bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Beach Sands to Replacement of Fine Aggregate with Addition Filler of Ash Cane on the Asphalt Mixture on Marshall Characteristics
Authors: Pratama G N I P P , Najihan H F
Published: September 2020

The purpose of this research is to know the effect of beach sand as a substitute for river sand in a mixture of concrete asphalt against the characteristic values of the marshall and to determine the effect of adding sugarcane ash filler with the percentage of ash filler 0%, 5%, 10%, 15% on the concrete asphalt mixture against the characteristic values of the marshall. This research is an experimental study using fillers in the form of sugarcane ash filler with varying levels of variation in the amount of 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%. The specimens using AC-BC mixture was then tested using the Marshall method values of stability, density, flow, VIM, VMA, VFA, MQ. The results of this study indicate that the addition of sugarcane ash filler and the use of beach sand as a substitute for river sand affect the value of the characteristics of the marshall. The more filler levels used in the asphalt mixture, the greater the value of stability and MQ. While the flow value, density, VIM, VMA, VFA are getting smaller. Other factors that influence marshall characteristic values are asphalt content used, aggregate gradation, temperature in compaction, mix quality, and the process of mixing asphalt.
Decision Support System for Selecting Type of Moveable Dam Gate to Handle Tidal Flood Issued (A Case Study in The Parid River, Cilacap, Indonesia)
Authors: Adi H P , Wahyudi S I , Ni’am M F
Published: September 2020

Cilacap is one of the regions in Indonesia in the southern coastal region bordering the Indonesian Ocean. In the coastal areas of Cilacap including Kawunganten district, there are frequent floods due to sea level rise. Tidal flood problem in Cilacap can be overcome by constructing a moveable dam. The selection of moveable dam gateis needed so that it can be work optimally. Data in this study were obtained through a questionnaire and distributed to respondents who were experts in the field of water. There are 5 criteria used to select the type of moveable dam gate, namely material, function, operational and maintenance, cost and location. There are 4 alternatives of moveable dam gatenamely flap gate, radial gate, sliding gate and rubber dam. The results of the questionnaire were then processed using Analytical Hierarchy Process. The results showed that the most important criteria to select the type of moveable dam gate is cost (0.273). The best alternative of moveable dam gate based on all criteria is flap gate (0.291). Movable dam with flap gate became the priority because it is easy to operate and low cost. The best location for moveable dam placement is before Ujungmanik Bridge with a score 0.376.
The Utilisation of the Numerical Hydrodynamic Model to Face Rob Floods in Coastal Areas in the Industrial Revolution Era 4.0 at East Java Indonesia
Authors: Hermawan S , Hans O , Gunawan C , Tjandra D , Purnomo J
Published: September 2020

Global warming has impacted the sea-level rise. Then it caused the Rob flooding in coastal areas. The research location is in Rob floods area in Tegalsari Hamlet, Jabon Subdistrict, Sidoarjo that have damaged seaweed cultivation, and estimated losses reached 5 billion rupiahs in early 2018. Therefore, it needs to do research numerical hydrodynamic models to prevent this flood. However, the devices for measurement data are too expensive. This research aims to utilise economical devices measurement based on the industrial revolution 4.0 with numerical hydrodynamic methods models in the field of civil engineering. This model is an approach to estimate the hydrodynamics of coastal waters such as tides, currents and water levels. To simulate the hydrodynamic model, for nearshore bathymetry data are gained from sonar and offshore bathymetry data from GEBCO. The simulations utilise open-source Delft3D software using the Navier-Stock formula. The outcomes prove that hydrodynamic simulation models can be used to estimate sea-level rise for the next few years in coastal areas. Thus, the determination of the type of construction of civil engineering buildings that are strong and environmentally friendly so that publics do not cause huge losses and make coastal communities resilient to disasters.
Kamikatsu Japan’s Ecovillage Conceptual Framework for Environmental Management (Case Study: Lake Ciburuy, West Java, Indonesia)
Authors: Sidjabat F M , Ilmi A
Published: September 2020

Municipal solid waste production is increasing in all conservation destination in Indonesia, as the world’s second biggest plastic waste contributor to the oceans. Thus, the environmental management is needed to evaluate and create the future plan to overcome this problem, one of them is the Eco-village. A successful Eco-village is in Kamikatsu (Japan), where the society is well-educated about the environment and sorting their own waste properly. In this study, Japan’s zero waste village in Kamikatsu will be a role-model for the Eco-village Conceptual Framework. The method in this study are literature review and field survey. Ciburuy village definitely has the potential to achieve sustainable and environmental-friendly society, starting from proper solid waste management. However, the lake is becoming shallower due to the 20 residential settlement waste that has polluted the lake, and the open dumping and burning activities are commonly seen in some region. The result are discussed about the: (1) Ecovillage and Solid Waste Management Aspects Review, (2) Zero-Waste Ecovillage Kamikatsu, Japan Review, (3) Conceptual Framework for Ciburuy Village, and (4) Impact on Society (Environmental Education Plan). This sustainable and environmental-friendly management plan are projected to give positive impacts for society and the conservation nature in Lake Ciburuy.
Protecting Riverbank’s Environment Towards Scour with Combined Reinforcement of Gabion and Tetrapod: a Laboratory Model Study
Authors: Nayono S E , Prabowo Y B , Wibowo D E , Purwantoro D
Published: September 2020

