bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Post-Weaning Growth Performance of Belgian Blue Crossed with Brahman Cross
Authors: Sidik M , Gemilang I , Fathoni A , Hartatik T , Bintara S , Ismaya  , Widyobroto B P , Budisatria I G S , Leroy P , Antoine-Moussiaux N , Panjono P
Published: June 2023

This study was conducted to observe the post-weaning growth performance of Belgian Blue-Crossed (BB-crossed) and Brahman Cross (BX) calves. This study used a total of eighteen calves (BB-crossed = 6 heads and BX = 12 heads) aged 6 months. Calves were reared for six months under the same conditions and management. Calves were observed and measured their growth performance (body weight, body length, heart girth, and withers height). Data were analyzed using One-Way Anova, and for body weight gain and body size gain were analyzed by Ancova with initial body weight and initial body size as covariates. BB-crossed calves in this study had a body weight and body size greater than BX calves (P<0.05). BB-crossed calves also had increasing in body weight (BB-crossed 0.87±0.06 vs BX 0.63±0.04 kg/day) and body length (BB-crossed 0.23±0.01 vs BX 0.12± 0.01 cm/day) was greater (P<0.05) than BX calves, while the increasing in body height (BB-crossed 0.09±0.01 vs BX 0.07±0.01 cm/day) and heart girth (BB-crossed 0.16±0.02 vs BX 0.18±0.01 cm/day) did not differ. In conclusion, BB-crossed calve had post-weaning growth performances greather than BX calves, except increasing in withers height and heart girth. Thus, crosses with Belgian Blue cattle can improve post-weaning growth performance of BX calves.
A Study of Agricultural Biodynamic Innovation Diffusion
Authors: Rizkiansyah Mariko , Ariestyani Arleen , Yunus Ulani
Published: June 2023

Online media has an advantage over other conventional media, such as television and radio, namely interactivity. This interactivity process causes two-way communication between users on social media. Although biodynamic techniques have long been discovered and developed, their application is still not developed in Indonesia. This study aims to discover how biodynamic innovation spread through the interactivity of WhatsApp media in agricultural support communities. The theory used is the McMillan interactivity model. this research also used the diffusion innovation from Rogers and Willis’ three principles of biodynamic success as one of the supporting theories. In addition, this study also uses Three levels of social media analysis: the level of audience engagement, interaction, and message relationships. The results showed four significant themes for user-to-user interactivity: innovation, socialization, consultation, and information on biodynamic techniques. The use of eco enzymes and Jakaba mushrooms is the focus of interactivity in this group. The instructors’ biodynamic experts and the farmers’ experience in applying biodynamic techniques play a significant role in the active interactivity of the group and the spread of biodynamic innovations.
Effect of Nutrient Improvement and Mineral Premix Supplementation on Weight, Average Daily Gain, and Metabolite Profile of Repeat Breeder Cows
Authors: Azis I U , Astuti A , Agus A , Bintara S , Zainuddin A
Published: June 2023

Nutrient overload, deficiency, or imbalance are fundamental issues that frequently arises in breeder cows. Malnutrition in cattle can cause delayed puberty, an increased risk of pregnancy failure, and infertility. This study aimed to determine the effect of nutrient improvement and mineral premix supplementation on body weight, average daily gain, and blood metabolite profile of repeat breeder cattle. Sixteen Simmental Cross cattle aged 4 to 5 years (calved at least once) with an average S/C of 5 and an average body weight of 400 kg were used. The feed provided was forage, Profeed® concentrate, High Quality Feed Supplement (HQFS) and mineral premix. This study was initiated by selecting repeat breeder cattle of smallholder farmers. The selected cattle were reared for three months in the research cage with a predetermined feed for each group. During the research period, four weighings were carried out to determine the body weight of the cattle. Blood samples were taken for testing of the blood metabolite profile; at the beginning and end of the study. The collected samples were then analyzed in the laboratory, and the resulting data was analyzed for variance using the independent-t-test and paired t-test. The results showed that the addition of 0.5% mineral premix had no significant effect (P > 0.05) on body weight gain. In the blood metabolite profile, the improvement in nutrition had a significant effect (P<0.05) on glucose levels (H-0 and H-71). It can be concluded that the supplementation of 0.5% mineral premix has no effect on body weight and blood metabolite profiles. Repeat breeder cattle on smallholder farmers have low glucose levels, so improving nutrition (quality and quantity) is a matter of concern to support pregnancy.
Changes in chemical content and antioxidant activity in making dayak onion flour by sun drying
Authors: Sirajuddin M M , Rusman R
Published: June 2023

Dayak onion is an herbal plant from Kalimantan Island, Indonesia, with functional properties commonly used for various diseases such as cholesterol, diabetes, stroke, etc. This study aims to determine the quality of Da yak onions before and after making flour so that it can be a guide when it is processed, mixed, or fortified into other food ingredients. Processing begins with proximate testing of fresh Da yak onion samples and their antioxidant activity. Then fresh Dayak onions samples are made into flour and tested for proximate and antioxidant activity tests again to determine changes in the quality of Dayak onions. Each treatment was repeated twice, and compared the changes. Nutrient content decreased, such as water and protein in flour products, while ash and fat content increased with heating treatment, and antioxidant activity decreased along with sun drying. Based on these results, it is suggested that consumers can consume Dayak onions in fresh conditions toget the benefits of antioxidants.
Gayo horse reproduction performance as local animal genetic resources in Southeast Aceh, Aceh Province
Authors: Sari E M , Sari F P , Abdullah M A N , Novita C I , Koesmara H , Ammar M
Published: June 2023

