not proceed to axillary lymph node dissection (ALND).

Methods

The study was performed using PRISMA guidelines. A systematic literature search of relevant databases was conducted. The Der Simonian–Laird and Cochran–Mantel–Haenszel methods were used to calculate weighted pooled estimates for OS and DFS for this group compared with patients who had NACT and proceeded to ALND after a negative or positive SLNB.

Results

Seven studies involving 915 patients who had a negative SLNB after NACT were included. Pooled estimates of 5-year DFS and OS in patients with a negative SLNB after NACT were 86 (95 per cent c.i. 82.1 to 90.3) and 93.1 (87.8 to 97.0) per cent respectively. Patients with a positive SLNB who underwent ALND had reduced 5-year DFS (OR 0.49, 95 per cent c.i. 0.35 to 0.69; P < 0.001) and OS (OR 0.41, 0.16 to 1.02; P = 0.06) compared with those who had a negative SLNB after NACT. There were no differences in DFS for patients who had a negative SLNB only compared with those undergoing ALND with a pCR (OR 1.65, 0.71 to 3.79; P = 0.24).

Conclusion

Patients who are initially node-positive and who achieve a complete clinical/radiological axillary response after NACT with a subsequent negative SLNB have high rates of DFS and OS after 5 years. Patients with residual disease have significantly reduced DFS and further axillary treatment may still be warranted.
Sleep and seizure risk in epilepsy: bed and wake times are more important than sleep duration
Authors: Stirling Rachel E , Hidajat Cindy M , Grayden David B , D’Souza Wendyl J , Naim-Feil Jodie , Dell Katrina L , Schneider Logan D , Nurse Ewan , Freestone Dean , Cook Mark J , Karoly Philippa J
Published: December 2022

Sleep duration, sleep deprivation and the sleep–wake cycle are thought to play an important role in the generation of epileptic activity and may also influence seizure risk. Hence, people diagnosed with epilepsy are commonly asked to maintain consistent sleep routines. However, emerging evidence paints a more nuanced picture of the relationship between seizures and sleep, with bidirectional effects between changes in sleep and seizure risk in addition to modulation by sleep stages and transitions between stages. We conducted a longitudinal study investigating sleep parameters and self-reported seizure occurrence in an ambulatory at-home setting using mobile and wearable monitoring.

Sixty subjects wore a Fitbit smartwatch for at least 28 days while reporting their seizure activity in a mobile app. Multiple sleep features were investigated, including duration, oversleep and undersleep, and sleep onset and offset times. Sleep features in participants with epilepsy were compared to a large (n = 37 921) representative population of Fitbit users, each with 28 days of data. For participants with at least 10 seizure days (n = 34), sleep features were analysed for significant changes prior to seizure days.

A total of 4956 reported seizures (mean = 83, standard deviation = 130) and 30 485 recorded sleep nights (mean = 508, standard deviation = 445) were included in the study. There was a trend for participants with epilepsy to sleep longer than the general population, although this difference was not significant. Just 5 of 34 participants showed a significant difference in sleep duration the night before seizure days compared to seizure-free days. However, 14 of 34 subjects showed significant differences between their sleep onset (bed) and/or offset (wake) times before seizure occurrence. In contrast to previous studies, the current study found undersleeping was associated with a marginal 2% decrease in seizure risk in the following 48 h (P < 0.01). Nocturnal seizures were associated with both significantly longer sleep durations and increased risk of a seizure occurring in the following 48 h.

Overall, the presented results demonstrated that day-to-day changes in sleep duration had a minimal effect on reported seizures, while patient-specific changes in bed and wake times were more important for identifying seizure risk the following day. Nocturnal seizures were the only factor that significantly increased the risk of seizures in the following 48 h on a group level. Wearables can be used to identify these sleep–seizure relationships and guide clinical recommendations or improve seizure forecasting algorithms.
Human B cells
Authors: Spencer Jo , Bemark Mats , Tull Thomas J
Published: December 2022