The purpose of combined reinforcement installation is to direct the water flow and to reduce the scour process in order to protect the riverbank. The study was conducted by employing a laboratory model using a trapezoidal flume/channel with dimensions of 0.8 m width and 0.5 m height. The length of river bend model was 5 m. Observation was made with a constant flow rate of 7.07 liters/second. Tetrapod and gabion were installed at the angle of 45° and a distance of 51 cm. The running duration of installation variation was 180 minutes each. The results of the test showed that the river model with tetrapod-gabion-tetrapod reinforcement experienced an average scour of 4.16 cm for the beginning, 1.08 cm for the middle and 3.3 cm for the end. The gabion-tetrapod-gabion reinforcement can be considered as more effective reinforcement combination to reduce scour with an average scour of 4.03 cm in the beginning of the channel, 2.64 cm in the middle of the channel and 1.97 in the end of the channel.
Contribution of Organizational Commitment to Improving Employee Performance in Building Project
Authors: Susilowati F , Azis H
Published: September 2020

Organisational commitment has a significant role in enforcing the employee performance. Since 2014, Infrastructure Project Acceleration was declared by the Central Government. The study was conducted to provide an overview of organizational commitment and employee performance to see the relationship between the two more clearly. Analysis of the data used in this study is processing the results of the questionnaire with descriptive statistics, regression analysis, and correlation using SPSS. The results indicate that organizational commitment is included in both categories with a percentage of 72.63% while employee performance is in the good category with a percentage of 78.94%. A linear regression analysis obtained by the form of a linear line equation Y = 55,453 + 1,209X which states that the relationship between organizational commitment and employee performance is positive. Correlation calculation results show that organizational commitment has a strong relationship to employee performance that is equal to 0.610. While the coefficient of determination, organizational commitment affects the performance of employees by 37.2% the remaining is influenced by other factors. The results of this study can be used to help policymakers in a company to be able to support employee commitment to realize good employee performance to support sustainable infrastructure.
Curriculum Reconstruction for Education and Training of Electrical Engineering For Construction Employment in Indonesia
Authors: Ali M
Published: September 2020

The main objective of this article is to discusses curriculum reconstruction for education and training in the electrical engineering field on building construction work. The curriculum review process is intended to meet the requirements of industrial construction and enhance the employability of students to do the job in electrical engineering field. The method used is Dacum (Developing a Curriculum) by systematically analyzing positions through brainstorming with experts in construction companies and electrical engineering education. The curriculum has been reviewed extensively in order for the program to be more relevant and focused on the needs of the program. The results showed the curriculum that needed to be developed in educational and training institutions in the electrical engineering field on a construction job can be divided into three (3) types of job positions, are 1. Electrical job planners, 2. Electrical job inspectors, and 3. Electrical Job implementers.
Systematizing and upscaling urban climate change mitigation
Authors: Creutzig Felix , Bai Xuemei , Khosla Radhika , Viguie Vincent , Yamagata Yoshiki
Published: September 2020

The question of what cities can contribute to mitigation and adapting to climate change is gaining traction among researchers and policy makers alike. However, while the field is rich with case studies, methods that provide rich data across municipalities and potentially at global scale remain underdeveloped, and comparative insights remain scarce. Here we summarize contributions to the focus issue on ‘Systematizing and Upscaling Urban Climate Solutions’, also drawing from presentations given at an accompanying conference in 2018. We highlight four core areas for systematizing and upscaling urban climate mitigation solutions. First, with more and better (big) data and associated machine learning methods, there is increasing potential to compare types of cities and leverage collective understanding. Second, while urban climate assessments have mostly emphasized urban planning, demand-side action as related to both behavioral change and modified social practices relevant to urban space deserve more academic attention and integration across a diverse set of social sciences. Third, climate mitigation would be intangible as a single objective at the urban scale, and measures and solutions that coordinate mitigation coherently with adaptation and broader sustainable development goals require explicit conceptualization and systematization. Forth, all insights should come together to develop governance frameworks that translate scientific exercises into concrete, realistic and organized action plans on the ground, for all cities.
Morphological and Physiological Adaptation of Synedrella nodiflora (L.) Gaertn. in Various Altitudes
Authors: Dwiati M , Susanto A H
Published: September 2020

Nodeweed (Synedrella nodiflora (L.) Gaertn.) is a widely distributed tropical plant species. Nevertheless, it has taxonomically been the only member of genus Synedrella. Hence, it is interesting to study the morphological and physiological adaptation in different altitudes. Three altitudes were selected in this study, i.e. 0, 130, and 820 m above sea level (asl). The parameters examined included number of stomata and trichomes per leaf area unit, size of glandular and non-glandular trichomes, size of peripheral and central seeds, number of peripheral and central seeds. It was found that seed number and length, leaf structure, chlorophyll content show differences among altitudes. S. nodiflora from 0 m asl show lowest central seed number and length, non glandular trichomes number, but highest non-glandular trichomes length and chlorophyll a and carotene contents.
Pathogenicity Profile of Indigenous Bacteria Isolated from Gastrointestinal Tracts and Fecal pellets of Nipah Worm (Namalycastis rhodochorde)
Authors: Setyawati T R , Yanti A H , Kurniatuhadi R
Published: September 2020