The objective of this research was to analyze the reproductive performance of the Gayo horse as an animal genetic resources in Southeast Aceh. This research has conducted in Southeast Aceh. The study used a survey method. The choice of research location has done intentionally (purposive sampling). The total population of Gayo horses scattered in Southeast Aceh currently is 102 tails and the number of samples taken in this study is 24 individuals with the minimum requirement that respondents keep horses that have at least given birth 2 times. The required data in this study were the reproductive performance characteristics of Gayo horses including (1) estrus cycle, (2) length of time in estrus, (3) first mating age, (4) gestation period, (5) foaling interval and (6) postpartum mating. The data obtained from this research that the average length of estrus cycle in the range of 21-25 days with an average of 22.58±1.18 days, the length of time in estrus varied in the range of 4-17 days with an average 8.92±3.35 days, while age at first mating ranged from 24-36 months with an average of 30.25±5.15 months, furthermore gestational age had an average of 333.63±4.83 days with a range of 326-345 days, foaling interval is 470,25±11.86 days with a range of 458-480 days and postpartum mating an average of 136.63±7.03 days with a range of 122-150 days. The data obtained identified that the reproductive performance of Gayo horses in Southeast Aceh Regency is in normal condition.
Correlation between dry matter digestibility and final body weight of Kacang goats fed on a combination of sugarcane top leaf, coffee husk waste flour and urea molasses block
Authors: Erita E , Huda K , Jeksi S , Yaman M A
Published: June 2023

A study aimed about examining the correlation between dry matter consumption, dry matter digestibility of feed and final body weight was carried out on local goats (Kambing Kacang) fed on basal feed of sugarcane top leaf (STL) and urea molasses block containing different percentages of coffee husk waste flour (UMB-CHWF) has been carried out for 90 days of observation using a completely randomized design. This study used 16 young male goats aged 6 months and fed on 4 types of feed treatment, namely: P1 (fed on STL and UMB without CHWF), P2 (fed on STL and UMB contained 10% of CHWF), P3 (fed on STL and UMB contained 20% of CHWF) and P4 (fed on STL and UMB contained 30% of CHWF. The results showed that combination of STL and UMB feed containing 20% CHWF showed a very close positive correlation (coefficient correlation was 0.79, 0.63 and 0.93, respectively) between the increase in amount of dry matter consumption, dry matter digestibility and final body weight better than other treatments. However, the percentage of CHWF in UMB increased to 30% percent did not changes in totol amount of dry matter consumption, dry matter digestibilityor final body weight on Kambing Kacang after weaning period.
Modulating of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi spores by collaboration between soil fauna ecosystem engineers and biochar
Authors: Kilowasid L M H , Aris L , Bande L O S , Hasid R , Bahrun A , Syaf H , Halim H , Alam S
Published: June 2023

Soil fauna as ecosystem engineers and biochar play a role in spore modulating of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). This study aims to analyze the effect of the soil fauna and biochar dosage on the AMF spore in abundance and diversity, and to investigate infection presence of AMF to maize roots grown in modified soil. Sixteen combinations of the soil fauna and biochar dosage in 1.5 kg of soil were tested. The abundance, genus richness, Shannon indices, and Simpson indices of AMF spore counted at 4, 6, and 8 weeks after treatment. Maize grown in different pots filled with 100 g of soil from each treatment, and root infection using aniline blue staining observed after 28 days of rearing. The results showed the total spore produced with 15 Pheretima sp. + 15 Ponera sp. and 50 g of biochar was the highest, while the treatment without ecosystem engineers and 150 g of biochar produced the fewest. Furthermore, genus richness with 15 Pheretima sp. + 15 Ponera sp. and without biochar was the richest, while the treatment without ecosystem engineers and 150 g biochar was the poorest. Maize grown on soils treated with ecosystem engineers and biochar dose up to 50 g sustained life, while the 100 g and 150 g treatments did not, as roots infected with the mycorrhizal. Based on the results, the soil fauna and biochar dosage to some extent increased the number of AMF spores and created a suitable soil environment for growth and AMF infections to maize roots.
Environmental damage and land use changes: forest protection strategy
Authors: Sitaresmi D T , Nugroho R A , Putri D L
Published: June 2023

Tourism is a whole related elements which consist of tourists, tourist destinations, travel, industry and so on which are tourism activities. Based on the 2020-2024 National Medium-Term Development Plan, the tourism sector in Indonesia is a priority sector for national development in the economic sector and is one of the largest foreign exchange earners for Indonesia. In the development of the tourism sector, the City of Balikpapan has quite a lot of potential, considering that the topography of the City of Balikpapan is dominated by hills with a fairly extensive forest, making the City of Balikpapan as a tourist spot for protected forests and nature reserves (Balikpapan City Regional Medium-Term Development Plan 2016-2032). One of the protected forests in Balikpapan City is the Meranti Protected Forest, which is located in Karang Joang Village, precisely in Banyumas Village. The Meranti forest area has an area of about 70 hectares which is owned by the city government which was handed over to the Balikpapan Protected Forest Management Unit (KPHL) to be used as a tourist area. So that the main function of the area does not change, it is necessary to plan the use of protected areas as tourist areas. This study uses content analysis, comparative analysis, and triangulation based on applicable policies and regulations as well as existing conditions and best practices. The results of the study indicate that in planning the use of protected forests as tourist areas, it is necessary to pay attention to 5 principles, namely: the principle of conservation, the principle of education and creation, the principle of economics, the principle of control, and the principle of participation.
Improvement of soybean yields using amendments on dryland soils of Aceh Besar, Indonesia
Authors: Sufardi S , Syakur S , Mislia M , Arabia T , Khairullah K
Published: June 2023

