bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stingless bee pollen product from Mount Merapi Slope, Turi Yogyakarta Indonesia
Authors: Sudaryadi I , Oktaweni F , Pramono I E , Fatikasary K W , Widiawati H , Sutikno
Published: June 2023

Stingless beekeeping practice (meliponiculture) in Indonesia is known to have an important role in flowering plant pollination outcomes as the stingless bee species is widely distributed across most regions of the country. As a social insect, lebah klaceng (the local name of stingless bee) consists of many species which produces honey, bee pollen, and propolis. It has been found that higher diversity of the collected pollens indicates a higher success of pollination outcomes for different kinds of flowering plants. Thus, the aim of this study is to identify the diversity of collected stingless bee pollens in the meliponiculture practice at the Mount Merapi Slope, Turi, Yogyakarta, Indonesia by observing the pollen characteristics. Acetolysis method was used in the preparation of the collected pollens for identification. The pollens were then observed under a light microscope. The result showed that the stingless bee pollens collected from Mount Merapi Slope were successfully obtained from various flowering plants belonging to 31 families dominated by Arecaceae (46.60%), followed by Asteraceae (6.90%), and Malvaceae (5.70%). It can be concluded that the stingless bee, Tetragonula laeviceps, is a good pollinator insect which supports the successful pollination of up to 31 families of flowering plants found at the Mount Merapi Slope, Turi, Yogyakarta, Indonesia.
Extraction and analysis of lutein and antioxidant activities from red spinach’s root, stem, and leaf
Authors: Rahman A N F , Latief R , Kartono H
Published: June 2023

Red spinach is leafy vegetable containing a high concentration of carotenoid such as lutein, which shows high benefits in anti-cancer and antioxidant to protect eye health from oxidative stress caused by cataracts and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Because of the potential activity against eye disease, extraction to obtain high concentration of lutein from this vegetable is urgently needed. Generally, lutein from leafy vegetables extracted from leaf. This study presents extraction and analysis lutein and antioxidant activities from all parts of the red spinach, such as the root, stem, and leaf. The extraction using hexane solvent. The result showed that the lutein content in root, stem, and leaf of red spinach by HPLC analysis was almost equal for all parts, 62.63 ppm for the root, 63.30 ppm for the stem, and 62.63 ppm for the leaf. In addition, spinach leaf displayed weak antioxidant activities due to a low IC50 value of 208.64 ppm. In contrast, spinach’s root and stem showed very weak antioxidant activities due to high value of IC50 of 463.19 ppm and 428.67 ppm. In conclusion, spinach’s leaf, the root and stem are good sources of lutein because of their high lutein content, but the antioxidant activity of spinach’s leaf is categorized as weak, and spinach’s root and stem are categorized as very weak in their extract.
Quality improvement of Indonesia traditional snack “Gandos” through the substitution of grated coconut on sensory, chemical characteristics, and TPC value
Authors: Affandi DR , Khotimah K , Afiah RN , Asmediana A , Abdi YFR , Adi P , Mulyani R
Published: June 2023

Gandos or pancong is a traditional snack, a type of semi-wet cake that is easily damaged and have a short shelf life. The quality of gandos is easily decreased because this snack is made from grated coconut which easily meets lipid oxidation. Quality improvement of gandos is needed to increase the selling value. The purpose of this study is to improve the quality of gandos by evaluating the sensory, chemical, and microbiological characteristics. The experimental design used was a one-factor Completely Randomized Design with three different treatments of coconut, namely F1 (coconut flour), F2 (pasteurized grated coconut), and F3 (boiled grated coconut). The tests carried out were sensory characteristics (appearance, aroma, flavor, texture, & overall), chemical characteristic (free fatty acid, moisture content, and ash content), and microbiological characteristic (total plate count). The hedonic test result showed that gandos with pasteurized grated coconut have the highest acceptance. This gandos has 36.601% of moisture content, 2.473% of ash content, 0.537% of FFA, and 4,4 x 103 CFU of TPC value. Gandos with pasteurized grated coconut has lower moisture content compared to the control. Based on the TPC test, gandos were not safe to consume in the 24th hour.
Molecular Screening of β-Lactoglobulin Gene Variation for Allergy-free Milk Production in Indonesian Friesian Holstein
Authors: Windarti Wahyu , Pambuko Galih , Purwadi  , Novika Revi Gama Hatta , Prastowo Sigit
Published: June 2023

The most allergenic protein in cow’s milk for new-borns is Beta Lactoglobulin (β-LG), which is also one of the bovine whey proteins. As a result, choosing suitable animals to create free allergenic protein is essential. In this study, Indonesian Friesian Holstein’s genetic variants in the β-LG gene were examined). Forty-two blood samples were sampled as DNA sources. The β-LG gene allele and genotype variant were identified using PCR-RFLP, or Polymerase Chain Reaction - Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism. Successful amplification of the β-LG gene with a 247 bp product size was followed by DNA sequencing and HaeIII enzyme digestion (GG|CC). There were discovered to be three genotypes and two types of alleles, A and B, with the frequencies being AA (0.26), AB (0.50), and BB (0.24). The population is in equilibrium because A and B have respective allele frequencies of 0.51 and 0.49. In conclusion, molecular-assisted selection can create allergen-free milk by utilizing the genotype variants of β-LG genes.
Effects of osmotic dehydration pre-treatment on process and quality of freeze-dried strawberries (Fragaria x ananassa var. Mencir)
Authors: Putri R M , Jumeri  , Falah M A F
Published: June 2023