Screening and selecting of indigenous gastrointestinal bacteria and nipah worm fecal pellets are essential before being applied as probiotics. Previous studies have successfully isolated 10 bacterial isolates that having cellulolytic and proteolytic abilities from intestinal and fecal pellets of nipah worm. The purpose of this study was to determine the pathogenicity of all isolates against nipah worms in vitro and in vivo. Testing of pathogenicity in vitro was carried out on blood agar and DNAse agar, while in vivo testing was carried out by injecting 0.1 ml of bacterial suspension into the nipah worm body which was then cultured for 14 days. The results showed that only 10% (3 from 30 isolates) of all isolates were suspected having pathogenic activity. Isolates NrBF6, NrBF 9, and NrBC4 had been indicated from hemolysis activity in blood agar and lysed DNA on DNAse agar medium. In vivo pathogenicity tests through injection into gastrointestinal cavity showed that isolates NrBF6, NrBF9 and NrBC4 had LD50 at the suspension dose of 103 bacterial cells. LD50 reached for 5, 8 and 20 days, respectively. Symptoms of infection that appeared most dominantly in nipah worms were wounds on the surface of the body, broken body segments, and pale.
Size Variation of River Catfish (Mystus sp.) and It’s Relationship to Cadmium (Cd) Heavy Metal and pH in Blanakan River, Subang
Authors: Anjani I C , Takarina N D
Published: September 2020

The Blanakan River is the habitat for many fish species, including river catfish (Mystus sp.). River catfish is a freshwater fish that can survive in the polluted aquatic environment. This fish is also consumed by people living near the river. The Blanakan river is polluted by human activities such as agriculture, transportation, and mining. These activities make heavy metals may expose the waters. Correspondingly, this study aims to determine the size variation of river catfish and its relationship with Cadmium (Cd) and pH parameter in water. Water and fish samples are collected from two stations. The pH was measured directly from water as well as the length and weight of fish. The concentration of Cadmium (Cd) in water was analyzed using AAS (Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer). The result showed that the value of pH and Cd concentration was 5.78 – 6.64 and 0.03 ppm – 0.10 ppm, respectively. While the ranges for fish length and weight were 13,20 cm – 13,59 cm and 30.69 gr – 34.7 gr. To conclude, the increase in pH can increase the size of fish. In contrast, the increase in Cd reduces the size of fish.
The Induction of Asexual Reproduction on Holothuria scabra and Bohadschia marmorata: The Conservation Effort inTanimbar Archipelago, Maluku
Authors: Furqon A D C , Maulana F , Prihantari E T , Prabowo R E
Published: September 2020

Southeast Maluku is the leading supplier of Indonesian trepang, but lately, the production has been decreased significantly. The effort to increase the trepang population through sexual reproductive techniques still requires a long time. Therefore, another method which faster, more productive, and more accessible are needed to be applied by coastal communities, namely inducing asexual reproduction of fission using a rubber band. This research using experimental methods in the field and analyzed descriptively. Fission induction conducted by rubber binding at 1/3 of the anterior body part of trepang. This study induces asexual reproduction in two trepang species found on Matakus Island, Tanimbar Archipelago, Maluku, Holothuria scabra, and Bohadschia marmorata. The results showed that H. scabra (98%) and B. marmorata (100%) rubber binding could induce individual fission of the trepang and divide into two new individuals. The posterior part has a higher regeneration and a better survival rate than the anterior part. The survival rate of B. Marmorata is higher than that of H. scabra.
Assessments of Heavy Metal Zn and Coliform in Midstream of Blanakan River, Subang, West Java
Authors: Damayanti T , Takarina N D
Published: September 2020

The midstream of Blanakan is located between upstream and downstream. Due to its location, the water of the midstream receives pollutants from nearby upstream. Hence, the purpose of this research is to investigate the concentration of Zn and coliform in the midstream. Coliform is one of the standards used for assessing water quality. The samples were collected from three stations in midstream. The Zn in water samples was analyzed by using AAS. Meanwhile, the coliform was examined by MPN and plate count methods. The results of obtained coliform then compared with the river water quality standards issued by Government Regulation No. 82 of 2001. In the midstream of Blanakan, the ranges of coliform were 7.5 x 10−1 MPN/ml, 9.3 x 101 MPN/ml, and 4.3 x 10−1 MPN/ml. Meanwhile, the ranges of Zn contents were 0.45 mg/l, 1.53 mg/l and 0.5 mg/l. According to Government Regulation No. 82 of 2001, the limit of Zn is 0.05 mg/l, and the limit for coliform is 10 MPN/ml. To conclude, the Zn contents in water indicated that pollutants had influenced the midstream of Blanakan from domestic waste disposal from nearby upstream.
Degenerated Primers for The KCS Enzyme Gene Encoding Erucic Acid Content in Winged Bean Seeds
Authors: Sasongko N D , Aziz S , Sulisyono Y
Published: September 2020

