bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Profitability analysis of leather tanning industry with capital structure without interest using canvas financial management approach
Authors: Kurniawan A , Sukardi  , Indrasti N S , Suparno O
Published: June 2020

There were around 330 leather tanning industries in Garut in 2011. Currently, there are only 220 tanning industries left. Contrarily, in 2011 credit facility users from the tanneries were only 15% then increased to 95% in 2019. Loans with an interest system will incur new costs that can cause price increases or reduce incomes, this is what is thought to be the cause of the reduced number of the leather tanning industry. This study aims to calculate the impact of credit on the price and profitability of the leather tanning industry in Sukaregang, Garut. Capital structure is the ratio between external capital and internal capital. This study uses the Financial Management Canvas approach to overcome the analysis complexity because in general SMEs do not have adequate financial reports. The results showed that changes in the capital structure causes unbalanced in the income statement. An increase in product price is performed to obtain a balanced income statement. Another way is by reducing the profits to pay the loan interest. The existence of external funds in the form of loans with an interest system causes an increase in selling prices and or reduces profitability.
Screening the Quality of Coconut Oil Heated on Several Temperatures by Liquid Chromatograph Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Nasution I P M , Fahmy K , Andasuryani  , Syukri D , Nakano K , Immaizumi T
Published: June 2020

The objective of this study was to screen the quality marker of stored coconut oil on several temperatures. The method used in this researchis a degree date method with sample observations carried out regularly. Coconut oils were stored at 30°C, 40°C and 50°C. The quality of coconut oil after storage were determined with viscosity was measured by Capillary Viscometer SIBATA S0-6818 and carbonyl compounds analysis were analyzed using Liquid Chromatograph Mass Spectrometry (LC/MS). The results showed, viscosity decreased with increasing of temperature. The significant decreased in viscosity occurs at 50°C, which is 23,6138 mm2/s. Principle component analysis and discriminant analysis (PCA-DA) on compound carbonyl analysis showed the presence that formed at each temperature. A decreased in viscosity and the presence compounds are marker decline in the quality of coconut oil.
Study of Green Tea Catechin Dipped with Moringa Leaves
Authors: Budaraga I K , Putra D P
Published: June 2020

Green tea has been widely consumed by people in Asian countries since centuries ago. Green tea is a second drink that is often consumed by people in Japan and China after water. However, in Indonesia this green tea has just evolved a while ago. The development of green tea in Indonesia is also associated with health benefits. Green tea contains polyphenols components especially catechins. Most catechine content is found in green tea compared to black tea or oolong tea. The efficacy of green tea is thought to be nicer if there is the addition of kelor leaves. But until now there has been no assessment of the problem. The purpose of this research is to know the content of green tea catechins on drying and the addition of different kelor leaves. The research was conducted in laboratory instrumentation Faculty of Agricultural Technology of Andalas University in May-June 2019. The study was conducted using exploratory methods comparing the content of catechins to green tea on drying and percentage of of different kelor leaves. Drying is done at room temperature and sun temperature. Percentage of the addition of the leaves are 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 percent. The raw materials of tea leaves are purchased at PT Mitra Kerinci Solok Selatan and Kelor leaves obtained in Padang city. The results showed the content of catechins in green tea bags by drying the room temperature on the addition of the kelor leaves as much as 10% showed the highest catechin rate of 22.85% while on drying the sun with the addition of kelor leaves Shows the content of catechins 16.33%.
Moisture Sorption Isotherm and Isosteric Heat of Dried Cabya (Piper retrofractum Vahl) Powder
Authors: Hawa L C , Aini K N N , Maharani D M , Susilo B
Published: June 2020