This study aimed to evaluate the response of soybeans to the application of various amendments to the sub-optimal dryland of Aceh Besar. A pot experiment was conducted in a greenhouse in Darussalam, Banda Aceh at an altitude of 3 m above sea level. The soil amendments used are biochar, compost, CaCO3lime, and SP-36 phosphate fertilizer (SP-36). The experiment used a bifactorial 8 x 3 Randomized Block Design (RBD) in 2 replications. The first factor was the application of amendments consisting of eight levels, namely: control (without ameliorant or 0 t ha−1), applications of biochar 20 t ha−1, compost 20 t ha−1, CaCO34 t ha−1, SP-36, 4 t ha−1, biochar 10 t ha−1+ CaCO34 t ha−1, compost 10 t ha−1+ CaCO34 t ha−1, and biochar 10 t ha−1+ compost 10 t ha−1. The second factor is the three soil orders originating from the dryland farming system of Aceh Besar, namely: Andisols Saree, Inceptisols Cucum, and Ultisols Jantho. The soil used was taken from the top layer at a 0-20 cm depth. The soybean tested was the Anjasmoro variety with a potential yield of 2.03-2.25 t ha−1. The results showed that the application of amendments (Biochar, Compost, CaCO3, and SP-36) to three soil orders from the dryland of Aceh Besar could increase soybean growth and yield with a maximum yield of 2.2 t ha−1. In Andisols Saree and Inceptisols Cucum, the highest soybean yield was obtained when combined with biochar and compost at a dose of 10 tons ha−1. In Ultisols Jantho it was got when compost was given a single dose of 20 t ha−1. The growth and yield of Anjasmoro soybean varieties on Ultisols Jantho were better than those on Andisols Saree and Inceptisols Cucum.
Development of kaligesing etawah crossbreed goat in Purworejo Central Java Province
Authors: Guntoro B , Setiawan A , Haryadi F T
Published: June 2023

This study aims to analyze the development of Kaligesing Etawah crossbreed goat in Purworejo Regency through community-based resource management approach, with the specific aims of assessing the condition of Kaligesing goat related to natural increase, examining the role of local government in determining the policy of developing Kaligesing goat in Purworejo, and recommending strategies in the development of Kaligesing goat through community-based resource management approach. The method used was a triangulation methods which include observation, survey and document study. The results showed that social-demographic such as education of farmers, goat ownership and land ownership were low level and natural increase of Kaligesing goat based on percentage of births per year and percentage of deaths per year was 45. 51%. The role of the government in determining the policy of developing Kaligesing goats in Purworejo is the Decree of the Purworejo Regency No. 188.4 of 1989 concerning the preservation of Kaligesing Goat, in addition to the Decree of the Minister of Agriculture of the Republic of Indonesia No. 2591 / Kpts / PD.400 / 7/2010 dated July 19, 2010, determination of Kaligesing Goat as a local strain of Central Java. The recommended strategies that need to be carried out are: strengthening the Kaligesing goat farmer group in terms of maintenance and marketing management, self-economic strengthening by establishing farmers’ cooperatives, establishing market information centers managed by groups or cooperatives to make it easier for farmers to obtain information about selling prices, popularize recording / livestock records so as to tighten the entry of breeds from outside the region, ensure the availability of feed land in areas that can grow feed crops and the processing and preservation of forage crops.
Diversity of tree species at BNI urban forest Banda Aceh
Authors: Yanti L A , Moulana R , Ningrum S , Anhar A , Umam A H , Subhan  , Muslih A M , Arlita T , Farida A , Rasyid U H A
Published: June 2023

BNI Urban Forest Banda Aceh has a land area of 7.15 ha in Tibang Village, Syiah Kuala District, Banda Aceh, Indonesia. It has various tree species to showcase the charm of the local environment, not to mention various types of butterflies and birds, which transit, nidify, or find foods. Data collection was accomplished by exploring the forest area as the research location and identifying the species and number of trees by census. In details, we listed the all tree species one by one. The data observed, which were in the form coordinates, were retrieved through the use of GPS by labelling their local and Latin names, circumferences, diameters, and heights. Sixteen tree species in the forest with a total of 318 trees were identified. Cemara laut (Casuarina equisetifolia) was the most commonly found tree species with 163 in total.
Optimum sensory formulation of bilimbi jam (Averrhoa bilimbi L.)
Authors: Juanda J , Agustina R , Hartuti S , Natasya S
Published: June 2023

The production of bilimbi jam is an effort to diversify food and use local ingredients as a source of functional food. The purpose of this study was to determine the optimal formula for bilimbi jam based on consumer assessments through sensory testing for bilimbi jam. The treatment factors studied were variations in the amount of bilimbi fruit (X1) and sugar (X2). The treatment response observed was sensory analysis including colour, aroma, taste, and texture. The results of the RSM analysis show that the amount of bilimbi fruit and sugar has a significant effect on colour, and has no significant effect on the aroma, taste, and texture of bilimbi jam. The optimal formula was obtained at the amount of bilimbi fruit (X1) of 412 grams and sugar (X2) of 271 grams, with a target taste of 6 (like) and a colour target of 5 (somewhat like) and obtained a colour score (Y1) of 6 (like), aroma score (Y2) of 4.7 ≈ 5 (slightly like), taste score (Y3) of 5.6 ≈ 6 (like), and texture score (Y4) of 4.7 ≈ 5 (somewhat like). Bilimbi fruit can be used to make fruit jam with good sensory acceptability, so that it can be developed into a promising local food.
The osteogenic effects of sponges synthesized with biomaterials and nano-hydroxyapatite
Authors: Lee Woong Jin , Cho Kyoungjoo , Jung Gunwoo , Kim Aaron Youngjae , Kim Gyung Whan
Published: June 2023