Winged bean (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus (L.) DC.) contains moderate to high fat in its seeds including erucic acid (C22:1) which is an important raw-material of various oleochemical industries. β-ketoacyl-CoA synthase (KCS) is one among those enzymes involves in erucic acid biosynthesis pathway by condensation acyl-CoA to β-ketoacyl-CoA. Information about encoding genes of the KCS enzyme involve in erucic acid biosynthesis pathway, therefore, it becomes a prerequisite. Current data show the paired degenerated primers of forward primer 5’-ATNTTCAACCCGACDCCDTC-3’ and reverse 5’-GAGCTTCACCTCCAACATYS-3’. PCR resulted in amplicons of 404 bp and 301 bp which are predicted as putative fragments of the KCS enzyme encoding genes involved in the erucic acid biosynthesis in winged bean.
Sexual Dimorphism Characterization of Splendid threadfin (Philimanus perplexa Feltes, 1991)
Authors: Sukmaningrum S , Suryaningsih S , Nurhaeni A
Published: September 2020

Filimanus perplexa is among fish species with high economic value. It has a flattened body shape and yellowish body color. Another characteristic of F. perplexa is seven free filaments on the pectoral fin whose exceeds the anal fin. These species do not show sexual dimorphisms. Therefore, a taxonomic study is needed to distinguish male and female individuals of Kurau fish. Differences between male and female fish can be seen in their morphological performance, truss morphometrics, and meristic characters. The purpose of this study was to know morphological characters that can be used to differentiate between male and female individuals of Splendid threadfin fish. The method used in this research surveys. Samples were taken by purposive random sampling technique. Samples of Kurau fish were obtained from PPI Tanjungsari Pemalang. The variables observed were the morphological performance, truss morphometrics distances, and meristic characters. Morphological data were analyzed descriptively. The truss morphometrics character was statistically analyzed using a t-test on SPSS Version 16.0 program. Furthermore, meristic characters were analyzed descriptively. The results showed that male and female individuals of Kurau fish could be differentiated based on truss distance, where males individuals have larger body sizes and are relatively longer than females. Morphological performance and meristic characteristics cannot be the difference between male and female Kurau fish.
Graphene based Van der Waals contacts on MoS2 field effect transistors
Authors: Mootheri Vivek , Arutchelvan Goutham , Banerjee Sreetama , Sutar Surajit , Leonhardt Alessandra , Boulon Marie-Emmanuelle , Huyghebaert Cedric , Houssa Michel , Asselberghs Inge , Radu Iuliana , Heyns Marc , Lin Dennis
Published: September 2020

Device performance of two dimensional (2D) material based field effect transistors is severely limited by the relatively high contact resistance encountered at the contact-channel interface. Metal-graphene hybrid contacts have been previously used to improve the contact resistance of devices based on thick exfoliated materials. Here we report a novel 2D FET fabrication process entailing the transfer of metal-graphene hybrid contacts on top of 3 monolayer-thick chemical vapor deposition (CVD) MoS2, enabling a lithography free contacting strategy, with respect to MoS2. Three different metal-graphene stacks consisting of Ni, Pd and Ru, have been fabricated, transferred onto MoS2 and characterized extensively using electrical and physical characterization techniques. We find strong correlation between the measured electrical characteristics and physical characterization of the contact interface. From Raman spectra measurement, maximum charge transfer of 1.7 × 1013 cm−2 is observed between graphene and Ru, leading to an improved contact resistance for MoS2 devices with Ru-Gr contacts. Ru-Gr contact shows the lowest contact resistance of 9.34 kΩ · µm among the three metal-graphene contact stacks reported in this article. This contact resistance is also the best among reported CVD grown graphene contacted MoS2 devices. Using more than 400 devices, we study the impact of the different metal-graphene contacts on other electrical parameters such as hysteresis, sub-threshold swing and threshold voltage. The metal-graphene contact stack transfer technique represents a technologically relevant contacting approach which can be further up-scaled to larger wafer areas.
A new era of radio transients
Authors: Driessen Laura
Published: September 2020

Laura Driessen reviews the history of radio transient astronomy, details current investigations of a wide range of radio transients with Square Kilometre Array pathfinder and precursor instruments, and discusses what the SKA will reveal about the changing radio sky.
The Cape Observatory at 200
Authors: Glass Ian
Published: September 2020

Ian Glass looks back at the origins of telescopic observing in South Africa, 200 years ago.
Beneficial effects of autologous mesenchymal stem cell transplantation in active progressive multiple sclerosis
Authors: Petrou Panayiota , Kassis Ibrahim , Levin Netta , Paul Friedemann , Backner Yael , Benoliel Tal , Oertel Frederike Cosima , Scheel Michael , Hallimi Michelle , Yaghmour Nour , Hur Tamir Ben , Ginzberg Ariel , Levy Yarden , Abramsky Oded , Karussis Dimitrios
Published: September 2020