The freeze-drying of fruits is one alternative to increase the added value of fresh fruit, extend the shelf life which the product, and still have properties like fresh fruit. Osmotic dehydration pre-treatment can be applied before drying techniques to produce a new product, maintain nutritional and sensory quality, and improve the drying process. In this research, the effects of osmotic dehydration on freeze-drying performance and the quality characteristics of freeze-dried strawberries were evaluated. Freeze-dried strawberries were made using fresh strawberries without pre-treatments and pre-treatments by osmotic dehydration (OD) with the freeze-drying method. The treatment of materials and processes used were the duration of storage in the freezer of 36 to 48 h; vertically cutting strawberry before OD; osmotic dehydration agents with a concentration of 50°Brix; immersion time for 30 min at temperature a 30°C; and freeze-drying time of 24 h. Results of each treatment in terms of physical quality parameters (color of skin fruit (L*a*b*), change of color (ΔE), and hardness) and phytochemical quality parameters (water content, vitamin C, total phenolic content, and antioxidant activity by DPPH) were compared and discussed. The osmotic dehydration process causes a water loss of 13%, has a significant difference on the parameters of colors (redness and color of change), hardness, vitamin C, total phenolic content, and antioxidant activity by DPPH.
Urban footprint extraction derived from worldview-2 satellite imagery by random forest and k-nearest neighbours algorithm
Authors: Bhayunagiri IBP , Saifulloh M
Published: June 2023

High-resolution spatial data regarding the distribution of urban areas is fundamental concerning regional spatial planning and monitoring the development of built-up areas. Many researchers have extracted urban footprints using low to medium-resolution satellite imagery. For applications on a global and regional scale, low to medium image resolution are suitable. Nevertheless, higher image resolution is required on a local scale, down to a small urban area level. This study objective to mapping the built-up land and examine the accuracy of 2 machine learning algorithms. This investigation employs a novel approach that combines the utilization of remote sensing technology with the implementation of machine learning algorithms. We use Random Forest (RF) and K-Nearest Neighbours (KNN) machine learning algorithms. This study used a high-resolution (0.5 meter) satellite image derived formWorldView-2. We only used three visible channels (Red-Green-Blue) with a 450 – 690 nm wavelength. Integrating remote sensing and machine learning can adequately investigate the urban footprint area. Based on this research, the RF better than KNN algorithm. It is proven by the confidence iteration value and the overall accuracy of the RF and KNN algorithms, i.e., 73.32%, 71.99%, 82.08%, and 77.89% respectively. Based on WorldView-2 imagery acquired in 2015, the proportion of urban footprint is still lower than the green area with 41.75%: 58.24%, especially in the centre of the capital city of Bali Province. Such conditions are undoubtedly different in other urban areas in Bali. Even one city area, e.g., West Denpasar, which almost the entire area is dominated by the urban footprint area. Such conditions are a particular concern for the local government in managing future spatial planning regulations. It is recommended that the proportion of green open space remains a priority so that there are no environmental problems in urban areas (e.g., air pollution, flooding due to runoff problems, etc.).
Effects of extraction time on total phenolic and flavonoid contents and antioxidant activities of a polyherbal drink
Authors: Hamad A , Hartanti D
Published: June 2023

The effect of extraction time on the color, total flavonoid content (TFC), total phenolic content (TPC), and antioxidant activity of the polyherbal drink consisted of 10% turmeric (Curcuma longa L.), 20% Java tea (Orthosiphon aristatus (Blume) Miq.), and 70% seed-under-leaf (Phyllanthus niruri L.) crude drugs were evaluated in this study. The drinks were prepared by decoction at various extraction times. The drink color was read by LAB colorimetry. TPC and TFC were determined by the official methods in the Indonesian Herbal Pharmacopeia (IHP). The antioxidant activity was evaluated by the standard 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. The color of the extracts obtained from different extraction times was statistically equal in L*, a*, and b* of color parameters. The TPC, TFC, DPPH radical scavenging activity, and FRAP of the extracts were considerably increased during the first 15 mins of extraction. The TPC value started to decrease after being extracted for 45 mins. The value of TFC, DPPH radical scavenging activity, and FRAP of the drinks remained unchanged until the final extraction time. Thus, the recommended extraction time of the polyherbal drink was 15 mins to preserve the phenolic compounds and flavonoids and obtain optimum antioxidant activity.
The effect of bentonite utilization on the physicochemical characterization of eel (Anguilla bicolor bicolor) oil by wet rendering
Authors: Sasongko H , Cahyadi M , Sutarno S , Muslimah I
Published: June 2023