Artificial bone substitutes have been developed using various biomaterials for use in medicine. Silk fibroin (SF) displays excellent mechanical properties and cell compatibility. Nonetheless, the mechanical properties of silk fibroin scaffolds used in artificial bone substitutes are weaker than those of natural bone, and silk fibroin is deficient as an osteogenic agent. This limits their effectiveness in bone tissue engineering. We added nano-hydroxyapatite (nHAp) particles to an existing cell-based artificial bone substitute with a silk fibroin scaffold, which will improve its mechanical properties and osteogenic efficacy, leading to significant bone regeneration. The mechanical characters of silk fibroin modifying with nHAp were measured by Atomic Force Microscopy Analysis, dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, Porosity measurement, and Microcomputed Tomography. The proliferation and toxicity of a fibroin/dextran/collagen sponge (FDS) containing nHAp were evaluated in vitro, and its osteogenic efficacy was evaluated using nude mouse and rabbit radius defect models. The defect area was repaired and showed callus formation of new bone in the rabbit radius defect models of the nHAp-FDS-treated group, whereas the defect area was unchanged in the FDS-treated group. The nHAp-FDS manufactured in this study showed significant bone regeneration owing to the synergistic effects of the components, such as those due to the broad range of pore sizes in the sponge and protein adsorbability of the nHAp, which could be suggested as a better supportive material for bone tissue engineering.
Hybrid Ag/Ni mesh/PH 1000 transparent electrodes for high performance flexible electrochromic devices with exceptional stability
Authors: Huang Lipeng , Chen Xiaolian , Wu Xinzhou , Hu Zishou , Nie Shuhong , Huang Chenchao , Zhang Shuo , Xu Wenya , Pei Fangfang , Su Wenming , Cui Zheng
Published: June 2023

Flexible electrochromic technology has gained numerous attentions in flexible smart wearable devices and flexible displays. For large-area flexible electrochromic devices (FECDs), highly conductive transparent electrodes with advanced stability at a prolonged redox cycling process are indispensable. In this work, a silver (Ag)/nickel (Ni) mesh/PH 1000 hybrid transparent film were successfully fabricated by selectively electrodepositing an 800 nm-thick dense metallic Ni layer and coating PH 1000 on an embedded Ag mesh to improve its electrochemical stability. The prepared hybrid transparent film presented high conductivity with a sheet resistance of below 1.5 Ω sq−1 at over 80% optical transmittance. The Ag/Ni mesh/PH 1000 was successfully utilized as current collectors for all-solid-state FECDs, showing fast coloration switching with a bleaching/coloring time of 0.7 s/0.9 s. In addition, the device demonstrated an exceptional electrochemical cycling stability, which could sustain 89% of its initial optical modulation after 25 000 cycles. More importantly, a remarkable mechanical durability was also achieved with a small optical modulation decay of 15% and an invariable response time after 1000 rolling cycles. In addition, uniform coloration were realized on a 6 × 6 cm2 FECD, demonstrating its great potential for applications of next-generation up-scaling FECDs.
Non-reciprocal transmission of coupled LC resonators through parity-time symmetry breaking
Authors: Zhou Yi , Wang Hao-Yan , Wang Li-Feng , Dong Lei , Huang Qing-An
Published: June 2023

Non-reciprocal devices that allow a signal to be transmitted only in one direction are important for full-duplex communications. Due to the requirements of miniaturized systems, there has been an increase interest in non-magnetic non-reciprocal devices in recent years. Based on parity-time (PT) symmetric inductors-capacitors (LC) resonators, this paper has proposed non-reciprocal transmission configurations by PT-symmetry breaking. In the configuration, the coupled capacitance between the two coupled LC resonators can be adjusted so that the transmission frequency is tunable. At the same time, the resonant frequency and transmission frequency have been discriminated to optimize the non-reciprocal transmission. The configuration has been implemented by utilizing discrete components on a printed circuit board (PCB). It demonstrates that the center operation frequency of 14.05 MHz with the bandwidth 4 MHz, the insertion loss 0.32 dB, and the isolation 11 dB is adjusted to the center operation frequency of 14.95 MHz with the bandwidth 4.6 MHz, the insertion loss 0.716 dB, and the isolation 14.5 dB.
A Comparison of Long-Term Outcomes in Patients Managed With Venovenous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in the First and Second Waves of the COVID-19 Pandemic in the United Kingdom
Authors: Garfield Benjamin E. , Bianchi Paolo , Arachchillage Deepa J. , Caetano Francisca , Desai Sujal , Doyle James , Hernandez Caballero Clara , Doyle Anne-Marie , Mehta Sachin , Law Alexander , Jaggar Sian , Kokosi Maria , Molyneaux Philip L. , Passariello Maurizio , Naja Meena , Ridge Carole , Alçada Joana , Patel Brijesh , Singh Suveer , Ledot Stephane
Published: June 2023

OBJECTIVES:

Early studies of venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in COVID-19 have revealed similar outcomes to historical cohorts. Changes in the disease and treatments have led to differences in the patients supported on venovenous ECMO in the first and second waves. We aimed to compare these two groups in both the acute and follow-up phase.