In this study (trial registration: NCT02166021), we aimed to evaluate the optimal way of administration, the safety and the clinical efficacy of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) transplantation in patients with active and progressive multiple sclerosis. Forty-eight patients (28 males and 20 females) with progressive multiple sclerosis (Expanded Disability Status Scale: 3.0–6.5, mean : 5.6 ± 0.8, mean age: 47.5 ± 12.3) and evidence of either clinical worsening or activity during the previous year, were enrolled (between 2015 and 2018). Patients were randomized into three groups and treated intrathecally (IT) or intravenously (IV) with autologous MSCs (1 × 106/kg) or sham injections. After 6 months, half of the patients from the MSC-IT and MSC-IV groups were retreated with MSCs, and the other half with sham injections. Patients initially assigned to sham treatment were divided into two subgroups and treated with either MSC-IT or MSC-IV. The study duration was 14 months. No serious treatment-related safety issues were detected. Significantly fewer patients experienced treatment failure in the MSC-IT and MSC-IV groups compared with those in the sham-treated group (6.7%, 9.7%, and 41.9%, respectively, P = 0.0003 and P = 0.0008). During the 1-year follow-up, 58.6% and 40.6% of patients treated with MSC-IT and MSC-IV, respectively, exhibited no evidence of disease activity compared with 9.7% in the sham-treated group (P < 0.0001 and P < 0.0048, respectively). MSC-IT transplantation induced additional benefits on the relapse rate, on the monthly changes of the T2 lesion load on MRI, and on the timed 25-foot walking test, 9-hole peg test, optical coherence tomography, functional MRI and cognitive tests. Treatment with MSCs was well-tolerated in progressive multiple sclerosis and induced short-term beneficial effects regarding the primary end points, especially in the patients with active disease. The intrathecal administration was more efficacious than the intravenous in several parameters of the disease. A phase III trial is warranted to confirm these findings.
Circulating tumor DNA is a sensitive marker for routine monitoring of treatment response in advanced colorectal cancer
Authors: Zou Donghui , Day Robert , Cocadiz Judy A , Parackal Sarah , Mitchell Wilson , Black Michael A , Lawrence Ben , Fitzgerald Sandra , Print Cristin , Jackson Christopher , Guilford Parry
Published: September 2020

Accurate assessment of chemotherapy response provides the means to terminate ineffective treatment, trial alternative drug regimens or schedules and reduce dose to minimize toxicity. Here, we have compared circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) with carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) for the cycle by cycle assessment of chemotherapy response in 30 patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. CtDNA (quantified using individualized digital droplet PCR (ddPCR) assays) and CEA levels were determined immediately prior to each chemotherapy cycle over time periods ranging from 42–548 days (average of 10 time points/patient). Twenty-nine/thirty (97%) patients had detectable ctDNA compared with 83% whose tumors were CEA-positive (>5 ng/ml) during the monitoring course. Over the course of treatment, 20 disease progression events were detected by computed tomography; ctDNA predicted significantly more of these events than CEA (16 (80%) versus 6 (30%), respectively; P-value = 0.004). When progression was detected by both ctDNA and CEA, the rise in ctDNA occurred significantly earlier than CEA (P-value = 0.046). Partial responses to chemotherapy were also detected more frequently by ctDNA, although this was not significant (P-value = 0.07). In addition, another 28 colorectal cancer patients who underwent potentially curative surgery and showed no evidence of residual disease were monitored with ctDNA for up to 2 years. Clinical relapse was observed in 6/28 (21%) patients. Four out of 6 of these patients showed a significant increase in ctDNA at or prior to relapse. Overall, ctDNA analyses were able to be performed in a clinically relevant timeline and were a more sensitive and responsive measure of tumor burden than CEA.
Totalitarian Transhumanism versus Christian Theosis: From Russian Orthodoxy with Love
Authors: Siewers Alfred Kentigern
Published: September 2020

Technological change and the growth of technocratic approaches to government have gone hand-in-hand with the development of secular transhumanism in the West. The result is a perfect storm for the onset of cultural or “soft” totalitarianism in what during the Cold War was known as the “Free World.” Accelerating political opposition to traditional and biological definitions of sex, and to traditional marriage and family networks in Christian contexts, has undermined anthropological and value assumptions basic to self-government. Paradoxically, in this post-Cold War environment, Russian culture now provides a model for renewing the Christian understanding of sex related to defining freedom as self-restraint. Specifically, that model is that of the Russian Orthodox Christian anthropology of sex and its related theological tradition.
Increasing prescription of renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system blockers associated with improved kidney prognosis in Korean IgA nephropathy patients
Authors: Park Sehoon , Baek Chung Hee , Park Su-Kil , Kang Hee Gyung , Han Seung Hyeok , Ryu Dong-Ryeol , Kim Dong Ki , Oh Kook-Hwan , Joo Kwon Wook , Kim Yon Su , Moon Kyung Chul , Chin Ho Jun , Lee Hajeong
Published: September 2020

Background

We aimed to describe the characteristics of immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) in Korea with assessment for time trends.

Methods

We performed a multicenter retrospective observational cohort study including biopsy-confirmed native IgAN cases from four tertiary hospitals in Korea. Time eras of diagnosis were stratified into 1979–2003, 2004–9 and 2010–17. The prognostic variable was progression to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) analyzed by multivariable Cox regression analysis.

Results

We included 1366 (from 1979 to 2003), 1636 (from 2004 to 2009) and 1442 (from 2010 to 2017) IgAN patients in this study. In the recent periods, IgAN had relatively better clinical characteristics, as patients had higher estimated glomerular filtration rates and lower baseline blood pressures than before. The use of renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS) blockers increased from 57.7% in 1979–2003 to 80.0% in 2010–17. During a median follow-up duration of 11.3 years, 722 patients progressed to ESKD with an incidence rate of 12.5 per 1000 person-years. The 10-year risk of progression to ESKD was lower in 2010–17 compared with that of 1979–2003 [adjusted hazard ratio 0.692 (95% confidence interval 0.523–0.915)], even after adjustment for multiple clinicopathologic characteristics. The use of RAAS blockers was a significant mediator (P < 0.001) for the association between time trends and lower 10-year ESKD risk.