Eel fish is a fishery commodity that has important economic worth in an international trade market. Eel fish (Anguilla bicolor bicolor) has a protein, carbohydrate, and fatty acid. The fatty acid composition in eel fish makes it a potential source of fish oil for health supplement applications. The extraction method and the purification process determine the quality of the fish oil produced. Wet rendering, or wet extraction is considered to be the most commonly used fish oil separation process. However, this process must be subjected to additional treatment, namely purification to produce quality fish oil. This study aims to determine the effect of the addition of bentonite on the physicochemical profile of eel. The oil is extracted from all of the body eel fish parts except waste like intestines. The crude fish oil thus obtained is then further processed with bentonite for refining to obtain pure fish oil. The results showed the quality of eel oil in respectively: acid number 1.47±0.02 mg KOH/g fat, iodine number 105.51 ± 0.62 Wijs, saponification number 226.12±3.86 mg KOH/g and peroxide value 11.86±0.0221 mEq O2/kg. There is a change in physicochemical profile after purification using bentonite. The conclusion, was that utilization of bentonite for eel oil extraction using the wet rendering process may increase the quality of fish oil.
Effect of pH, temperature, and salt concentration on the growth of Bacillus subtilis T9-05 isolated from fish sauce
Authors: Sanjaya A P , Praseptiangga D , Zaman M Z , Umiati V F , Baraja S I
Published: June 2023

Biogenic amines (BAs) are organic compounds found in fermented food products, such as sausage, fermented vegetables, wine, and fish sauce. Due to their potential to be harmful to human health and as markers of food quality, BAs content in food can be used as an indicator of food quality and food safety. Some bacteria have the ability to produce or degrade the BAs during fermentation. Environmental conditions can influence the growth of bacteria that produce biogenic amines. The aim of this study was to investigate the growth ofBacillus subtilisT9-05 isolated from fish sauce.Bacillus subtilisT9-05 was grown in tryptic soy broth with the treatment of pH (5, 6, 7, 8, and 9) and salt concentration (0, 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12% (w/v)) and the growing colonies were counted by the total plate count (TPC) method. Bacterial growth was also observed using different temperatures (25°C, 30°C, 35°C, 40°C, and 45°C). Differences in pH conditions and salt concentration significantly affected the growth ofBacillus subtilisT9-05. The highest growth ofBacillus subtilisT9-05 was achieved at pH 7-8 and a salt concentration of 0-1%.Bacillus subtilisT9-05 is classified as halotolerant bacteria.Bacillus subtilisT9-05 could be categorized as mesophilic bacteria based on its optimal growth rate of 35°C.
Synthesis of butyl cinnamate using enzymatic membrane reactor in a free solvent system
Authors: Listiarini H , Budijanto S , Andarwulan N , Nuraida L , Sitanggang A B
Published: June 2023

Cinnamic acid is a phenolic compound that has the potential to act as a natural antioxidant. Cinnamic acid esterification can be performed by adding alcohol as an alkyl group donor. This esterification is carried out to increase the antioxidant capacity of cinnamic acid. Esterification of cinnamic acid with butanol as the alkyl group donor was the best condition to modify cinnamic acid. In this study, the synthesis of butyl cinnamate using a enzymatic membrane reactor (EMR) is carried out continuously with Lipozyme TL IM as the catalyst. This study aimed to determine the optimal conditions for the synthesis of butyl cinnamate using various concentrations of cinnamic acid, biocatalyst, residence time, and the presence of molecular sieves. The synthesis of butyl cinnamate at 40°C was optimum when molecular sieves were present with 0.01 M cinnamic acid concentration, 1% (w/v) biocatalyst, and 12 h of residence time.
Institutional transformation of the food security agency: perspectives on the management of Toko Tani Indonesia program in Central Java
Authors: Sutrisno J , Marwanti S , Ulfa A N , Nurhidayati I , Putri H A
Published: June 2023

Food security is a condition for the fulfillment of food for the state to individuals. One of the government’s efforts in achieving resilience is implemented through the Toko Tani Indonesia (TTI) program which plays a role in summarizing the supply chain. This study aims to analyze the evaluation of implementation, as well as responses to institutional changes in the sustainability of TTI. The key informants of the research were 13 people from the Food Service (Province, Semarang City, Grobogan Regency, and Sukoharjo), farmer associations (Gapoktan), and TTI. Data analysis using the Miles-Huberman technique. The results show that the implementation of TTI went well only in 2016-2020, because in 2021 there was a change in institutions from the Food Security Agency to the National Food Agency so the number of TTI decreased. This program is very useful in meeting the food needs of the community, so an evaluation is needed for equitable distribution of profits of all supply chain actors because the price targeted by the government cannot cover management costs. Preferably, the pricing policy is adjusted for cost expenditures but still below the market price. Furthermore, the sustainability of the Central Java TTI will still depend on central policies.
How Averages Became Normal
Authors: Crowley John E
Published: June 2023

