bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mathematical Modelling on The Thin-Layer Drying of Centella Asiatica Leaves
Authors: Syah Hendri , Mustaqimah
Published: January 2024

The best drying conditions can be selected by using mathematical modeling of herb drying processes. Development of mathematical models for drying Centella asiatica leaves is the major goal of the current study. At temperatures of drying of 50, 55, and 60 C, the drying behavior of Centella asiatica leaves was examined. The drying data were fitted to the eight thin-layer models. Non-linear regression evaluates the accuracy with which validated mathematical models fit the data. By evaluating R2, reduced chi-square, and RMSE between the observed and predicted moisture ratios, the performance of various models was evaluated. The analysis of the drying curve of Cetella asiatica leaves revealed that the Midilli-Kucuk model was the most. accurate.
Rainfall characteristics during pre- and post-onset of local climate change in Aceh Besar District, Indonesia
Authors: Ferijal T , Rizki Ferdi , Mechram Siti , Fauzi Amir
Published: January 2024

Climate change caused by global warming, which is characterized by increasing temperatures on the earth’s surface, is the biggest problem in the world today. This study attempts to examine how local climate change has affected the characteristics of rainfall in Aceh Besar District, which is situated in the far north of Indonesia’s Sumatra Island. 2001 was assumed to be the onset of local climate change in the region. Using EasyFit, probability distribution that best fits the rainfall data during the pre- and post-onset of climate change is chosen. The results indicated that the annual rainfall amount has increased over the past decade. The probability of receiving an annual total rainfall exceeding the long-term average (1700 mm) has increased significantly after the local climate change. Meanwhile, although the lowest and highest amounts of annual maximum daily rainfall for pre- and post-onset periods remain the same, the frequency of the maximum daily rainfall in a year greater than 140 mm/day was doubled during the post-onset period. Consequently, local climate change has increased the expected amount of annual maximum daily rainfall for return periods of 2, 5, and 10 years.
Assessment of Robusta Coffee Taste Quality Based on Roasting and Fineness Levels Using the Analytical Hierarchi Process (AHP) Method
Authors: Agustina R , Safrizal  , Rezki Ananda MHD.
Published: January 2024

Coffee is one type of plantation crop that generates high foreign exchange, this is because coffee is one type of plant that has a high economic value in sustaining the economy, especially for farmers in tropical regions. Studies on Robusta coffee are still rarely done compared to Arabica coffee, while Indonesia produces more Robusta coffee. There have been no studies on the combination of roasting and the level of fineness of Robusta coffee to produce brews that can be accepted by all circles. The research material was taken from the city of Lamno, Aceh Jaya, with a total of 9 samples weighing 500 grams each, the total amount of coffee beans used was 4.5 Kg. The coffee beans used are Robusta types that have passed the sorting and drying process from local farmers with a moisture content of 12%, then the cupping analysis preparation process and organoleptic tests conducted by identified panellists. The criteria with the highest priority scale value is Flavour, this result is based on the results of a questionnaire that has been filled out by panelists by comparing one criterion with other criteria, sample I is the top priority Globally (The results of alternative comparisons on each criterion whose results are compared again between other criteria). Based on the results of the research conducted, it can be seen that the criteria that are the main priority is Flavour with a priority value of 38%, Alternative results with the highest priority value on Flavour criteria are alternative I with a priority value of 18.9%, Roasting level treatment and Grinding level have a significant effect on panelist assessment on all criteria that have been set.
Medium modification for the growth of Rhizopus oligosporus and Acetobacter xylinum as starter cultures in the production of biofoam, environmentally friendly packaging
Authors: Yulia M , Yunita D , Indarti E , Muliani S , Lahmer R A
Published: January 2024

Acetobacter xylinum was injected to reduce the porosity value and water absorption of biofoam which was made using bagasse and Rhizopus oligosporus. However, data interpretation of the total counts of both microbes could be misleading. Therefore, the aim of this research was to create a specific medium for the growth of both microbes. The research was conducted in three stages. In the first stage, soybean flour was added into bagasse to produce depithed bagasse at different ratios (1:1 and 1:1.5) for use in the growth of Rhizopus oligosporus. In the second stage, urea and bean sprouts extract were used to grow Acetobacter xylinum. Finally, modified media was used to grow both starters. The results showed that the total plate counts of Rhizopus oligosporus on bagasse medium was quite similar with the depithed bagasse ranging from 4.58 to 4.87 log cfu/gram. The addition of bean sprouts extract had an absorbance yield of 0.162 while the addition of urea had an absorbance value of 0.085. Therefore, bagasse and soybean flour (in the ratio of 1:1.5) and bean sprouts extract are recommended to grow both starters because of the efficiency process and the highest absorbance yield.
The Influence of Local Business Behaviour on Community Participation, Social Capital, Economic Costs, and Environmental Costs in Controlling the Environment Towards Sustainable Ecotourism
Authors: Suwanan A F , Sayono J , Nuraini F , Adi D L
Published: January 2024