Conclusions

Clinicopathologic characteristics of IgAN in Korea have changed over time. Although the limitation of a retrospective observational study remains, the result showed that the prognosis of IgAN has improved over the study period, possibly related to increased prescription of RAAS blockers.
Physiological condition of Eastern Baltic cod, Gadus morhua, infected with the parasitic nematode Contracaecum osculatum
Authors: Ryberg Marie Plambech , Skov Peter V , Vendramin Niccolò , Buchmann Kurt , Nielsen Anders , Behrens Jane W
Published: September 2020

Establishing relationships between parasite infection and physiological condition of the host can be difficult and therefore are often neglected when describing factors causing population declines. Using the parasite–host system between the parasitic nematode Contracaecum osculatum and the Eastern Baltic cod Gadus morhua, we here shed new light on how parasite load may relate to the physiological condition of a transport host. The Eastern Baltic cod is in distress, with declining nutritional conditions, disappearance of the larger fish, high natural mortality and no signs of recovery of the population. During the latest decade, high infection levels with C. osculatum have been observed in fish in the central and southern parts of the Baltic Sea. We investigated the aerobic performance, nutritional condition, organ masses, and plasma and proximate body composition of wild naturally infected G. morhua in relation to infection density with C. osculatum. Fish with high infection densities of C. osculatum had (i) decreased nutritional condition, (ii) depressed energy turnover as evidenced by reduced standard metabolic rate, (iii) reduction in the digestive organ masses, and alongside (iv) changes in the plasma, body and liver composition, and fish energy source. The significantly reduced albumin to globulin ratio in highly infected G. morhua suggests that the fish suffer from a chronic liver disease. Furthermore, fish with high infection loads had the lowest Fulton’s condition factor. Yet, it remains unknown whether our results steam from a direct effect of C. osculatum, or because G. morhua in an already compromised nutritional state are more susceptible towards the parasite. Nevertheless, impairment of the physiological condition can lead to reduced swimming performance, compromising foraging success while augmenting the risk of predation, potentially leading to an increase in the natural mortality of the host. We hence argue that fish–parasite interactions must not be neglected when implementing and refining strategies to rebuild deteriorating populations.
Development of a Simple, Serum Biomarker-based Model Predictive of the Need for Early Biologic Therapy in Crohn’s Disease
Authors: Con Danny , Parthasarathy Nina , Bishara Maria , Luber Raphael P , Joshi Neetima , Wan Anna , Rickard James A , Long Tony , Connoley Declan J , Sparrow Miles P , Gibson Peter R , van Langenberg Daniel R , Vasudevan Abhinav
Published: September 2020

Background

Early or first-line treatment with biologics, as opposed to conventional immunomodulators, is not always necessary to achieve remission in Crohn’s disease [CD] and may not be cost-effective. This study aimed to develop a simple model to predict the need for early biologic therapy, in order to risk-stratify CD patients and guide initial treatment selection.

Methods

A model-building study using supervised statistical learning methods was conducted using a retrospective cohort across two tertiary centres. All biologic-naïve CD patients who commenced an immunomodulator between January 1, 2004 and December 31, 2016, were included. A predictive score was derived using Cox regression modelling of immunomodulator failure, and was internally validated using bootstrap resampling.

Results

Of 410 patients [median age 37 years, 47% male, median disease duration 4.7 years], 229 [56%] experienced immunomodulator failure [39 required surgery, 24 experienced a new stricture, 44 experienced a new fistula/abscess, 122 required biologic escalation] with a median time to failure of 16 months. Independent predictors of treatment failure included raised C-reactive protein [CRP], low albumin, complex disease behaviour, younger age, and baseline steroids. Highest CRP and lowest albumin measured within the 3 months preceding immunomodulator initiation outperformed baseline measurements. After model selection, only highest CRP and lowest albumin remained and the resultant Crohn’s Immunomodulator CRP-Albumin [CICA] index demonstrated robust optimism-corrected discriminative performance at 12, 24, and 36 months (area under the curve [AUC] 0.84, 0.83, 0.81, respectively).

Conclusions

The derived CICA index based on simple, widely available markers is feasible, internally valid, and has a high utility in predicting immunomodulator failure. This requires external, prospective validation.
The Impact of Terrestrial Oil Pollution on Parasitoid Wasps Associated With Vachellia (Fabales: Fabaceae) Trees in a Desert Ecosystem, Israel
Authors: Möller Daniella M , Ferrante Marco , Möller Gabriella M , Rozenberg Tamir , Segoli Michal
Published: September 2020