Averages became a distinctive form of information in early modern European culture, first in commercial arithmetic, then in natural philosophy, demography, political economy, and eventually in eclectic social analysis. Averaging, in the modern sense of calculating an arithmetic mean by adding up the individual values of cases in a set and then dividing that total by the number of cases, provided an empirical and heuristic resource for understanding planetary orbits, fertility and mortality rates, experimental results in natural philosophy, fiscal resources, the return on stock market investments, the relative profitability of crops, incomes and the cost of living, and even the trivia of daily life. Averaging created a new class of fact—precisely typifying information that varied. By the Enlightenment, averages had become a respectable, readily deployed, form of fact, giving unity to the variety of experience and knowledge. Averages became a metaphor of credibility and normality.
In situcharacterization of the agglutination of lectins via cross-linking of carbohydrates by time-resolved measurement of forward static light scattering
Authors: Ogata Makoto , Onoda Takashi , Wakamatsu Takashi
Published: June 2023

We present real-time observations of a structurally variable process for cross-linking agglutination between multivalent lectins and glycoclusters using a small-angle forward static light scattering (F-SLS) technique. In this study, a cross-linking agglutination reaction was carried out using a tetravalent Neu5Acα2,6LacNAc-glycocluster and Sambucus sieboldiana agglutinin (SSA). The scattering intensity of time-resolved F-SLS increased with formation of the Neu5Acα2,6LacNAc-glycocluster—SSA cross-linked complex. Using this approach, fine sequential cross-linking agglutination between glycoclusters and lectins was observed in real-time. The rate of increase in the intensity of time-resolved F-SLS increased with the concentration of sialo-glycoclusters and SSA. Structural analysis based on the fractal dimension using time-resolved F-SLS patterns revealed that the density of the aggregates changed with progression of the cross-linking reaction until equilibrium was reached. This is the first report to evaluate the cross-linking agglutination reaction between glycoclusters and lectins and analysis of the subsequent structure of the obtained aggregates using time-resolved measurements of F-SLS.
Maintaining the Utility of Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic Severity Surveillance: Evaluation of Trends in Attributable Deaths and Development and Validation of a Measurement Tool
Authors: Trottier Caitlin , La Jennifer , Li Lucy L , Alsoubani Majd , Vo Austin D , Fillmore Nathanael R , Branch-Elliman Westyn , Doron Shira , Monach Paul A
Published: June 2023

Background

Death within a specified time window following a positive SARS-CoV-2 test is used by some agencies for attributing death to COVID-19. With Omicron variants, widespread immunity, and asymptomatic screening, there is cause to re-evaluate COVID-19 death attribution methods and develop tools to improve case ascertainment.

Methods

All patients who died following microbiologically confirmed SARS-CoV-2 in the Veterans Health Administration (VA) and at Tufts Medical Center (TMC) were identified. Records of selected vaccinated VA patients with positive tests in 2022, and of all TMC patients with positive tests in 2021–2022, were manually reviewed to classify deaths as COVID-19–related (either directly caused by or contributed to), focused on deaths within 30 days. Logistic regression was used to develop and validate a surveillance model for identifying deaths in which COVID-19 was causal or contributory.

Results

Among vaccinated VA patients who died ≤30 days after a positive test in January–February 2022, death was COVID-19–related in 103/150 cases (69%) (55% causal, 14% contributory). In June–August 2022, death was COVID-19–related in 70/150 cases (47%) (22% causal, 25% contributory). Similar results were seen among the 71 patients who died at TMC. A model including hypoxemia, remdesivir, and anti-inflammatory drugs had positive and negative predictive values of 0.82–0.95 and 0.64–0.83, respectively.

Conclusions

By mid-2022, “death within 30 days” did not provide an accurate estimate of COVID-19–related death in 2 US healthcare systems with routine admission screening. Hypoxemia and use of antiviral and anti-inflammatory drugs—variables feasible for reporting to public health agencies—would improve classification of death as COVID-19–related.
Lack of Benefit for Early Escalation to Advanced Therapies in Ulcerative Colitis: Critical Appraisal of Current Evidence
Authors: Burisch Johan , Safroneeva Ekaterina , Laoun Raphael , Ma Christopher
Published: June 2023

Although ulcerative colitis [UC] shares many common pathways and therapeutic options with Crohn’s disease [CD], CD patients are four times more likely to undergo surgery 10 years into their disease in the biological era and are more likely to have extraintestinal manifestations than UC patients. Early treatment in CD has been demonstrated to modify the natural history of the disease and potentially delay surgery. Previous reviews on this topic have borrowed their evidence from CD to make UC-specific recommendations. This review highlights the emergence of UC-specific data from larger cohort studies and a comprehensive individual patient data systemic review and meta-analysis to critically appraise evidence on the utility of early escalation to advanced therapies with respect to short-, medium-, and long-term outcomes. In UC, the utility of the early escalation concept for the purposes of changing the natural history, including reducing colectomy and hospitalizations, is not supported by the available data. Data on targeting clinical, biochemical, endoscopic, and histological outcomes are needed to demonstrate that they are meaningful with regard to achieving reductions in hospitalization and surgery, improving quality of life, and minimizing disability. Analyses of different populations of UC patients, such as those with ‘relapsing & remitting’ disease or with severe or complicated disease course, are urgently needed. The costs and risk/benefit profile of some of the newer advanced therapies should be carefully considered. In this clinical landscape, it appears premature to advocate an indiscriminate ‘one size fits all’ approach to escalating to advanced therapies early during the course of UC.
Open-chest epicardial ablation of ventricular tachycardia during a left ventricular assist device implantation: a case report
Authors: Fukuzawa Koji , Hisamatsu Eriko , Nakai Hidekazu , Okada Kenji
Published: June 2023

Background

Ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) are common after a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation. Further, the majority of post-LVAD ventricular tachycardias (VTs) are secondary to a preexisting cardiomyopathy substrate. Intraoperative ablation of patients with recurrent preoperative VTs may reduce post-LVAD VTs.