DESIGN:

Retrospective single-center cohort study comparing mortality at censoring date (November 30, 2021) and decannulation, patient characteristics, complications and lung function and quality of life (QOL—by European Quality of Life 5 Dimensions 3 Level Version) at first follow-up in patients supported on venovenous ECMO between wave 1 and wave 2 of the COVID-19 pandemic.

SETTING:

Critical care department of a severe acute respiratory failure service.

PATIENTS:

Patients supported on ECMO for COVID-19 between wave 1 (March 17, 2020, to August 31, 2020) and wave 2 (January 9, 2020, to May 25, 2021).

INTERVENTIONS:

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS:

One hundred twenty-three patients were included in our analysis. Survival at censoring date (χ2, 6.35; p = 0.012) and decannulation (90.4% vs 70.0%; p < 0.001) was significantly lower in the second wave, while duration of ECMO run was longer (12.0 d [18.0–30.0 d] vs 29.5 d [15.5–58.3 d]; p = 0.005). Wave 2 patients had longer application of noninvasive ventilation (NIV) prior to ECMO and a higher frequency of barotrauma. Patient age and NIV use were independently associated with increased mortality (odds ratio 1.07 [1.01–1.14]; p = 0.025 and 3.37 [1.12–12.60]; p = 0.043, respectively). QOL and lung function apart from transfer coefficient of carbon monoxide corrected for hemoglobin was similar at follow-up across the waves.

CONCLUSIONS:

Most patients with COVID-19 supported on ECMO in both waves survived in the short and longer term. At follow-up patients had similar lung function and QOL across the two waves. This suggests that ECMO has an ongoing role in the management of a carefully selected group of patients with COVID-19.
Efficacy of local ablative therapies in patients with solid tumors treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors and oligoprogression: a single-center analysis
Authors: Ozluk Ahmet Anil , Karateke Murat , Sanli Ulus Ali , Karaca Burcak
Published: June 2023

The concept of oligoprogression reflects a situation where a limited number of metastatic tumor sites have progressed and other metastatic sites are under control with current systemic therapy. The optimal management of oligoprogression remains unclear. In this retrospective study, we evaluated the contribution of local ablative treatment approaches after oligoprogression to progression-free survival and response rates (RRs) in patients with renal cell carcinoma (N: 5), nonsmall cell lung cancer (N: 1) and melanoma (N: 21) who received immunotherapy. We found that patients received local ablative therapies after oligoprogression had longer progression-free survival and higher RR compared to those who did not. Specifically, patients who received concurrent radiotherapy had a median survival time of 24.7 months compared to 14.5 months in those who did not. Our results suggest that local ablative therapies may have a beneficial impact on progression-free survival and RR in patients with oligoprogression who are being treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings and determine the optimal use of local ablative therapies in this setting.
Decision-making for Subsequent Therapy for Patients With Recurrent or Advanced Endometrial Cancer Based on the Platinum-free Interval
Authors: Yasunaga Masafumi , Yahata Hideaki , Okugawa Kaoru , Hori Emiko , Hachisuga Kazuhisa , Maenohara Shoji , Kodama Keisuke , Yagi Hiroshi , Ohgami Tatsuhiro , Onoyama Ichiro , Asanoma Kazuo , Kato Kiyoko
Published: June 2023

Objective:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the progression-free survival (PFS) and overall response rate (ORR) of patients with recurrent endometrial cancer (REC) or advanced endometrial cancer (AEC) retreated with platinum-containing chemotherapy (PCC) based on the platinum-free interval (PFI). We compared our results with those reported in the KEYNOTE-775 study (that used pembrolizumab plus lenvatinib).

Methods:

A retrospective analysis was conducted of 65 patients with REC or AEC retreated with PCC between 2005 and 2020 at our hospital. Various clinicopathologic variables were analyzed: (1) age, (2) performance status, (3) histology, (4) history of pelvic irradiation in the adjuvant setting, (5) PFI, (6) chemotherapy regimen, (7) PFS and overall survival after retreatment with PCC, and (8) best ORR. Survival analyses were performed using Kaplan-Meier curves and log-rank tests.

Results:

The best ORR and PFS were 43.3% and 9.5 months, respectively, in patients with REC/AEC with a PFI ≥6 months. These results were comparable with those of patients treated with pembrolizumab and lenvatinib. The best ORR and PFS of patients with a PFI of <6 months appeared to be inferior to those of patients treated with pembrolizumab plus lenvatinib.

Conclusions:

Pembrolizumab plus lenvatinib seems to be a better treatment choice for patients with REC or AEC with a PFI of <6 months. For a PFI of ≥6 months, pembrolizumab plus lenvatinib or PCC can be used depending on the degree of residual side -effects associated with cytotoxic agents.
Cutaneous Rhizopus Infection Complicating Left Submammary Intertrigo
Authors: Pung Cynthia , Patel Jay , Devineni Sritej , Kellermier Harry C. , McCann Tiffany , Myers Joseph
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Mucormycosis is a rare, opportunistic infection commonly associated with diabetes mellitus, acidosis, neutropenia, organ transplantation, high-dose glucocorticoid therapy, iron overload syndromes, and hematologic malignancy.