Oil is a major pollutant of the environment, and terrestrial oil spills frequently occur in desert areas. Although arthropods account for a large share of animal diversity, the effect of oil pollution on this group is rarely documented. We evaluated the effects of oil pollution on parasitoid wasps associated with Vachellia (formerly Acacia) tortilis (Forssk.) and Vachellia raddiana (Savi) trees in a hyper-arid desert that was affected by two major oil spills (in 1975 and 2014). We sampled the parasitoid populations between 2016 and 2018 in three sampling sites and compared their abundance, diversity, and community composition between oil-polluted and unpolluted trees. Parasitoid abundance in oil-polluted trees was lower in one of the sites affected by the recent oil spill, but not in the site affected by the 1975 oil spill. Oil-polluted trees supported lower parasitoid diversity than unpolluted trees in some sampling site/year combinations; however, such negative effects were inconsistent and pollution explained a small proportion of the variation in parasitoid community composition. Our results indicate that oil pollution may negatively affect parasitoid abundances and diversity, although the magnitude of the effect depends on the tree species, sampling site, and the time since the oil spill.
Manganese-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging in dilated cardiomyopathy and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Spath N B , Singh T , Papanastasiou G , Kershaw L , Baker A H , Janiczek R L , Gulsin G S , Dweck M R , McCann G , Newby D E , Semple S I
Published: September 2020

Aims

The aim of this study is to quantify altered myocardial calcium handling in non-ischaemic cardiomyopathy using magnetic resonance imaging.

Methods and results

Patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (n = 10) or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (n = 17) underwent both gadolinium and manganese contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging and were compared with healthy volunteers (n = 20). Differential manganese uptake (Ki) was assessed using a two-compartment Patlak model. Compared with healthy volunteers, reduction in T1 with manganese-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging was lower in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy [mean reduction 257 ± 45 (21%) vs. 288 ± 34 (26%) ms, P < 0.001], with higher T1 at 40 min (948 ± 57 vs. 834 ± 28 ms, P < 0.0001). In patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, reductions in T1 were less than healthy volunteers [mean reduction 251 ± 86 (18%) and 277 ± 34 (23%) vs. 288 ± 34 (26%) ms, with and without fibrosis respectively, P < 0.001]. Myocardial manganese uptake was modelled, rate of uptake was reduced in both dilated and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in comparison with healthy volunteers (mean Ki 19 ± 4, 19 ± 3, and 23 ± 4 mL/100 g/min, respectively; P = 0.0068). In patients with dilated cardiomyopathy, manganese uptake rate correlated with left ventricular ejection fraction (r2 = 0.61, P = 0.009). Rate of myocardial manganese uptake demonstrated stepwise reductions across healthy myocardium, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy without fibrosis and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with fibrosis providing absolute discrimination between the healthy myocardium and fibrosed myocardium (mean Ki 23 ± 4, 19 ± 3, and 13 ± 4 mL/100 g/min, respectively; P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

The rate of manganese uptake in both dilated and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy provides a measure of altered myocardial calcium handling. This holds major promise for the detection and monitoring of dysfunctional myocardium, with the potential for early intervention and prognostication.
Drivers of Mating Type Composition inTetrahymena thermophila
Authors: Wang Guangying , Chen Kai , Zhang Jing , Deng Shanjun , Xiong Jie , He Xionglei , Fu Yunxin , Miao Wei
Published: September 2020

Sex offers advantages even in primarily asexual species. Some ciliates appear to utilize such reproductive strategy with many mating types. However, the factors determining the composition of mating types in the unicellular ciliate Tetrahymena thermophila are poorly understood, and this is further complicated by non-Mendelian determination of mating type in the offspring. We therefore developed a novel population genetics model to predict how various factors influence the dynamics of mating type composition, including natural selection. The model predicted either the coexistence of all seven mating types or fixation of a single mating type in a population, depending on parameter combinations, irrespective of natural selection. To understand what factor(s) may be more influential and to test the validity of theoretical prediction, five replicate populations were maintained in laboratory such that several factors could be controlled or measured. Whole-genome sequencing was used to identify newly arising mutations and determine mating type composition. Strikingly, all populations were found to be driven by strong selection on newly arising beneficial mutations to fixation of their carrying mating types, and the trajectories of speed to fixation agreed well with our theoretical predictions. This study illustrates the evolutionary strategies that T. thermophila can utilize to optimize population fitness.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the wellbeing of Irish Men’s Shed members
Authors: McGrath Aisling , Murphy Niamh , Richardson Noel
Published: September 2020

COVID-19 disproportionately affects males especially those who are older and more socio-economically disadvantaged. This study assessed wellbeing outcomes among men’s shed members (Shedders) in Ireland at baseline (T1), 3 (T2), 6 (T3) and 12 months (T4) in response to a 10-week health promotion program ‘Sheds for Life’ (SFL). Two cohorts participated in SFL commencing in March and September 2019. This study compares the T3 findings from one cohort carried out during the COVID-19 pandemic [COVID cohort (n = 185)] with T3 findings from a comparator cohort [pre-COVID cohort (n = 195)], completed pre-COVID-19. Questionnaires assessing wellbeing [life satisfaction, mental health, loneliness, physical activity (PA), self-rated health and other lifestyle measures] were analyzed in both cohorts T1, T2 and T3. Self-rated Health and life satisfaction decreased in the COVID cohort at T3 (p < 0.001), while loneliness scores increased (p < 0.0005). Higher loneliness scores were correlated with lower health ratings, life satisfaction and PA during COVID-19 (p < 0.001). Days PA decreased in the COVID cluster at T3 from T2 (p < 0.01) with those in urban areas reporting lower activity levels than rural areas (p < 0.05). Those sufficiently active at baseline managed to maintain PA during COVID-19 while those not meeting guidelines were more likely to report decreases (p < 0.001). Shedders experiencing COVID-19 restrictions are at an increased risk of poorer wellbeing and increased levels of loneliness. Support and guidance are needed to safely encourage this cohort back into men’s sheds, settings that protect against loneliness and positively promote health and wellbeing.