Case summary

A 59-year-old female with advanced heart failure due to non-ischaemic cardiomyopathy (LV ejection fraction = 24%) and recurrent VTs was referred for an LVAD implantation as a bridge to a heart transplant (INTERMACS Profile-5A). The previous endocardial ablation failed due to an epicardial arrhythmogenic substrate. Therefore, open-chest epicardial mapping during the LVAD implantation was indicated and three target areas of the arrhythmogenic substrate were found, which were ablated by radiofrequency applications. To minimize the cardiopulmonary bypass time, cardiopulmonary bypass was initiated after ablation, and then, an LVAD was implanted. An additional 68 min was required for mapping and ablation. All procedures were performed without any complications, and the post-operative course was uneventful. Thereafter, no VT episodes were observed without any anti-arrhythmic drugs during a 15-month follow-up with LVAD support.

Discussion

Intraoperative epicardial mapping and ablation during an LVAD implantation can play an important role in the management of LVAD recipients with recurrent VAs.
Tracheal cancer: a rare and deadly but potentially curable disease that also affects younger people
Authors: Nilssen Yngvar , Solberg Steinar , Brustugun Odd Terje , Møller Bjørn , Sundset Arve , Wahl Sissel Gyrid Freim , Helland Åslaug
Published: June 2023

OBJECTIVES

The incidence of tracheal cancer is low, few clinicians get much experience and the awareness may be low. Recent data on the treatment and outcome are limited. The aim of the present study was to present updated, national data on the incidence, characteristics, treatment and outcome for patients with tracheal cancer.

METHODS

All tracheal cancers registered at the Cancer Registry of Norway in 2000–2020 were extracted. The patient and tumour characteristics age, sex, stage, histology and treatment modality (surgery and radiotherapy) were examined. Overall, median and relative survival were estimated. Cox regression models were used to identify independent prognostic factors.

RESULTS

The 77 patients diagnosed with tracheal cancer equals a crude incidence rate and an age-standardized incidence rate of 0.075 and 0.046 per 100,000 per year respectively. The mean age was 63.8 years (range: 26–94). The numerical preponderance of men (n = 41) is not statistically significant. Eighteen patients (23.4%) were diagnosed in the localized stage. The 5-year overall survival was 31.7% [95% confidence interval (CI): 21.0–42.9], and in those treated with surgical resection or curative radiotherapy, it was 53.7% (95% CI: 26.1–75.0) and 37.8% (95% CI: 18.8–56.7), respectively. Age, histological type and treatment modality were identified as independent prognostic factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite improved survival, the prognosis for patients with tracheal cancer is still poor. Few are diagnosed in the early stage and thus most are not eligible for curative treatment, mainly surgery. An increased awareness and diagnosis in the earlier stage is crucial.
Lower survival of hybrid grosbeaks, but not towhees, suggests a molt divide disfavors hybrids
Authors: Rohwer Vanya G , Hagler Samantha J , Van Doren Benjamin M , Fuentes Miguel , Billerman Shawn M
Published: June 2023

Although avian hybrid zones in the Great Plains have been studied for almost 70 years, we know surprisingly little about the fitness costs to hybrids that keep these zones narrow. We compare age ratios in grosbeaks (Pheucticus ludovicianus and P. melanocephalus) and towhees (Pipilo erythropthalums and P. maculatus), two species pairs that differ in their life histories and molt schedules, to evaluate survival between hybrids and parentals. We then contrast molt and migratory divides as possible sources of selection against hybrids. Hybrid grosbeaks had 27%–33% lower survival relative to their parentals, whereas hybrid towhees had survival rates similar to parentals. Age ratio data for hybrid grosbeaks suggest high mortality in older birds, as expected if selection operates after the first year of life. This pattern is consistent with parental species of grosbeaks having contrasting molt schedules relative to migration, suggesting high mortality costs to hybrids driven by molt biology, which are expressed later in life. Contrasts in molt schedules are absent in towhees. While migratory divides may exist for towhees and grosbeaks, the low adult survival of hybrid grosbeaks suggest that molt may be an important and underappreciated source of selection maintaining this and other narrow avian hybrid zones.
Insect homolog of oxytocin/vasopressin associated with parenting of males but not females in a subsocial beetle
Authors: Potticary Ahva L , Cunningham Christopher B , McKinney Elizabeth C , Moore Patricia J , Belay Amsale T , Moore Allen J
Published: June 2023