Local business actors play an important role in realizing sustainable ecotourism through good business governance. Various strengthening actions are needed, one of which is in terms of environmental costs in business development. This research aims to analyze how business behavior can influence community participation, social capital, economic costs and environmental costs in sustainable ecotourism management efforts in Padusan Village, Pacet District, Mojokerto Regency. Local business behavior through community participation can shape the social capital that occurs in Padusan Village. This research on business behavior uses quantitative descriptive methods with SEM-PLS analysis. A total of 178 questionnaires were distributed to the community and ecotourism business owners in Padusan Village. The research results show that business behavior has a significant effect on community participation, social capital, environmental costs, and economic costs both directly and indirectly. Ecotourism business behavior has an indirect negative influence on environmental costs through the mediating variable of economic costs. Apart from that, business behavior also has a significant influence on social capital, both directly and indirectly. The indirect positive influence of ecotourism business behavior on social capital occurs through the participation and involvement of local communities in business activities. Based on the research results, it shows that ecotourism business behavior has an impact on the environmental costs that must be incurred as well as social capital in local community participation. So business people need to implement good environmental control strategies by adopting Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) measures to achieve sustainable ecotourism goals.
Tropical Fruit Waste Management: Developing Pectin-based Biopolymer from Durian Rind (Durio zibethinus)
Authors: Lestari Prieskarinda , Itsnaini Asma Noor , Khoirunnisaa  , Wulandani Tri , Mahardika Wulan
Published: January 2024

Durian (Durio zibethinus) is a popular native tropical fruit and is largely produced in Southeast Asia. In Indonesia, 1.71 million metric tons of durian were produced in 2022. However, this high production may lead to organic waste issues due to the large amount of durian rind generation. About 60 – 75% of the durian is the rind, which is mostly discarded, hard to be decomposed, and not utilized optimally. Meanwhile, the durian rind poses as a potential reservoir containing high concentrations of cellulose and pectin. Therefore, this research aimed to (1) extract pectin content from durian rind and (2) synthesize and characterize pectin-based biopolymer films. First, the pectin was extracted from dried durian rind powder using acid extraction and alcoholic precipitation methods. Then, biopolymer synthesis was done by mixing formulations of pectin, chitosan, ethylene glycol, and glycerol solutions to form thin films. About 0.13 – 0.71 g of pectin (0.46% of the pectin yield) was extracted per 100 g of dried durian rind powder. The FTIR spectroscopy results of the extracted pectin confirmed the presence of the O - H groups at 3327.83 cm-1, which indicated the pyranose ring, the main characteristic of pectin. Pectin-based biopolymer films were produced with thickness, transparency, and tensile strength of 0.01 – 0.07 mm, 7.40 - 40.50, and 1.26 – 2.69 MPa, respectively. The findings of the soil burial degradation test for biodegradability showed that the biopolymer experienced weight loss of up to 62% in 14 days. Considering the potential utilization of the durian rind for developing biopolymers as value-added bioproducts from agricultural biomass, tropical fruit waste management should be done properly in the future. This also can be offered as one of the alternative solutions for plastic substitution with proper development in the future.
Mapping of Agricultural Land Conversion in Temon Sub-district After the Development of Yogyakarta International Airport
Authors: Utami W , Sugiyanto C , Rahardjo N
Published: January 2024

Yogyakarta International Airport (YIA) and supporting infrastructure in Kulon Progo Regency, Yogyakarta, aims to encourage economic growth and support the tourism, industrial, trade, and education sectors. This study aimed to monitor the pattern of changes in land use that occurred after the construction of the YIA, especially in the agricultural sector. The quantitative method with spatial analysis through overlay was chosen to produce multitemporal land use change maps (2018 and 2022). The preparation of the land use map was carried out through the visual interpretation of Pleiades satellite imagery with a spatial resolution of 0.5 m. The results of the study showed that there had been a very massive change in land use in the Temon Sub-district, especially in relation to the decrease in the area of agricultural land. The impact of the construction of the airport and its supporting infrastructure in the Temon Sub-district had resulted in a reduction of 21.24 hectares of rice fields. Land use from agricultural land had mostly changed to the construction of YIA, infrastructure development, and built-up land (settlements, hotels, restaurants, trade, and services). The increasingly massive decrease in the area of agricultural in the study area needs attention from the government so that the existence of agricultural land remains sustainable, considering that most people depend on the agricultural sector for their lives.
Sustainable Spatial Planning Study of Lubok Sukon Village, Aceh
Authors: Nursaniah C , Taqiuddin Z , Qadri L
Published: January 2024

The formation of traditional residential spatial layouts is the result of a complex historical process, and Lubok Sukon Village is still able to maintain the authenticity of its residential spatial layout to this day. This is a potential cultural landscape that needs to be studied and identified for conservation purposes. Furthermore, this important historical landscape can also be developed as an incentive for village economic development, for example for tourism-based sustainable development. This research aims to examine the conservation of cultural heritage landscapes in sustainable spatial planning for Lubok Sukon village, Aceh. This research uses qualitative methods with field measurements through interviews, observation and documentation. The analysis uses four cultural landscape variables from Pajouh. The research findings conclude that the combination of architectural heritage, residents’ routines, and the natural setting of Lubok Sukon Village, provides a unique spatial arrangement where all aspects fulfill the characteristics of a cultural heritage landscape in a sustainable manner. This could be developed into an incentive to attract cultural tourists.
Technology innovation of integrated farming system model in cassava agribusiness development in Aceh Besar regency
Authors: Hakim L , Arida A , Monalisa  , Faradilla C
Published: January 2024