Case

Invasive infection usually presents with rhino-orbital-cerebral (34%), cutaneous (22%), and pulmonary (20%) manifestations. Cutaneous cases are almost always precipitated by trauma or wounds. Only 6 previous cases of cutaneous mucormycosis (Mucor, Rhizopus, Lichtheimia, and others) infection of the breast have been reported in the literature. We herein report a woman with fatal submammary mucormycosis.

Report

A 45-year-old diabetic woman with alcohol use disorder was admitted from her basement living quarters with septic shock and lactic acidosis. During her intensive care unit stay, she developed worsening eschar of left submammary region. Cultures revealed Rhizopus species and surgical resection revealed invasive hyphae classic for mucormycosis. Despite treatment with liposomal amphotericin and complete resection, the patient died.

Discussion

Rhizopus infection complicated sepsis-related lactic acidosis and preexisting submammary intertrigoseveral days after admission. This case emphasizes the importance of a continued thorough physical examination that includes visualization of intertriginous areas, including those in submammary areas in septic patients in the critical care unit.
Low-grade Hidradenocarcinomas
Authors: Plaza Jose A. , Wakely Paul , Roman Jorge , Gru Alejandro A. , Sangueza J. Martin , Davey Jonathan , Brenn Thomas
Published: June 2023

Hidradenocarcinomas are rare cutaneous adnexal malignancies with sweat gland differentiation that can show a broad spectrum of histomorphologic appearances, ranging from low to high grade. The diagnosis of low-grade hidradenocarcinoma can be challenging and may be mistaken for benign hidradenomas, especially on superficial and partial samples. We performed a retrospective analysis of 16 low-grade hidradenocarcinomas, obtained from 4 large academic institutions. All neoplasms presented clinically as nodular lesions that ranged in size from 1.5 to 6.0 cm. All patients were adults and their age ranged from 33 to 74 years of age. All cases shared features similar to hidradenomas in the surface and mid portion of the tumors and all tumors had 1 or more histomorphologic clues to malignancy, including the presence of an asymmetric and infiltrative growth pattern (especially at the base of the tumors), perineurial invasion, and a desmoplastic stromal reaction. In the tumors evaluated for immunohistochemistry, the tumor cells were positive for p63, EMA, AE1/AE3, MNF116, and CK7. Three patients underwent sentinel lymph node biopsy, and 2 cases showed metastatic disease to regional lymph nodes. All cases (including the 2 cases that had regional lymph node metastasis), showed no local recurrence or distant metastasis observed after a complete re-excision of the tumors (follow-up range from 6 to 72 mo). Our study highlights the salient clinical and histopathologic features of low-grade hidradenocarcinomas and emphasizes the potential diagnostic pitfalls in distinguishing this entity from other neoplasms. Our results indicate that a combination of thorough histopathologic inspection is necessary to support the diagnosis of this rare neoplasm. These tumors can be exceedingly difficult to diagnose and awareness of the subtle features of low-grade hidradenocarcinoma is of importance are as it remains a diagnostic challenge for practicing pathologists.
Quantitative sensory testing as an assessment tool to predict the response to standard pain treatment in knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Petersen Kristian Kjær-Staal , Kilic Kübra , Hertel Emma , Sejersgaard-Jacobsen Trine Hyttel , Jørgensen Marlene Kanstrup , Troelsen Anders , Arendt-Nielsen Lars , Boye Larsen Dennis
Published: June 2023

Emerging evidence suggest that quantitative sensory testing (QST) may predict the treatment response to pain-relieving therapies. This systematic review and meta-analysis focus on the predictive value of QST for pain management of knee osteoarthritis (OA). MEDLINE and EMBASE were systematically searched for all studies from year 2000 to 2023 on pretreatment QST and treatment of OA including surgical, pharmaceutical, and nonsurgical and nonpharmaceutical therapies. Preclinical studies and reviews were excluded. The systematic review followed the PRISMA guidelines and was pre-registered on the Open Science Framework website (link: https://osf.io/4FETK/, Identifier: DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/4FETK). Meta-analysis were conducted to demonstrate the strength of the pre-treatment QST predictions on pain outcomes after OA treatments. Sixteen surgical (all on total knee arthroplasty [TKA], N = 1967), 5 pharmaceutical (4 on non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs [NSAIDs], N = 271), and 4 exercise-based therapy studies (N = 232) were identified. Pretreatment QST parameters predicted pain-relieving treatment outcomes in 81% of surgical, 100% of pharmaceutical, and 50% of exercise-based therapy studies. Meta-analyses found pretreatment QST profiles to predicted pain outcomes after TKA (random effects: 0.309, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.206–0.405, P < 0.001), NSAIDs (random effects: 0.323, 95% CI: 0.194–0.441, P < 0.001), and exercise-based therapies (random effects: 0.417, 95% CI: 0.138–0.635, P = 0.004). The overall risk of bias for the included studies was low to moderate. This systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrate weak-to-moderate associations between pretreatment QST and pain outcomes after standard OA pain treatments. Based on this work, it is hypothesized that a subset of specific pain sensitive patients with OA exist and that these patients do not respond adequately to standard OA pain treatments.
Unexpected Origin of Lung Metastases
Authors: Zhou Wenlan , Wu Hubing
Published: June 2023