The importance of B cells and their critical role in the maintenance of health through generation of antibody-mediated immune protection is undoubted. However, the differences between the responses of B cells with different surface phenotypes in different microanatomical sites as well as diversity in B-cell function outside antibody production are just starting to be acknowledged and resolved. This series of reviews and papers that focus on human B cells will be divided across two issues. The first part of the review series in this issue captures practical information on identifying B-cell subtypes in blood in health and inflammatory diseases as well as describing aspects of B-cell diversity depending on immunoglobulin isotype and microanatomical context. It also explores our current understanding of cytokine production by human B cells and the effect of obesity on the B-cell response. The last review in this issue will reflect on the important lessons learned from the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic; in particular the role of antigen availability and its effect on B-cell memory and antibody production.
Patient selection, peri-procedural management, and ablation techniques for catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation: an EHRA survey
Authors: Iliodromitis Konstantinos , Lenarczyk Radoslaw , Scherr Daniel , Conte Giulio , Farkowski Michal M , Marin Francisco , Garcia-Seara Javier , Simovic Stefan , Potpara Tatjana
Published: December 2022

Catheter ablation (CA) of atrial fibrillation (AF) is the therapy of choice for the maintenance of sinus rhythm in patients with symptomatic AF. Time towards interventional treatment and peri-procedural management of patients undergoing AF ablation may vary in daily practice. The scope of this European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) survey was to report the current clinical practice regarding the management of patients undergoing AF ablation and physician’s adherence to the European Society of Cardiology Guidelines and the EHRA/HRS/ECAS expert consensus statement on the CA for AF. This physician-based survey was conducted among EHRA members, using an internet-based questionnaire developed by the EHRA Scientific Initiatives Committee. A total of 258 physicians participated in the survey. In patients with paroxysmal or persistent AF, 42 and 9% of the physicians would routinely perform AF ablation as first-line therapy respectively, whereas 71% of physicians would consider ablation as first-line therapy in patients with symptomatic AF and left ventricular ejection fraction <35%. Only 14% of the respondents manage cardiovascular risk factors in patients referred for CA using a dedicated AF risk factor management programme. Radiofrequency CA is the preferred technology for first-time AF (56%), followed by cryo-balloon CA (40%). This EHRA survey demonstrated a considerable variation in the management of patients undergoing AF ablation in routine practice and deviations between guideline recommendations and clinical practice.
Subjective Well-Being and Active Life Expectancy in Japan: Evidence From a Longitudinal Study
Authors: Minagawa Yuka , Saito Yasuhiko
Published: December 2022

Background and Objectives

Existing research has suggested that older adults in Japan enjoy phenomenal physical health status, but they have poor subjective well-being (SWB). Limited empirical evidence exists, however, on how physical health and SWB intersect and are linked to the lives of older men and women in Japan. Using the concept of health expectancy, this study examines the role of SWB, as measured by life satisfaction, in the mortality and morbidity experiences of Japanese adults aged 65 years and older.

Research Design and Methods

We used the nationally representative Nihon University Japanese Longitudinal Study of Aging, 1999–2009. Our measurement of morbidity is disability, based on difficulty in activities in daily living (ADLs) and instrumental ADLs. We use the Interpolation of Markov Chains approach to compute life expectancy (LE), LE without disability (active LE), and LE with differing severity of disability for those who are satisfied with life and for those who are not.

Results

We documented significant differences in LE and active LE by the state of life satisfaction among older adults in Japan. Men and women who are satisfied with life are expected to live longer and spend more years without having disability compared to those who are not satisfied. We found no differences in the length of life with disability of differing severity by the state of life satisfaction.