The purpose of this research is to design an integrated farming system model as a technological innovation in the development of cassava agribusiness in Aceh Besar Regency. The study utilizes a system dynamics methodology as a systemic modeling approach, considering feedback loops and delays, to comprehend the complex behavior dynamics within the cassava agribusiness development system in Aceh Besar Regency. Primary data is obtained through interviews with various stakeholders involved in cassava agribusiness activities, including farmers, traders, agro-industrial actors, and cooperatives. Secondary data is collected from relevant institutions. The research results indicate that the designed integrated farming model emphasizes socio-economic aspects, environmentally friendly technologies, and optimizing all available energy sources (zero waste) in cassava agribusiness. In general, the model consists of components that integrate the cassava farming system, livestock farming, and agro-industrial/home industry activities, and cooperatives cohesively. The understanding of causal loop diagrams and flow diagrams reveals that cassava productivity, fertilization costs, and cassava market absorption, are crucial variables that strongly influence and require intervention to achieve improvement. These conditions impact the intensity of farmers’ management practices and affect performance, production, inventory, cassava sales, maintenance costs (fertilizer use), liquidity of farmers’ cash capital, cassava productivity, as well as the interrelation of their activities with other businesses such as livestock farming and agro-industrial activities. Ultimately, this has implications for increasing added value, profitability, and farmers’ benefits.
Technology needs assessment for the development of smart coffee production in Aceh, Indonesia
Authors: Bahri T S , Manyamsari I , Putri R J , Iskandar E
Published: January 2024

This research aimed to analyze the need for smart farming implementation in coffee production. A survey was conducted on 100 farmers in Aceh Tengah and Bener Meriah, the main coffee producers in Aceh Province. Data were collected by questionnaire that identified farmers’ needs and performance of four types of smart farming technologies: drip irrigation, fertilizer detectors, fruit ripeness detectors, and dry houses. The needs of technology were assessed by farmers’ perspectives on smart farming regarding its use to reduce product contamination, farm waste, minimize risk to farmers’ health, strengthen social bonds, and increase product quality and quantity. Technology needs assessment was performed by analyzing the determinant factors of farmers’ needs and computing the gap between technology needs and performance to set the priority of smart farming technology for future development. The results showed that fertilizer detectors were the first priority technology needed and considered important by farmers, followed by drip irrigation, dry houses and fruit ripeness detectors. Farmers’ needs for smart farming were significantly affected by the land size. There is a significant difference between farmers’ needs and performance of smart farming technologies. To fill this gap, an effective public-private partnership is needed for technology interventions based on farmers’ needs.
Evaluation of morpho-physiological characters of gamma rays-irradiated soybean mutant lines under shade stress environment
Authors: Iqbal M , Anisiyah  , Harsanti L , Tarmizi  , Arwin  , Yuliasti  , Erika C , Puspitasari W
Published: January 2024

Soybean, being one of the primary food sources for the Indonesian population, currently faces insufficient production from domestic harvests. Intercropping cultivation technique offers a potential solution to increase soybean production by expanding planting area, such as the area under plantation stands. However, low productivity persists due to shade stress. This study aims to evaluate the morpho-physiological characters of soybean genotypes under shading stress. The genetic materials used were 13 genotypes consisting of 10 promising mutant lines, resulted from mutant induction and selection from soybean variety Mutiara 1, and 3 check varieties, namely Dena 1, Dena 2, and Mutiara 1. This study employed a split plot arrangement, with shading treatment as the whole plot and soybean genotypes as subplots. ANOVA tests and stress tolerance index analyses revealed a significant increase in plant height and stomatal conductivity among soybean genotypes under shading environments. Conversely, shading treatments exhibited a significant impact on reducing plant branching and leaf chlorophyll content.
Improvement of Ultisol Fertility and Sorghum Yield by Applying Soil Amendments, NPK, and Eco enzymes to Support Food Diversification
Authors: Ichsan C N , Qadri L , Nurahmi E , Jumini  , Kurniawan T , Santi I V
Published: January 2024

The increase in world population must be accompanied by the increase of food production. Diversification of food is also needed to support a healthy and productive world community. Increasing food diversification is conducted by increasing soil fertility. Improvement of soil fertility was carried out by using soil amendments and NPK fertilization, as well as using eco enzymes on sorghum on Ultisol soil. This study was using factorial RBD design split-split plot 3 × 2 × 2 with three replications and 108 pots with 10 kg Ultisol pot-1. The main plot consisted of soil amendments (no amendment, biochar, compost), sub-plots, NPK (600, 900 kg ha-1), split-split plot, eco enzyme (sprayed eco enzyme once week-1 and every two weeks sprayed). The results showed that there were interactions between soil amendments and eco enzymes on soil pH and NPK. There is an interaction between NPK and eco enzymes on soil pH, soil EC, and sorghum leaf chlorophyll. There is an interaction between soil amendments, NPK, and eco enzymes on N, P, and K content and yield potential. The use of soil amendments, NPK, and eco enzymes effectively improves Ultisol fertility and sorghum yields to support food diversification.
Seminal plasma protein profiles based on molecular weight from different bull breeds as a potential ovulatory induction factor
Authors: Azizah N , Kusumaningrum DA , Kostaman T , Muttaqin Z , Hafid A , Adiati U , Saputra F , Pratiwi N , Arrazy AF , Koswara E , Manzila I , Gunawan M , Karja NWK
Published: January 2024