A 49-year-old woman was referred to our hospital due to suspected lung metastases for 1 month. She had a history of thyroid micropapillary carcinoma and uterine leiomyomas. An 18F-FDG PET/CT scan, which was performed to search the source of the presumed metastasis of the disease, showed multiple lung metastases and 2 18F-FDG–avid foci in the thyroid and colon. Biopsy of lung and resection of colon lesions were then performed, and the disease was finally identified to be rare primary colon leiomyosarcoma with multiple lung metastases.
Multiple-Organ Involvement of Malakoplakia Mimicking Malignant Neoplasms on 18F-FDG PET/CT
Authors: Jiao Benzheng , Liu Shanshan , Ma Xiaobo , Wong Chinting , Zhao Hongguang
Published: June 2023

Abdominal contrast-enhanced CT was performed in a 61-year-old man with difficulties of urination and defecation for 4 months, which revealed huge rectal masses involving multiple adjacent organs, suspected as malignant lesions. 18F-FDG PET/CT was subsequently performed for staging. The images showed intense FDG uptake and slightly hyperdense masses involving rectum, bladder, prostate, left ureter, and the anterior abdominal wall at the level of the pelvic cavity. Histopathological examination confirmed the masses were due to malakoplakia, which displayed as abundant von Hansemann cells aggregated and infiltrated in lesions, with distinctive cytoplasmic inclusions termed Michaelis-Gutmann bodies.
Unusual Case of Missed Penile Metastases on 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT
Authors: Caputo Sydney A. , Blair Graham , Hawkins Madeline , Harris Kendra , Sartor Oliver
Published: June 2023

A 75-year-old man with a history of previously treated localized prostate cancer and prostate-specific antigen of 4.86 ng/mL was referred for a 68Ga–prostate-specific membrane antigen PET/CT. PET imaging was reported to be negative. After subsequent review and re-read of the scan, prostate-specific membrane antigen imaging revealed uptake along the penile shaft (SUVmax of 14.7). MRI was compatible with tumor. Penile metastases from prostate cancer, although uncommon, do occur and readers are encouraged to distinguish penile metastatic uptake from residual urine in the urethra.
Characterization of 554 Mexican Patients With Nonsyndromic Cleft Lip and Palate: Descriptive Study
Authors: Pérez-González Araceli , Lavielle-Sotomayor Pilar , López-Rodríguez Larissa , Pérez-Días Maria E. , Vega-Hernández Daniela , Domínguez J. Nicolas , Clark Patricia
Published: June 2023

Orofacial clefts are one of the most common birth defects and the most common craniofacial malformation worldwide. The most common orofacial clefts (OFCs) are congenital cleft lip with or without cleft palate (CL ± P) and isolated cleft palate (CP). The incidence of OFCs varies depending on region and ethnicity; however, it affects approximately 1 in 600 newborns worldwide. In most cases, CL ± P and CP are multifactorial congenital malformations, where both exogenous and genetic factors play an important role. The objective of this study was to describe the frequency of potential risk factors associated with the development of CL ± P and CP in Mexican population. Patients were referred for multisystemic treatment, from private and public institutions in different regions of the country (center, north, and south). Sociodemographic information, prenatal and parental history were obtained through direct interviews with the patients or the patients’ mothers in the case of underaged patients. Referred patients were invited to participate in the study. No interventions were applied for this study. The relationship between these factors and the prevalence of CL ± P and CP was studied. A total of 554 patients were included, the majority with CLP (30% to 7%), statistically significant differences were found for folic acid (P = 0.02) consumption. Familial aggregation did not reach statistical significance for first-degree family members (P = 0.34) but was significant for second-degree family members (P = 0.007). More risk factors associated with CL ± P and CP may still be unknown, prompting more epidemiological research and research in other little-studied areas, such as ;specific genetic factors in Mexican population.
Spontaneous Regression of Ossifying Fibroma in the Oral and Maxillofacial Region: A Rare Case With 4-Year Follow-Up
Authors: Ye Zelin , Li Chunjie , You Meng
Published: June 2023

The case presented in this study is a rare instance of an ossifying fibroma (OF), a type of benign fibro-osseous lesions, spontaneously regressed without surgical intervention. A 9-year-old boy with an intraosseous lesion in the left maxilla was diagnosed as OF. The surgeon suggested surgical excision, but due to personal reasons, the patient and his parents deferred the surgery and opted for regular follow-up. During a 4-year follow-up, the surgeon found that the lesion had significantly decreased in size and the facial deformity had remitted. At the latest follow-up, the deformity of his left face became almost unnoticeable, and the lesion seemed to be subtle on cone-beam computed tomography images. This case highlights the possibility of spontaneous regression of OF. This phenomenon may occur due to the teeth eruption, which can lead to the formation of periodontal ligaments and engage the regression of OF.
Genomic analysis of Kazachstania aerobia and Kazachstania servazzii reveals duplication of genes related to acetate ester production
Authors: Lin Mandy Man-Hsi , Walker Michelle E. , Jiranek Vladimir , Sumby Krista M.
Published: June 2023

Kazachstania aerobia and Kazachstania servazzii can affect wine aroma by increasing acetate ester concentrations, most remarkably phenylethyl acetate and isoamyl acetate. The genetic basis of this is unknown, there being little to no sequence data available on the genome architecture. We report for the first time the near-complete genome sequence of the two species using long-read (PacBio) sequencing (K. aerobia 20 contigs, one scaffold; and K. servazzii 22 contigs, one scaffold). The annotated genomes of K. aerobia (12.5 Mb) and K. servazzii (12.3 Mb) were compared to Saccharomyces cerevisiae genomes (laboratory strain S288C and wine strain EC1118). Whilst a comparison of the two Kazachstania spp. genomes revealed few differences between them, divergence was evident in relation to the genes involved in ester biosynthesis, for which gene duplications or absences were apparent. The annotations of these genomes are valuable resources for future research into the evolutionary biology of Kazachstania and other yeast species (comparative genomics) as well as understanding the metabolic processes associated with alcoholic fermentation and the production of secondary ‘aromatic’ metabolites (transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics).
Noise reduction strategies in metagenomic chromosome confirmation capture to link antibiotic resistance genes to microbial hosts
Authors: McCallum Gregory E. , Rossiter Amanda E. , Quraishi Mohammed Nabil , Iqbal Tariq H. , Kuehne Sarah A. , van Schaik Willem
Published: June 2023