Discussion and Implications

Our results highlight the important role of SWB at older ages in Japan, because it is directly related to the physical health of its aging population. Fully understanding the health of the older population requires research that focuses on both objective and subjective dimensions of well-being.
Using 3-D seismic data to estimate stress based on the curvature attribute integrated mechanical earth model
Authors: Shuai Da , Xian Chenggang , Zhao Yang , Chen Gang , Ge Hongkui , Cao Huan
Published: December 2022

The current state of the technology for unconventional gas and oil development integrates geology, geophysics and engineering into a comprehensive reservoir description. To construct a mechanical earth model (MEM) which takes the geological structure influence into account, we introduce the curvature attribute to express the horizontal strains and extend the classical uniform horizontal strains MEM. The horizontal strains are derived based on the theory of plates and depend on the curvature attributes which reflect the geological structure influence. To take seismic data into the unconventional reservoir characterization, we design a geophysical workflow to estimate the in-situ stress. Amplitude Versus Offset (AVO) inversion produces the elastic parameters and the finite-difference method calculates the curvature attributes. The Bowers’ method computes the pore pressure and the in-situ stresses computed from the well-log data are used for the calibration. Real data from the shale gas pilot development areas in the Zhaotong National Demonstration Zone are used to demonstrate the method and compare the new MEM results with the MEM modelling technique results. The curvature attribute integrated MEM shows its advantage.
Linezolid resistance: detection of the cfr(B) gene in French clinical MRSA strains
Authors: Youenou Benjamin , Martins Simoes Patricia , Tristan Anne , Farfour Eric , Beauruelle Clémence , Kolenda Camille , Ranc Anne-Gaëlle , Vandenesch François , Laurent Frédéric , Dupieux Céline
Published: December 2022

Objectives

To describe two linezolid-resistant MRSA strains carrying the cfr(B) gene detected in the French National Reference Centre for staphylococci.

Methods

Two linezolid-resistant MRSA strains isolated from cystic fibrosis patients in two different French hospitals in 2017 and 2019 were examined to explore the mechanisms of linezolid resistance. Antimicrobial susceptibility was tested using broth microdilution and gradient strips. The genetic determinants of linezolid resistance were assessed by a multiplex PCR targeting cfr/cfr(B), optrA and poxtA genes, by amplification and sequencing of individual 23S rRNA genes and by WGS using both Illumina and Nanopore technologies.

Results

The two MRSA strains were resistant to linezolid but susceptible to tedizolid, and PCR-positive for cfr/cfr(B). The WGS analysis indicated that they belonged to two different STs (ST8-MRSA-IV and ST5382-MRSA-IV) and that they both harboured the cfr(B) gene on the same 9.7 kb Tn6218-like chromosomal transposon, a finding only previously reported in Enterococcus sp. and Clostridioides difficile.

Conclusions

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first description of the presence of cfr(B) in staphylococci, more specifically in linezolid-resistant MRSA strains. This finding illustrates the risk of horizontal intergenus transfer of oxazolidinone resistance genes in Staphylococcus aureus and highlights the need to monitor such emergence in this species.
Pharmacology of boosted and unboosted integrase strand transfer inhibitors for two-dose event-driven HIV prevention regimens among men
Authors: Haaland Richard E , Fountain Jeffrey , Martin Amy , Dinh Chuong , Holder Angela , Edwards Tiancheng E , Lupo L Davis , Hall LaShonda , Conway-Washington Christopher , Massud Ivana , García-Lerma J Gerardo , Kelley Colleen F , Heneine Walid M
Published: December 2022

Background

Event-driven HIV prevention strategies are a priority for users who do not require daily pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Regimens containing integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTIs) are under evaluation as alternatives to daily PrEP. To better understand INSTI distribution and inform dosing selection we compared the pharmacology of two-dose boosted elvitegravir and unboosted bictegravir regimens in MSM.

Materials and methods

Blood, rectal and penile secretions and rectal biopsies were collected from 63 HIV-negative MSM aged 18–49 years. Specimens were collected up to 96 h after two oral doses of tenofovir alafenamide and emtricitabine with elvitegravir boosted by cobicistat or unboosted bictegravir given 24 h apart. Antiretroviral drugs were measured by LC-MS.

Results

Mean bictegravir plasma concentrations remained above the 95% protein-adjusted effective concentration 96 h after dosing [273 (95% CI: 164–456) ng/mL] whereas elvitegravir plasma concentrations became undetectable 48 h after the second dose. Bictegravir and elvitegravir reached rectal tissues within 2 h after the first dose, and elvitegravir tissue concentrations [1.07 (0.38–13.51) ng/mg] were greater than bictegravir concentrations [0.27 (0.15–0.70) ng/mg]. Both INSTIs became undetectable in tissues within 96 h. Elvitegravir and bictegravir were not consistently detected in penile secretions.