Seminal plasma is a specific biochemical compound that affects fertility. This study attempts to characterize bull breeds’ seminal plasma (SP) proteins with possible ovulatory induction factor (OIF) activity. The breed samples originated from Friesian Holstein (FH), Belgian Blue Cross (BBx), and Ongole Grade (OG). Centrifug the sperm for 30 minutes at 12,000 rpm. The sample was collected, placed in a microtube, and stored at -20°C. The measurement of protein concentration was done using a Nano-Drop 2000 spectrophotometer. Protein separation was performed using 1D-SDS-PAGE to characterize the protein according to its molecular weight (MW). Protein markers were used to identify the MW proteins, and the acrylamide gels were colored with Coomassie Brilliant Blue. Total protein bands were analyzed with Kruskal-Wallis test, and the identification protein was analyzed descriptively. Proteins of 49-41 kDa and 15-11 kDa were significantly different between breeds (p0.05), while the majority of the MW ranges were not (p>0.05). The proteins with MWs of 22–33 kDa were found to be most commonly in all breeds correlated as potential proteins of OIF. In conclusion, seminal plasma protein was quite varied among the bull breeds. Further research needs to be conducted to obtain the protein from OIF.
Cation-crosslinked κ-carrageenan sub-microgel medium for high-quality embedded bioprinting
Authors: Zhang Hua , Luo Yang , Hu Zeming , Chen Mengxi , Chen Shang , Yao Yudong , Yao Jie , Shao Xiaoqi , Wu Kerong , Zhu Yabin , Fu Jun
Published: January 2024

Three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting embedded within a microgel bath has emerged as a promising strategy for creating intricate biomimetic scaffolds. However, it remains a great challenge to construct tissue-scale structures with high resolution by using embedded 3D bioprinting due to the large particle size and polydispersity of the microgel medium, as well as its limited cytocompatibility. To address these issues, novel uniform sub-microgels of cell-friendly cationic-crosslinked kappa-carrageenan (κ-Car) are developed through an easy-to-operate mechanical grinding strategy. These κ-Car sub-microgels maintain a uniform submicron size of around 642 nm and display a rapid jamming-unjamming transition within 5 s, along with excellent shear-thinning and self-healing properties, which are critical for the high resolution and fidelity in the construction of tissue architecture via embedded 3D bioprinting. Utilizing this new sub-microgel medium, various intricate 3D tissue and organ structures, including the heart, lungs, trachea, branched vasculature, kidney, auricle, nose, and liver, are successfully fabricated with delicate fine structures and high shape fidelity. Moreover, the bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells encapsulated within the printed constructs exhibit remarkable viability exceeding 92.1% and robust growth. This κ-Car sub-microgel medium offers an innovative avenue for achieving high-quality embedded bioprinting, facilitating the fabrication of functional biological constructs with biomimetic structural organizations.
The determinacy of wave speed sign for a reaction-diffusion system with nonlocal diffusion
Authors: Wang Kaili , Meng Wentao , Li Xu , Ma Manjun
Published: January 2024

The upper and lower solution method is a recently developed and currently the most effective tool for determining the sign of bistable traveling wave. However, for systems with nonlocal diffusion terms, it is extremely challenging to find upper and lower solutions. In this paper, we develop a new idea for constructing the upper and lower solutions to establish the explicit conditions for obtaining positive or negative wave speed for a Lotka-Volterra competitive system with bistable nonlinearity. The theoretical results are demonstrated by directly integrating the considered system. This method can be used to improve or correct the related results in the known references.
Loss of the HOPS complex disrupts early-to-late endosome transition, impairs endosomal recycling and induces accumulation of amphisomes
Authors: van der Beek Jan , de Heus Cecilia , Sanza Paolo , Liv Nalan , Klumperman Judith
Published: January 2024

The multisubunit HOPS tethering complex is a well-established regulator of lysosome fusion with late endosomes and autophagosomes. However, the role of the HOPS complex in other stages of endo-lysosomal trafficking is not well understood. To address this, we made HeLa cells knocked out for the HOPS-specific subunits Vps39 or Vps41, or the HOPS-CORVET-core subunits Vps18 or Vps11. In all four knockout cells, we found that endocytosed cargos were trapped in enlarged endosomes that clustered in the perinuclear area. By correlative light-electron microscopy, these endosomes showed a complex ultrastructure and hybrid molecular composition, displaying markers for early (Rab5, PtdIns3P, EEA1) as well as late (Rab7, CD63, LAMP1) endosomes. These “HOPS bodies” were not acidified, contained enzymatically inactive cathepsins and accumulated endocytosed cargo and cation-independent mannose-6-phosphate receptor (CI-MPR). Consequently, CI-MPR was depleted from the TGN, and secretion of lysosomal enzymes to the extracellular space was enhanced. Strikingly, HOPS bodies also contained the autophagy proteins p62 and LC3, defining them as amphisomes. Together, these findings show that depletion of the lysosomal HOPS complex has a profound impact on the functional organization of the entire endosomal system and suggest the existence of a HOPS-independent mechanism for amphisome formation.
Differential expression and co-localization of transcriptional factors during callus transition to differentiation for shoot organogenesis in the water fern Ceratopteris richardii
Authors: Xiao Yuan-Le , Li Gui-Sheng
Published: January 2024

Background and Aims

In flowering plants, regeneration can be achieved by a variety of approaches, and different sets of transcriptional factors are involved in these processes. However, regeneration in taxa other than flowering plants remains a mystery. Ceratopteris richardii is a representative fern capable of both direct and indirect organogenesis, and we aimed to investigate the genetics underlying the transition from callus proliferation to differentiation.