Lay summary

The COVID-19 pandemic will have wide-reaching implications on wellbeing, particularly on those who are older and more vulnerable. Evidence also suggests that COVID-19 disproportionately affects males. This study aimed to understand the impact that COVID-19 has had on men in the setting of Men’s Sheds in Ireland. Two cohorts of men who were participating in a 10-week health and wellbeing program (Sheds for Life) at different stages were followed over time. At 6 months follow-up the first Cohort had not experienced COVID-19 whereas the second cohort was actively experiencing the COVID-19 pandemic. We measured wellbeing using questionnaires, comparing both groups of men for differences. We found that the men who were experiencing COVID-19 had lower self-rated health, physical activity and life satisfaction as well as higher rates of loneliness, with those who were more lonely reporting lower wellbeing scores. We also found that men in rural areas were more physically active during COVID-19 and that those were not active were more likely to become more inactive during COVID-19. This study suggests that support and guidance is needed to safely encourage this cohort back into Men’s Sheds, settings that protect against loneliness and positively promote health and wellbeing.
The Nature and Clinical Significance of Atypical Mononuclear Cells in Infectious Mononucleosis Caused by the Epstein-Barr Virus in Children
Authors: Fedyanina Olga S , Filippova Anna E , Demina Olga I , Zhuliabina Olga A , Tikhomirov Dmitry S , Filatov Alexander V , Chebotareva Tatiana A , Kuznetsova Sofya A
Published: September 2020

Atypical mononuclear cells (AM) appear in significant numbers in peripheral blood of patients with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated infectious mononucleosis (IM). We investigated the number and lineage-specific clusters of differentiation (CD) expression of atypical mononuclear cells in 110 children with IM using the anti-CD antibody microarray for panning leukocytes by their surface markers prior to morphology examination. The AM population consisted primarily of CD8+ T cells with a small fraction (0%–2% of all lymphocytes) of CD19+ B lymphocytes. AM amount in children with mononucleosis caused by primary EBV infection was significantly higher than for IM caused by EBV reactivation or other viruses and constituted 1%–53% of all peripheral blood mononuclear cells compared to 0%–11% and 0%–8%, respectively. Children failing to recover from classic IM associated with primary EBV infection within 6 months had significantly lower percentage of CD8+ AM compared to patients with normal recovery rate.
Complexity of rule sets in mining incomplete data using characteristic sets and generalized maximal consistent blocks
Authors: Clark Patrick G , Gao Cheng , Grzymala-Busse Jerzy W , Mroczek Teresa , Niemiec Rafal
Published: September 2020

In this paper, missing attribute values in incomplete data sets have three possible interpretations: lost values, attribute-concept values and ‘do not care’ conditions. For rule induction, we use characteristic sets and generalized maximal consistent blocks. Therefore, we apply six different approaches for data mining. As follows from our previous experiments, where we used an error rate evaluated by ten-fold cross validation as the main criterion of quality, no approach is universally the best. Thus, we decided to compare our six approaches using complexity of rule sets induced from incomplete data sets. We show that the smallest rule sets are induced from incomplete data sets with attribute-concept values, while the most complicated rule sets are induced from data sets with lost values. The choice between interpretations of missing attribute values is more important than the choice between characteristic sets and generalized maximal consistent blocks.
Feasibility of transrectal and transperineal fiducial marker placement for prostate cancer before proton therapy
Authors: Ohta Kengo , Ogino Hiroyuki , Iwata Hiromitsu , Hashimoto Shingo , Hattori Yukiko , Nakajima Koichiro , Yamada Maho , Shimohira Masashi , Mizoe Jun-etsu , Shibamoto Yuta
Published: September 2020

Background

To compare the feasibility of transrectal and transperineal fiducial marker placement for prostate cancer before proton therapy.

Materials and Methods

From 2013 to 2015, the first 40 prostate cancer patients that were scheduled for proton therapy underwent transrectal fiducial marker placement, and the next 40 patients underwent transperineal fiducial marker placement (the first series). Technical and clinical success and pain scores were evaluated. In the second series (n = 280), the transrectal or transperineal approach was selected depending on the presence/absence of comorbidities, such as blood coagulation abnormalities. Seven patients refused to undergo the procedure. Thus, the total number of patients across both series was 353 (262 and 91 underwent the transrectal and transperineal approach, respectively). Technical and clinical success, complications, marker migration and the distance between the two markers were evaluated.

Results

In the first series, the technical and clinical success rates were 100% in both groups. The transrectal group exhibited lower pain scores than the transperineal group. The overall technical success rates of the transrectal and transperineal groups were 100% (262/262) and 99% (90/91), respectively (P > 0.05). The overall clinical success rate was 100% in both groups, and there were no major complications in either group. The migration rates of the two groups did not differ significantly. The mean distance between the two markers was 25.6 ± 7.1 mm (mean ± standard deviation) in the transrectal group and 31.9 ± 5.2 mm in the transperineal group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Both the transrectal and transperineal fiducial marker placement methods are feasible and safe.