Parental care is thought to evolve through modification of behavioral precursors, which predicts that mechanistic changes occur in the genes underlying those traits. The duplicated gene system of oxytocin/vasopressin has been broadly co-opted across vertebrates to influence parenting, from a preduplication ancestral role in water balance. It remains unclear whether co-option of these genes for parenting is limited to vertebrates. Here, we experimentally tested for associations between inotocin gene expression and water balance, parental acceptance of offspring, and active parenting in the subsocial beetle Nicrophorus orbicollis, to test whether this single-copy homolog of the oxytocin/vasopressin system has similarly been co-opted for parental care in a species with elaborate parenting. As expected, inotocin was associated with water balance in both sexes. Inotocin expression increased around sexual maturation in both males and females, although more clearly in males. Finally, inotocin expression was not associated with acceptance of larvae, but was associated with a transition to male but not female parenting. Moreover, level of offspring provisioning behavior and gene expression were positively correlated in males but uncorrelated in females. Our results suggest a broad co-option of this system for parenting that may have existed prior to gene duplication.
No recombination suppression in asexually produced males ofDaphnia pulex
Authors: Molinier Cécile , Lenormand Thomas , Haag Christoph R
Published: June 2023

Obligate parthenogenesis (OP) is often thought to evolve by disruption of reductional meiosis and suppression of crossover recombination. In the crustacean Daphnia pulex, OP lineages, which have evolved from cyclical parthenogenetic (CP) ancestors, occasionally produce males that are capable of reductional meiosis. Here, by constructing high-density linkage maps, we find that these males show only slightly and nonsignificantly reduced recombination rates compared to CP males and females. Both meiosis disruption and recombination suppression are therefore sex-limited (or partly so), which speaks against the evolution of OP by disruption of a gene that is essential for meiosis or recombination in both sexes. The findings may be explained by female-limited action of genes that suppress recombination, but previously identified candidate genes are known to be expressed in both sexes. Alternatively, and equally consistent with the data, OP might have evolved through a reuse of the parthenogenesis pathways already present in CP and through their extension to all events of oogenesis. The causal mutations for the CP to OP transition may therefore include mutations in genes involved in oogenesis regulation and may not necessarily be restricted to genes of the “meiosis toolkit.” More generally, our study emphasizes that there are many ways to achieve asexuality, and elucidating the possible mechanisms is key to ultimately identify the genes and traits involved.
Glacial meltwater and seasonality influence community composition of diazotrophs in Arctic coastal and open waters
Authors: von Friesen Lisa W , Paulsen Maria L , Müller Oliver , Gründger Friederike , Riemann Lasse
Published: June 2023

The Arctic Ocean is particularly affected by climate change with unknown consequences for primary productivity. Diazotrophs—prokaryotes capable of converting atmospheric nitrogen to ammonia—have been detected in the often nitrogen-limited Arctic Ocean but distribution and community composition dynamics are largely unknown. We performed amplicon sequencing of the diazotroph marker gene nifH from glacial rivers, coastal, and open ocean regions and identified regionally distinct Arctic communities. Proteobacterial diazotrophs dominated all seasons, epi- to mesopelagic depths and rivers to open waters and, surprisingly, Cyanobacteria were only sporadically identified in coastal and freshwaters. The upstream environment of glacial rivers influenced diazotroph diversity, and in marine samples putative anaerobic sulphate-reducers showed seasonal succession with highest prevalence in summer to polar night. Betaproteobacteria (Burkholderiales, Nitrosomonadales, and Rhodocyclales) were typically found in rivers and freshwater-influenced waters, and Delta- (Desulfuromonadales, Desulfobacterales, and Desulfovibrionales) and Gammaproteobacteria in marine waters. The identified community composition dynamics, likely driven by runoff, inorganic nutrients, particulate organic carbon, and seasonality, imply diazotrophy a phenotype of ecological relevance with expected responsiveness to ongoing climate change. Our study largely expands baseline knowledge of Arctic diazotrophs—a prerequisite to understand underpinning of nitrogen fixation—and supports nitrogen fixation as a contributor of new nitrogen in the rapidly changing Arctic Ocean.
Tractidigestivibacter montrealensis sp. nov., a new member of human gut microbiota isolated from a healthy volunteer
Authors: Benlaïfaoui Myriam , Richard Corentin , Diop Awa , Naimi Sabrine , Belkaid Wiam , Bernet Eve , Veyrier Frederic , Elkrief Arielle , Bobay Louis-Marie , Routy Bertrand , Diop Khoudia
Published: June 2023

Strain KD21T, isolated from the fecal sample of a healthy female volunteer, is a strictly anaerobic, non-motile, Gram-staining-positive, saccharolytic small rod that does not produce spores. Strain KD21T was able to grow in the range of temperature 28°C–37°C (optimum, 37 °C), pH 6.0–8.0 (optimum, pH 7.0), and with 0–5.0 g/l NaCl (optimum, 0 g/l NaCl). Bacteria cells reduced nitrates to nitrites. Its major fatty acids were C18:1ω9c, C16:0, C18:0, and summed in feature 8 (C18:1ω7c and/or C18:1ω6c). 16S rRNA gene phylogenetic analysis revealed that KD21T is a member of the genus Tractidigestivibacter and is distinct from any species with validly published names. The sequence showed 98.48% similarity with T. scatoligenes SK9K4T. The DNA G + C content of strain KD21T was 62.6 mol%. The DNA–DNA hybridization and OrthoANI values between strain KD21T and T. scatoligenes SK9K4T were 40.2% and 90.2%, respectively. Differences in phenotypic, phylogenetic, chemotaxonomic, and genomic characteristics indicated that strain KD21T represents a novel species within the genus Tractidigestivibacter. The name T. montrealensis sp. nov. is proposed and the type strain is KD21T (= CSUR Q8103T =  DSM 115111T).
Understanding the challenges of disaster victim identification: perspectives of Australian forensic practitioners
Authors: Adamovic Natasa , Howes Loene M , White Rob , Julian Roberta
Published: June 2023