Methods

Morphological and histological analyses were used to determine the type of regeneration involved. RNA sequencing and differential gene expression were used to investigate how the callus switches from proliferation to differentiation. Phylogenetic analysis and RNA in situ hybridization were used to understand whether transcriptional factors are involved in this transition.

Key Results

The callus formed on nascent leaves and subsequently developed the shoot pro-meristem and shoot meristem, thus completing indirect de novo shoot organogenesis in C. richardii. Genes were differentially expressed during the callus transition from proliferation to differentiation, indicating a role for photosynthesis, stimulus response and transmembrane signalling in this transition and the involvement of almost all cell layers that make up the callus. Transcriptional factors were either downregulated or upregulated, which were generally in many-to-many orthology with genes known to be involved in callus development in flowering plants, suggesting that the genetics of fern callus development are both conserved and divergent. Among them, an STM-like, a PLT-like and an ethylene- and salt-inducible ERF gene3-like gene were expressed simultaneously in the vasculature but not in the other parts of the callus, indicating that the vasculature played a role in the callus transition from proliferation to differentiation.

Conclusions

Indirect de novo shoot organogenesis could occur in ferns, and the callus transition from proliferation to differentiation required physiological changes, differential expression of transcriptional factors and involvement of the vasculature.
Uterine injury during diestrus leads to placental and embryonic defects in future pregnancies in mice
Authors: Zhang Elisa T , Wells Kristen L , Bergman Abby J , Ryan Emily E , Steinmetz Lars M , Baker Julie C
Published: January 2024

Uterine injury from procedures such as Cesarean sections (C-sections) often have severe consequences on subsequent pregnancy outcomes, leading to disorders such as placenta previa, placenta accreta, and infertility. With rates of C-section at ~30% of deliveries in the USA and projected to continue to climb, a deeper understanding of the mechanisms by which these pregnancy disorders arise and opportunities for intervention are needed. Here we describe a rodent model of uterine injury on subsequent in utero outcomes. We observed three distinct phenotypes: increased rates of resorption and death, embryo spacing defects, and placenta accreta-like features of reduced decidua and expansion of invasive trophoblasts. We show that the appearance of embryo spacing defects depends entirely on the phase of estrous cycle at the time of injury. Using RNA-seq, we identified perturbations in the expression of components of the COX/prostaglandin pathway after recovery from injury, a pathway that has previously been demonstrated to play an important role in embryo spacing. Therefore, we demonstrate that uterine damage in this mouse model causes morphological and molecular changes that ultimately lead to placental and embryonic developmental defects.
Chimeric PRMT6 protein produced by an endogenous retrovirus promoter regulates cell fate decision in mouse preimplantation embryos
Authors: Honda Shinnosuke , Hatamura Maho , Kunimoto Yuri , Ikeda Shuntaro , Minami Naojiro
Published: January 2024

Murine endogenous retrovirus with leucine tRNA primer, also known as MERVL, is expressed during zygotic genome activation in mammalian embryos. Here we show that protein arginine N-methyltransferase 6 (Prmt6) forms a chimeric transcript with MT2B2, one of the long terminal repeat sequences of murine endogenous retrovirus with leucine tRNA primer, and is translated into an elongated chimeric protein (PRMT6MT2B2) whose function differs from that of the canonical PRMT6 protein (PRMT6CAN) in mouse preimplantation embryos. Overexpression of PRMT6CAN in fibroblast cells increased asymmetric dimethylation of the third arginine residue of both histone H2A (H2AR3me2a) and histone H4 (H4R3me2a), while overexpression of PRMT6MT2B2 increased only H2AR3me2a. In addition, overexpression of PRMT6MT2B2 in one blastomere of mouse two-cell embryos promoted cell proliferation and differentiation of the blastomere into epiblast cells at the blastocyst stage, while overexpression of PRMT6CAN repressed cell proliferation. This is the first report of the translation of a chimeric protein (PRMT6MT2B2) in mouse preimplantation embryos. Our results suggest that analyzing chimeric transcripts with murine endogenous retrovirus with leucine tRNA primer will provide insight into the relationship between zygotic genome activation and subsequent intra- and extra-cellular lineage determination.
Sodium thiosulfate does not protect ovarian reserve from cisplatin-induced gonadotoxicity
Authors: So Wonmi , Abazarikia Amirhossein , Zelinski Mary B , Kim So-Youn
Published: January 2024