The gut microbiota is a reservoir for antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs). With current sequencing methods, it is difficult to assign ARGs to their microbial hosts, particularly if these ARGs are located on plasmids. Metagenomic chromosome conformation capture approaches (meta3C and Hi-C) have recently been developed to link bacterial genes to phylogenetic markers, thus potentially allowing the assignment of ARGs to their hosts on a microbiome-wide scale. Here, we generated a meta3C dataset of a human stool sample and used previously published meta3C and Hi-C datasets to investigate bacterial hosts of ARGs in the human gut microbiome. Sequence reads mapping to repetitive elements were found to cause problematic noise in, and may importantly skew interpretation of, meta3C and Hi-C data. We provide a strategy to improve the signal-to-noise ratio by discarding reads that map to insertion sequence elements and to the end of contigs. We also show the importance of using spike-in controls to quantify whether the cross-linking step in meta3C and Hi-C protocols has been successful. After filtering to remove artefactual links, 87 ARGs were assigned to their bacterial hosts across all datasets, including 27 ARGs in the meta3C dataset we generated. We show that commensal gut bacteria are an important reservoir for ARGs, with genes coding for aminoglycoside and tetracycline resistance being widespread in anaerobic commensals of the human gut.
Environmental dynamics of Campylobacter jejuni genotypes circulating in Luxembourg: what is the role of wild birds?
Authors: Hock Louise , Herold Malte , Walczak Cécile , Schoos Alexandra , Penny Christian , Cauchie Henry-Michel , Ragimbeau Catherine
Published: June 2023

Campylobacter jejuni

is the leading cause of bacterial gastroenteritis worldwide, but, unlike other foodborne pathogens, is not commonly reported as causing outbreaks. The population structure of the species is characterized by a high degree of genetic diversity, but the presence of stable clonally derived genotypes persisting in space and time, and potentially leading to diffuse outbreaks, has recently been identified. The spread of these recurring genotypes could be enhanced by wild birds, suspected to act as vectors for a wide range of microorganisms that can be transmissible to other animals or humans. This study assessed the genetic diversity of

C. jejuni

carriage in wild birds and surface waters to explore a potential link between these environments and the persistence over years of recurring lineages infecting humans in Luxembourg. These lineages corresponded to over 40 % of clinical isolates over a 4 year period from 2018 to 2021. While mainly exotic genotypes were recovered from environmental samples, 4 % of

C. jejuni

from wild birds corresponded to human recurring genotypes. Among them, a human clinical endemic lineage, occurring for over a decade in Luxembourg, was detected in one bird species, suggesting a possible contribution to the persistence of this clone and its multi-host feature. Whereas 27 % of wild birds were carriers of C. jejuni, confirming their role as spreader or reservoir, only three out of 59 genotypes overlapped with recurring human strains. While direct transmission of

C. jejuni

infection through wild birds remains questionable, they may play a key role in the environmental spreading of stable clones to livestock, and this issue merits further investigation.
FEASIBILITY OF A SELF-MANAGEMENT INTERVENTION TO IMPROVE MOBILITY IN THE COMMUNITY AFTER STROKE (SIMS): A MIXED-METHODS PILOT STUDY
Authors: Sahely Ahmad , Sintler Carron , Soundy Andrew , Rosewilliam Sheeba
Published: June 2023

Objective

To evaluate the feasibility of implementing a self-management intervention to improve mobility in the community for stroke survivors.

Methods

A sequential mixed methods design was used (a pilot randomised controlled trial and focus groups). Participants were adult stroke survivors within six months post discharge from hospital with functional and cognitive capacity for self-management. The intervention included education sessions, goal setting and action planning, group sessions, self-monitoring and follow up. The control group received usual care and both groups enrolled for 3 months in the study. Feasibility outcomes (recruitment and retention rates, randomisation and blinding, adherence to the intervention, collection of outcome measures, and the fidelity and acceptability of the intervention). Participants assessed at baseline, 3 months and 6 months for functional mobility and walking, self-efficacy, goal attainment, cognitive ability, and general health. A descriptive analysis was done for quantitative data and content analysis for the qualitative data. Findings of quantitative and qualitative data were integrated to present the final results of the study.

Results

Twenty-four participants were recruited and randomised into two groups (12 each). It was feasible to recruit from hospital and community and to deliver the intervention remotely. Randomisation and blinding were successful. Participants were retained (83%) at 3 months and (79.2%) at 6 months assessments. Adherence to the intervention varied due to multiple factors. Focus groups discussed participants’ motivations for joining the programme, their perspectives on the intervention (fidelity and acceptability) and methodology, perceived improvements in mobility, facilitators and challenges for self-management, and suggestions for improvement.

Conclusion

The self-management intervention seems feasible for implementation for stroke survivors in the community. Participants appreciated the support provided and perceived improvement in their mobility. The study was not powered enough to draw a conclusion about the efficacy of the program and a future full-scale study is warranted.