Disaster victim identification (DVI) is an important process in the aftermath of disasters to provide answers for the families and communities of victims. Australian forensic practitioners contribute to such processes internationally under difficult post-disaster circumstances. The aim of the study was to better understand the challenges experienced by forensic practitioners in international DVI operations. Participants (N = 20) included DNA analysts, fingerprint examiners, forensic odontologists, forensic pathologists, and mortuary technicians who had experience in DVI operations. Participants were interviewed about their experiences and perceptions of the challenges of DVI. The findings provide valuable insights into the types of DVI operations in which Australian forensic practitioners have been involved internationally. Thematic analysis of interview data resulted in five main themes: the post-disaster work environment; DVI management and processes; political and financial influences; teamwork in intercultural and interdisciplinary contexts; and confronting the emotional realities of DVI work. The analysis highlights the interrelated challenges associated with DVI operations in international contexts. Practitioners also provided suggestions for improvement, which generally aligned with the themes and reflected an ethos of learning and continuous improvement in DVI. Further research on education and training and capacity-development initiatives is warranted.
Dementia Caregivers’ Perspectives on Disaster Preparedness: Barriers, Resources, and Recommendations
Authors: Peterson Lindsay J , Hackett Sara E , Dobbs Debra , Haley William E
Published: June 2023

Background and Objectives

Disaster preparedness is an urgent concern, particularly for caregivers of persons with dementia. Developing and executing plans for oneself and another person who needs care can be difficult when the care recipient is cognitively impaired. We sought to better understand caregivers’ disaster preparedness for the purpose of generating guidance for future interventions to increase caregiver resilience.

Research Design and Methods

We conducted a qualitative descriptive study of caregiver disaster experiences and perceptions of their preparedness. Fifty-two participants from diverse backgrounds participated in a focus group or interview. Deductive thematic data analysis was utilized to identify themes. Stress process models guided the interpretation of our findings.

Results

Analyses of caregivers’ experiences and observations revealed that disaster preparedness was challenging for caregivers, though also perceived to be an important responsibility. We identified 3 main themes: (a) barriers to preparing for a disaster as a caregiver for a person living with dementia, (b) why it is important for a caregiver to develop a disaster plan, and (c) how to facilitate preparedness for caregivers of persons living with dementia.

Discussion and Implications

This study highlighted the difficulties of preparing for a disaster while caring for a person with dementia. Applying stress process models to our results provided strong evidence that interventions could be developed to bolster caregivers’ resources to cope with stressors associated with disaster preparedness. A key issue for public officials is the question of whether disaster shelters are appropriate for persons with dementia.
Toward Healthy Aging in Palau
Authors: Xu Wenqian , Holm Tarita , Lee Siwon , Uherbelau Gaafar , Madraisau Sherilynn , Subediang Hera
Published: June 2023

Background and Objectives

Palau is facing a rapidly aging population and developing a comprehensive national aging policy to address the growing needs of older adults, but more research is needed to understand their circumstances and needs in relation to healthy aging. This study aims to investigate these factors and contribute to developing the National Policy on Care for the Aging.

Research Design and Methods

The study adopted a participatory action research design and included focus groups with older adults, public consultations, and stakeholder interviews, providing insights into the needs of an aging population and how to address them. Thematic analysis was conducted to understand the experiences and needs of older adults and possible system changes to address these needs.

Results

This study identified the need to recognize cultural changes and optimize social and physical environments to improve the health and well-being of older adults. Older adults are valued in Palauan society, but harmful stereotypes and mistreatment of older adults exist. To address those needs and challenges, our stakeholders proposed a range of services, programs, and policies across sectors to create a healthy-enabling environment. Our findings also highlight the importance of health systems proactively reaching individuals and families to address lifelong health needs.

Discussion and Implications

Our results show the vital role of various sectors in fostering healthy aging and the importance of environmental and cultural perspectives in creating an age-friendly society, which can be an inspiration for other Pacific Island countries.
Reelin Plasma Levels Identify Cognitive Decline in Alcohol Use Disorder Patients During Early Abstinence: The Influence of APOE4 Expression
Authors: Escudero Berta , Moya Marta , López-Valencia Leticia , Arias Francisco , Orio Laura
Published: June 2023

Background

Apolipoprotein E (APOE)-4 isoform, reelin, and clusterin share very–low-density liporeceptor and apolipoprotein E receptor 2 receptors and are related to cognition in neuropsychiatric disorders. These proteins are expressed in plasma and brain, but studies involving plasma expression and cognition are scarce.