Cisplatin, a platinum-containing alkylating agent, is used in the treatment of various tumors owing to its potent antitumor activity. However, it causes permanent and adverse effects, particularly hearing loss and depletion of ovarian reserve. Until recently, there were no clinically available protective agents to mitigate the adverse side effects of cisplatin-induced cytotoxicity. In 2022, sodium thiosulfate (STS) was approved by the Food and Drug Administration for mitigating hearing loss in children and adolescents undergoing cisplatin treatment. Consequently, our investigation aimed to determine if STS could protect ovarian reserve against cisplatin-induced gonadotoxicity. In an ex vivo culture, the cisplatin-only group exhibited a loss of primordial follicles, while post-STS administration after cisplatin exposure effectively protected primordial follicles. However, when post-STS was administrated either 6 or 4 h after cisplatin exposure, it did not confer protection against cisplatin-induced gonadotoxicity in postnatal day 7 or adolescent mouse models. Immunofluorescence assays using γH2AX and cPARP revealed that oocytes within primordial follicles exhibited DNA damage after cisplatin exposure, irrespective of post-STS administration. This underscores the rapid and heightened sensitivity of oocytes to gonadotoxicity. In addition, oocytes demonstrated an increased expression of pCHK2 rather than pERK, suggesting that the pathway leading to oocyte death differs from the pathway observed in the inner ear cell death following cisplatin exposure. These results imply that while the administration of STS after cisplatin is highly beneficial in preventing hearing loss, it does not confer a protective effect on the ovaries in mouse models.
Hybrid peripheral nerve sheath tumours: MRI features with pathological correlation in 24 cases
Authors: Singh Saurabh , Choong Paul , Ali Mohamed , Lindsay Daniel , Saifuddin Asif
Published: January 2024

Objectives

To describe the MRI features of histologically proven hybrid peripheral nerve sheath tumours (HPNST).

Methods

A retrospective analysis of the MRI features of 24 histologically proven cases of HPNST over 7 years. Demographic data obtained from clinical records included age, gender, and date of diagnosis. Two readers independently assessed MRI studies and assessed the following features: involvement of a major nerve, intramuscular location, lesion morphology, entering nerve sign, exiting nerve sign, target sign, fascicular sign, split fat sign, and ancient change (cystic change). Inter-observer agreement was assessed with Cohen’s kappa coefficient. Histological diagnosis was based on either image-guided needle biopsy or resection histology.

Results

The study included 9 males and 15 females with mean age 50 years (range: 24-78 years). Nine tumours (35%) involved a major nerve including spinal roots (5), radial (1), median (1), tibial (1), and axillary (1), while 5 (21%) tumours were intramuscular. The mean tumour size was 4.2 cm (standard deviation of 2.4 cm). The frequency of MRI features was as follows: lobular contour (71%; 17/24), ancient change (38%; 9/24), fascicular sign (17%; 4/24), entering nerve sign (21%; 5/24), exiting nerve sign (13%; 3/24), target sign (13%; 3/24), and split fat sign (8%; 2/24). Inter-observer agreement was high, ranging from 0.7 to 0.83.

Conclusions

HPNST infrequently demonstrate the classical MRI signs of benign peripheral nerve sheath tumours, but commonly have a lobular morphology and can show ancient/cystic change.

Advances in knowledge

This is the first study in the literature analysing the MRI features of histologically proven HPNST. HPNST infrequently shows the classical MRI signs that would be expected with benign peripheral nerve sheath tumours although commonly have a lobular morphology and show cystic change.
Modified MR scoring system for assessment of sonographically indeterminate ovarian and adnexal masses in the absence of dynamic contrast-enhanced
Authors: Moradi Behnaz , Rahmani Maryam , Aghasi Maryam , Yarandi Fariba , Malek Mahrooz , Hosseini Ashrafsadat , Ghafouri Kimia , Hasan Zadeh Tabatabaei Mahgol Sadat , Shirali Elham , Riahi Samani Payam , Firouznia Sina
Published: January 2024

Objectives

Dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) MRI is not available in all imaging centres to investigate adnexal masses. We proposed modified magnetic resonance (MR) scoring system based on an assessment of the enhancement of the solid tissue on early phase postcontrast series and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) with apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) map and investigated the validity of this protocols in the current study.

Materials and Methods

In this cross-sectional retrospective study, pelvic MRI of a total of 245 patients with 340 adnexal masses were studied based on the proposed modified scoring system and ADNEX MR scoring system.

Results

Modified scoring system with the sensitivity of 87.3% and specificity of 94.6% has an accuracy of 92.1%. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of ADNEX MR scoring system is 96.6%, 91%, and 92.9%, respectively. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the modified scoring system and ADNEX MR scoring system is 0.909 (with 0.870-0.938 95% confidence interval [CI]) and 0.938 (with 0.907-0.961 95% CI), respectively. Pairwise comparison of these area under the curves showed no significant difference (P = .053).

Conclusions

Modified scoring system is less sensitive than the ADNEX MR scoring system and more specific but the accuracy is not significantly different.

Advances in knowledge

According to our study, MR scoring system based on subjective assessment of the enhancement of the solid tissue on early phase postcontrast series and DWI with ADC map could be applicable in imaging centres that DCE is not available.
Diagnostic accuracy of dual-energy computed tomography in the diagnosis of neurological complications after endovascular treatment of acute ischaemic stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ebaid Noha Yahia , Mouffokes Adel , Yasen Noha S , Elrosasy Amr M , Philip Kerollos George , Assy Mostafa Mohamad , Alsowey Ahmed Mohamed
Published: January 2024

Objectives

To investigate dual-energy computed tomography’s (DECT) diagnostic performance in detecting neurological complications following endovascular therapy (EVT) of acute ischaemic stroke (AIS).