Conclusions

Whereas bictegravir plasma concentrations persist at least 4 days after a two-oral-dose HIV prophylaxis regimen, elvitegravir accumulates in mucosal tissues. Differing elvitegravir and bictegravir distribution may result in variable mucosal and systemic antiviral activity and can inform dosing strategies for event-driven HIV prevention.
Multiwavelength study of the luminous GRB 210619B observed with Fermi and ASIM
Authors: Caballero-García M D , Gupta Rahul , Pandey S B , Oates S R , Marisaldi M , Ramsli A , Hu Y-D , Castro-Tirado A J , Sánchez-Ramírez R , Connell P H , Christiansen F , Ror A Kumar , Aryan A , Bai J-M , Castro-Tirado M A , Fan Y-F , Fernández-García E , Kumar A , Lindanger A , Mezentsev A , Navarro-González J , Neubert T , Østgaard N , Pérez-García I , Reglero V , Sarria D , Sun T R , Xiong D-R , Yang J , Yang Y-H , Zhang B-B
Published: December 2022

We report on detailed multiwavelength observations and analysis of the very bright and long GRB 210619B, detected by the Atmosphere-Space Interactions Monitor installed on the International Space Station and the Gamma-ray Burst Monitor (GBM) on-board the Fermi mission. Our main goal is to understand the radiation mechanisms and jet composition of GRB 210619B. With a measured redshift of z = 1.937, we find that GRB 210619B falls within the 10 most luminous bursts observed by Fermi so far. The energy-resolved prompt emission light curve of GRB 210619B exhibits an extremely bright hard emission pulse followed by softer/longer emission pulses. The low-energy photon index (αpt) values obtained using the time-resolved spectral analysis of the burst suggest a transition between the thermal (during harder pulse) to non-thermal (during softer pulse) outflow. We examine the correlation between spectral parameters and find that both peak energy and αpt exhibit the flux tracking pattern. The late time broad-band photometric data set can be explained within the framework of the external forward shock model with νm < νc < νx (where νm, νc, and νx are the synchrotron peak, cooling-break, and X-ray frequencies, respectively) spectral regime supporting a rarely observed hard electron energy index (p < 2). We find moderate values of host extinction of E(B − V) = 0.14 ± 0.01 mag for the small magellanic cloud extinction law. In addition, we also report late-time optical observations with the 10.4 m Gran Telescopio de Canarias placing deep upper limits for the host galaxy (z = 1.937), favouring a faint, dwarf host for the burst.
Optimizing the shape of photometric redshift distributions with clustering cross-correlations
Authors: Stölzner Benjamin , Joachimi Benjamin , Korn Andreas ,   the LSST Dark Energy Science Collaboration
Published: December 2022

We present an optimization method for the assignment of photometric galaxies to a chosen set of redshift bins. This is achieved by combining simulated annealing, an optimization algorithm inspired by solid-state physics, with an unsupervised machine learning method, a self-organizing map (SOM) of the observed colours of galaxies. Starting with a sample of galaxies that is divided into redshift bins based on a photometric redshift point estimate, the simulated annealing algorithm repeatedly reassigns SOM-selected subsamples of galaxies, which are close in colour, to alternative redshift bins. We optimize the clustering cross-correlation signal between photometric galaxies and a reference sample of galaxies with well-calibrated redshifts. Depending on the effect on the clustering signal, the reassignment is either accepted or rejected. By dynamically increasing the resolution of the SOM, the algorithm eventually converges to a solution that minimizes the number of mismatched galaxies in each tomographic redshift bin and thus improves the compactness of their corresponding redshift distribution. This method is demonstrated on the synthetic Legacy Survey of Space and Time cosmoDC2 catalogue. We find a significant decrease in the fraction of catastrophic outliers in the redshift distribution in all tomographic bins, most notably in the highest redshift bin with a decrease in the outlier fraction from 57 per cent to 16 per cent.
Shelterin reduces the accessibility of telomeric overhangs
Authors: Shiekh Sajad , Jack Amanda , Saurabh Ayush , Mustafa Golam , Kodikara Sineth G , Gyawali Prabesh , Hoque Mohammed Enamul , Pressé Steve , Yildiz Ahmet , Balci Hamza
Published: December 2022