Methods

We studied the peripheral expression (plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cells) of these proteins in 24 middle-aged patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD) diagnosed at 4 to 12 weeks of abstinence (t = 0) and 34 controls. Cognition was assessed using the Test of Detection of Cognitive Impairment in Alcoholism. In a follow-up study (t = 1), we measured reelin levels and evaluated cognitive improvement at 6 months of abstinence.

Results

APOE4 isoform was present in 37.5% and 58.8% of patients and controls, respectively, reaching similar plasma levels in ε4 carriers regardless of whether they were patients with AUD or controls. Plasma reelin and clusterin were higher in the AUD group, and reelin levels peaked in patients expressing APOE4 (P < .05, η2 = 0.09), who showed reduced very–low-density liporeceptor and apolipoprotein E receptor 2 expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. APOE4 had a negative effect on memory/learning mainly in the AUD group (P < .01, η2 = 0.15). Multivariate logistic regression analyses identified plasma reelin as a good indicator of AUD cognitive impairment at t = 0. At t = 1, patients with AUD showed lower reelin levels vs controls along with some cognitive improvement.

Conclusions

Reelin plasma levels are elevated during early abstinence in patients with AUD who express the APOE4 isoform, identifying cognitive deterioration to a great extent, and it may participate as a homeostatic signal for cognitive recovery in the long term.
A complete characterization of minima of the spectral abscissa and rightmost roots of second-order systems with input delay
Authors: Michiels Wim , Niculescu Silviu-Iulian , Boussaada Islam
Published: June 2023

The numerical minimization of the spectral abscissa function of linear time-invariant time-delay systems, an established approach to compute stabilizing controllers with a fixed structure, often gives rise to minima characterized by active characteristic roots with multiplicity higher than one. At the same time, recent theoretical results reveal situations where the so-called multiplicity induced dominancy property holds, i.e., a sufficiently high multiplicity implies that the root is dominant. Using an integrative approach, combining analytical characterizations, computation of characteristic roots and numerical optimization, a complete characterization of the stabilizability of second-order systems with input delays is provided, for both state feedback and delayed output feedback. The level sets of the minimal achievable spectral abscissa are also characterized. These results shed light on the complex relations between (configurations involving) multiple roots, the property of being dominant roots and the property of corresponding to (local/global) minimizers of the spectral abscissa function.
A model for analysis of antibiotic usage in low-income settings
Authors: Rockwood Neesha , Mani Uma , Ranawaka Sarith , Gunarathna Sathika , Sivaganesh Sivasuriya
Published: June 2023

Objectives

Quantification of antibiotic usage is an important component of antimicrobial stewardship programmes. We aimed to estimate institutional antibiotic usage and costs using methodology and metrics applicable to low-income settings without electronic health records.

Methods

The DDD per 100 patient-days (DDDs/100 PDs) of antibiotics used in a calendar year was calculated retrospectively from ward registers and inpatient drug records in general surgical wards of a tertiary hospital. The antibiotics were categorized using the Access, Watch, Reserve classification. The annual expenditure on antibiotics was estimated from price lists of the state medication procurer.

Results

Annual usage of IV co-amoxiclav, cefuroxime and metronidazole was significantly higher than other antibiotics and certain wards showed outlier use of the same. The IV formulations of co-amoxiclav (5-fold), metronidazole (3-fold) and ciprofloxacin (2-fold) were used in excess of the oral formulation. Proportionate antibiotic usage based on the AWaRe category did not vary significantly between wards. Two wards were outliers for annual expenditure/100 PDs. IV clindamycin and meropenem combined accounted for 43.8% of expenditure on antibiotics.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated intra-institutional variations of annual antibiotic usage and related costs. The metric DDD/100 PDs and the methodology used here are suitable for intra- and inter-institutional analyses of antibiotic usage, particularly in low-income settings.
Emerging insights into ethnic-specific TP53 germline variants
Authors: Fischer Nicholas W , Ma Yu-Heng Vivian , Gariépy Jean
Published: June 2023

The recent expansion of human genomics repositories has facilitated the discovery of novel TP53 variants in populations of different ethnic origins. Interpreting TP53 variants is a major clinical challenge because they are functionally diverse, confer highly variable predisposition to cancer (including elusive low-penetrance alleles), and interact with genetic modifiers that alter tumor susceptibility. Here, we discuss how a cancer risk continuum may relate to germline TP53 mutations on the basis of our current review of genotype–phenotype studies and an integrative analysis combining functional and sequencing datasets. Our study reveals that each ancestry contains a distinct TP53 variant landscape defined by enriched ethnic-specific alleles. In particular, the discovery and characterization of suspected low-penetrance ethnic-specific variants with unique functional consequences, including P47S (African), G334R (Ashkenazi Jewish), and rs78378222 (Icelandic), may provide new insights in terms of managing cancer risk and the efficacy of therapy. Additionally, our analysis highlights infrequent variants linked to milder cancer phenotypes in various published reports that may be underdiagnosed and require further investigation, including D49H in East Asians and R181H in Europeans. Overall, the sequencing and projected functions of TP53 variants arising within ethnic populations and their interplay with modifiers, as well as the emergence of CRISPR screens and AI tools, are now rapidly improving our understanding of the cancer susceptibility spectrum, leading toward more accurate and personalized cancer risk assessments.