Methods

We performed the literature search using Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, EBSCO, and Science Direct databases for published related studies. The selected studies estimated the validity of DECT in the detection of neurological complications after EVT for AIS. Study quality assessment was performed utilizing the Quality of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 Tool. Our meta-analysis calculated the pooled sensitivity, negative likelihood ratio, specificity, and positive likelihood ratio for each detected complication. The summary receiver operating characteristics (sROC) curve was utilized to estimate the area under the curve (AUC).

Results

Of 22 studies, 21 were included in the quantitative synthesis. In the detection of intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH), DECT pooled overall sensitivity and specificity were 69.9% (95% CI, 44.5%-86.8%) and 100% (95% CI, 92.1%-100%); whereas, in the detection of ischaemia, they were 85.9% (95% CI, 80.4%-90%) and 90.7% (95% CI, 87%-93.5%), respectively. On the sROC curve, AUC values of 0.954 and 0.952 were recorded for the detection of ICH and ischaemia, respectively.

Conclusions

DECT demonstrated high accuracy and specificity in the detection of neurological complications post-endovascular treatment of AIS. However, further prospective studies with a standardized reference test and a larger sample size are recommended to support these findings.

Advances in knowledge

DECT is a rapid and valid imaging tool for the prediction of ICH and cerebral ischaemia after the EVT of AIS.
Transjugular approach: comparison with conventional endovascular treatment of native arteriovenous fistulas
Authors: Lee Dong Kyu , Cho Sung Bum , Kwak Jung Won , Min Hyeon Jin , Chung Hwan Hoon , Lee Seung Hwa , Song Myung Gyu , Sung Deuk Jae
Published: January 2024

Objectives

The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of the transjugular approach with those of the conventional approach for endovascular treatment of arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs).

Methods

Between May 2015 and July 2019, 112 patients with endovascular treatment of dysfunctional or immature AVFs were included and divided into the transjugular (n = 46) and conventional (n = 66) groups. Electronic medical records and angiography of the patients were retrospectively reviewed to assess technical and clinical success rates, time to first fistulography, total procedure time, primary and secondary patency, and complications in both groups.

Results

There were no significant differences in technical success rate (87.0% vs 97.0%; P = .062), clinical success rate (80.4% vs 90.9%; P = .109), or total procedure time (60.2 vs 57.9 min; P = .670) between the groups. Cox proportional hazards models showed that the cumulative primary patency was significantly higher in the transjugular group than in the conventional group (P = .041; 6-month patency rates, 93.8% vs 91.5%). Also, a statistically significant difference was found between the cumulative secondary patency of the groups (P = .014; 6-month patency rates, 91.4% vs 86.5%). No major complications were observed.

Conclusions

Transjugular endovascular treatment of AVFs was successful and effective. Longer patency periods were observed when treated via transjugular access.

Advances in knowledge

This article compared the outcomes of transjugular approaches with those of conventional approaches in the endovascular treatment of native AVFs and showed higher patency periods/rates in the transjugular group than in the conventional group.
Imaging of musculoskeletal tuberculosis
Authors: Pattamapaspong Nuttaya , Kanthawang Thanat , Bouaziz Mouna Chelli , Ladeb Mohamed Fethi , Hammami Nadia , Peh Wilfred C G
Published: January 2024

Extra-pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) of the musculoskeletal system usually manifests with non-specific clinical features, mimicking a variety of diseases. Diagnosis and treatment of spinal and extra-spinal musculoskeletal TB are often challenging. Imaging has an important role in detecting this disease, aiding diagnosis, identifying complications, and monitoring disease progression. Radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging are the key imaging modalities utilized. Radiologists should aim to be familiar with the spectrum of imaging features of TB affecting spinal and extra-spinal locations in the musculoskeletal system.
Temporomandibular joint pathologies: pictorial review
Authors: Larheim Tore A , Hol Caroline , Løseth Guro , Arvidsson Linda Z
Published: January 2024

In this pictorial review, an introductory paragraph emphasizes the significance of some anatomical aspects for optimal imaging of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). The most frequent pathologies: internal derangement (ID) and osteoarthritis (OA) are comprehensively discussed and illustrated. Less common conditions: ID and OA-like changes in children and adolescents, idiopathic condylar resorption, inflammatory arthritis, and juvenile idiopathic arthritis are briefly discussed. A short paragraph on differential diagnostics in young patients is included followed by a brief comment on expansile lesions that occasionally may occur in the TMJ.
Utility of 68Ga-DOTATATE PET-MRI for Gamma Knife® stereotactic radiosurgery treatment planning for meningioma
Authors: Ratnayake Gishan , Huo Michael , Mehta Akash , Ramachandran Prabhakar , Pinkham Mark B , Law Phillip , Watkins Trevor , Olson Sarah , Hall Bruce , Brown Simon , Lusk Ryan , Jones Catherine , O’Mahoney Eoin , McGill George , Foote Matthew C
Published: January 2024

Objectives

To investigate the impact of adding 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/MRI to standard MRI for target volume delineation in Gamma Knife® stereotactic radiosurgery (GKSRS) for meningioma.

Methods

Seventeen patients with 18 lesions undergoing GKSRS for WHO grade 1 meningioma were enrolled in a prospective study. All patients underwent pre-treatment 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/MRI examination in addition to standard procedures. Five clinicians independently contoured the gross tumour volume (GTV) based on standard MRI (GTVMRI) and PET/MRI (GTVPET/MRI) on separate occasions. Interobserver agreement was evaluated using Cohen’s Kappa statistic (CKS), Dice similarity coefficient (DC), and Hausdorff distance (HD). Statistical analysis was performed with paired t-test and Wilcoxon signed rank test.