Telomeres terminate with a 50–300 bases long single-stranded G-rich overhang, which can be misrecognized as a DNA damage repair site. Shelterin plays critical roles in maintaining and protecting telomere ends by regulating access of various physiological agents to telomeric DNA, but the underlying mechanism is not well understood. Here, we measure how shelterin affects the accessibility of long telomeric overhangs by monitoring transient binding events of a short complementary peptide nucleic acid (PNA) probe using FRET-PAINT in vitro. We observed that the POT1 subunit of shelterin reduces the accessibility of the PNA probe by ∼2.5-fold, indicating that POT1 effectively binds to and protects otherwise exposed telomeric sequences. In comparison, a four-component shelterin stabilizes POT1 binding to the overhang by tethering POT1 to the double-stranded telomeric DNA and reduces the accessibility of telomeric overhangs by ∼5-fold. This enhanced protection suggests shelterin restructures the junction between single and double-stranded telomere, which is otherwise the most accessible part of the telomeric overhang.
Temporal and Geographic Patterns of Documentation of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Keywords in Clinical Notes
Authors: Workman T. Elizabeth , Goulet Joseph L. , Brandt Cynthia A. , Lindemann Luke , Skanderson Melissa , Warren Allison R. , Eleazer Jacob R. , Kronk Clair , Gordon Kirsha S. , Pratt-Chapman Mandi , Zeng-Treitler Qing
Published: December 2022

Objective:

Disclosure of sexual orientation and gender identity correlates with better outcomes, yet data may not be available in structured fields in electronic health record data. To gain greater insight into the care of sexual and gender-diverse patients in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), we examined the documentation patterns of sexual orientation and gender identity through extraction and analyses of data contained in unstructured electronic health record clinical notes.

Methods:

Salient terms were identified through authoritative vocabularies, the research team’s expertise, and frequencies, and the use of consistency in VHA clinical notes. Term frequencies were extracted from VHA clinical notes recorded from 2000 to 2018. Temporal analyses assessed usage changes in normalized frequencies as compared with nonclinical use, relative growth rates, and geographic variations.

Results:

Over time most terms increased in use, similar to Google ngram data, especially after the repeal of the “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” military policy in 2010. For most terms, the usage adoption consistency also increased by the study’s end. Aggregated use of all terms increased throughout the United States.

Conclusion:

Term usage trends may provide a view of evolving care in a temporal continuum of changing policy. These findings may be useful for policies and interventions geared toward sexual and gender-diverse individuals. Despite the lack of structured data, the documentation of sexual orientation and gender identity terms is increasing in clinical notes.
Liver transplantation for alcohol-associated hepatitis
Authors: Durkin Claire , Bittermann Therese
Published: December 2022

Purpose of review

Early liver transplantation is emerging as a treatment option for severe alcohol-associated hepatitis refractory to pharmacotherapies. This review outlines the current status of transplantation for alcohol-associated hepatitis and the treatment of alcohol use disorder after liver transplantation.

Recent findings

Rates of early liver transplantation for alcohol-associated hepatitis are increasing with significant heterogeneity in practices across the Unites States. Recent studies have demonstrated a substantial survival benefit in patients transplanted for alcohol-associated hepatitis with improved outcomes in early vs. late transplantation, first vs. prior hepatic decompensation, and posttransplant abstinence/delayed relapse vs. early return to alcohol use. Several prediction algorithms have been developed to ascertain patients’ risk of alcohol relapse and aid in candidate selection, though data on treatment of alcohol use disorders in transplant recipients remains limited.

Although controversial, early liver transplantation for severe alcohol-associated hepatitis has shown to be a lifesaving intervention. Additional research is needed to evaluate its long-term outcomes, optimize candidate selection, and understand treatment of alcohol use disorder posttransplant.