Results

The addition of PET/MRI significantly increased GTV contour volume (mean GTVPET/MRI 3.59 cm3 versus mean GTVMRI 3.18 cm3, P = .008). Using the treating clinician’s pre-treatment GTVMRI as the reference, median CKS (87.2 vs 77.5, P = .006) and DC (87.2 vs 77.4, P = .006) were significantly lower, and median HD (25.2 vs 31.0, P = .001) was significantly higher with the addition of PET/MRI. No significant difference was observed in interobserver contouring reproducibility between GTVMRI and GTVPET/MRI.

Conclusion

The addition of 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/MRI for target volume delineation in GKSRS for meningioma is associated with an increase in GTV volume and greater interobserver variation. PET/MRI did not affect interobserver contouring reproducibility.

Advances in Knowledge

This study provides novel insights into the impact of 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/MRI on GTV delineation and interobserver agreement in meningioma GKSRS, highlighting its potential for improving GKSRS treatment accuracy.
Risk stratification of prostate cancer with MRI and prostate-specific antigen density-based tool for personalized decision making
Authors: Rajendran Ishwariya , Lee Kang-Lung , Thavaraja Liness , Barrett Tristan
Published: January 2024

Objectives

MRI is now established for initial prostate cancer diagnosis; however, there is no standardized pathway to avoid unnecessary biopsy in low-risk patients. Our study aimed to test previously proposed MRI-focussed and risk-adapted biopsy decision models on a real-world dataset.

Methods

Single-centre retrospective study performed on 2055 biopsy naïve patients undergoing MRI. Diagnostic pathways included “biopsy all”, “MRI-focussed” and two risk-based MRI-directed pathways. Risk thresholds were based on prostate-specific antigen (PSA) density as low (<0.10 ng mL−2), intermediate (0.10-0.15 ng mL−2), high (0.15-0.20 ng mL−2), or very high-risk (>0.20 ng mL−2). The outcome measures included rates of biopsy avoidance, detection of clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa), missed csPCa, and overdiagnosis of insignificant prostate cancer (iPCa).

Results

Overall cancer rate was 39.9% (819/2055), with csPCa (Grade-Group ≥2) detection of 30.3% (623/2055). In men with a negative MRI (Prostate Imaging-Reporting and Data System, PI-RADS 1-2), the risk of cancer was 1.2%, 2.6%, 9.0%, and 12.9% in the low, intermediate, high, and very high groups, respectively; for PI-RADS score 3 lesions, the rates were 10.5%, 14.3%, 25.0%, and 33.3%, respectively. MRI-guided pathway and risk-based pathway with a low threshold missed only 1.6% csPCa with a biopsy-avoidance rate of 54.4%, and the risk-based pathway with a higher threshold avoided 62.9% (1292/2055) of biopsies with 2.9% (61/2055) missed csPCa detection. Decision curve analysis found that the “risk-based low threshold” pathway has the highest net benefit for probability thresholds between 3.6% and 13.9%.

Conclusion

Combined MRI and PSA-density risk-based pathways can be a helpful decision-making tool enabling high csPCa detection rates with the benefit of biopsy avoidance and reduced iPCa detection.

Advances in knowledge

This real-world dataset from a large UK-based cohort confirms that combining MRI scoring with PSA density for risk stratification enables safe biopsy avoidance and limits the over-diagnosis of insignificant cancers.
Utility of marking and fusion image-guided technique with cone-beam CT in kidney ruptured haemorrhage without extravascular leakage in angiography: a pilot study
Authors: Wang Zi-Xuan , Li Lin , Zhao Yi-Fan
Published: January 2024

Objective

To explore the feasibility of using marking and fusion image-guided technique with cone-beam CT (CBCT) in cases of kidney ruptured haemorrhage without extravascular leakage in digital subtraction angiography (DSA) images.

Methods

This is a retrospective case-control study that included 43 patients who underwent transcatheter arterial embolization for kidney ruptured haemorrhage and difficult haemostasis. The patients were divided into two groups: the CBCT group (cases without extravascular leakage observed in angiography) and the control group (cases with clearly identifiable target vessels in angiography). The baseline characteristics and clinical outcomes were collected and analysed.

Results

The results showed no statistically significant differences in the duration of the procedure and intraoperative blood transfusion between the control and CBCT groups (P > .05). The study clarified that the CBCT group had a significantly higher rate of improvement of gross haematuria compared to the control group (P < .05). The CBCT group showed a greater increase in haemoglobin and a lesser increase in creatinine. The clinical success rates were 87.5% in the control group and 90.9% in the CBCT group (P > .05).

Conclusions

The marking and fusion image-guided technique is useful in cases of kidney ruptured haemorrhage without extravascular leakage of contrast agent. The technique is safe, feasible, and effective, and we believe it is superior to purely DSA-guidance.

Advances in knowledge

The use of the marking and fusion image-guided technique is recommended to overcome the challenge of undetectable target vessels during interventional procedures. This technique is considered as non-inferior to purely DSA-guided interventional procedures where the target vessels are clearly identifiable.