Cabya (Piper retrofractum Vahl) is a widely utilized herbal plant for Indonesian traditional medicine. Up to date, the commonly applied storage method for this plant is in dried form, and makes it less effective for distribution process and less attractive for consumers preference, i.e. consumers usually prefers to consume herbal product in powdered form. In the attempt to provide an optimized storage condition of dried cabya powder, the study was conducted to analyze the sorption isotherm behavior of dried cabya powder and to obtain the fittest sorption isotherm model by comparing obtained data to five commonly used sorption isotherm models, i.e. BET, Oswin, Smith, Caurie, and GAB model. The sorption isotherm data was obtained using static gravimetric method in 24 h of interval weighing observation. Six saturated salt solution, i.e. KOH, MgCl2, KI, NaCl, KCl, and KNO3 were employed for water activity (aw
) in the range of 0.063 - 0.936. The observation was conducted at three different temperatures, i.e. 25±2°C, 35±2°C, and 45±2°C with triplicates. The results indicated that GAB model satisfactorily describe the sorption isotherms behavior of dried cabya powder. The mathematical form of isosteric heat equation of dried cabya powder in adsorption and desorption were also presented.
Isolation and Characterization of Effective Microorganism from Oil Palm Rhizhopheric Soil and Evaluation of Their Potential as Biofertiliser
Authors: Nor M N M
Published: June 2020

Plant nutrients are vital components of sustainable agriculture. Soil microorganisms play a significant role in regulating dynamics of organic matter decomposition and availability of plant nutrients such as nitrogen (N), phosphate (P) and sulphur (S), as well as stimulating plant growth. Soil microbial inoculants associated with rhizosphere region of plants work as biofertilisers. In this study, beneficial bacteria were isolated from rhizospheric soils collected from an oil palm plantation in Temerloh, Pahang, Malaysia. Rhizospheric soils (n = 6) were sampled from oil palm plants with heavy production of fresh fruit bunches, due to supplementation of biofertiliser. Isolation of bacteria was carried out on soil extract agar using a dilution plate method. Total bacterial count from isolation plates was in the range of 6.0 × 107 to 7.3 × 107 cfu per gram of soil. All bacterial isolates (n = 150) were purified and characterised for production of plant beneficial enzymes and hormones such as indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), siderophore, nitrogenase and phosphatase. Two bacterial isolates that were positive in phosphate solubilising assay, nitrogen fixers and IAA producers assay were identified as Brevibacillus sp., and Burkholderia sp. respectively, based on 16S rRNA gene sequences.
Impact of Gold Mining on Physical Properties of Inceptisols in Muaro Sijunjung, West Sumatra Indonesia
Authors: Yulnafatmawita  , Yasin S , Kurnia E F , Haris Z A
Published: June 2020

Open mining causes some problems to the soil properties both in situ and ex situ or in the environment. A research on the effect of gold mining on physical properties of Inceptisols was conducted in Nagari Muaro, District of Sijunjung West Sumatra Indonesia. The disturbed and undisturbed soil was sampled at the ex gold mining, and at the previous land use, especially rubber plantation and grassland. Parameters analysed were soil texture, bulk density (BD), hydraulic conductivity (HC), soil organic matter (SOM), soil aggregate stability (SAS), and water content. Based on laboratory analyses, it was found that gold mining process changed soil physical properties at the top 0-40 cm soil in Muaro Sijunjung. It decreased SOM content, soil HC, SAS index, TP, and increased soil BD or hardness compared to the previous land use. The soil must be rehabilitated to increase its productivity and to anticipate environmental pollution.
Proximate Composition and Glycaemic Index of Cookies from Corn Flour Mixed Black Soybean
Authors: Triandita N , Putri N E
Published: June 2020

The metabolic characteristics of type 2 diabetes subject are abnormally high concentration of glucose in blood. They need low glycaemic index food to control their bloods glucose. Meals from cereal and bean have important protein, vegetable oils, dietary fibre, and low starch to controlling it. The purpose of this research was to analyzed the proximate composition and glycaemic index of cookies from corn flour and black soybean flour. Proximate composition determined by AOAC methods. The glycaemic index data was measured from nine normal subject (± 23 years) that selected from agricultural student in Garut University. About 50 g glucose was consumed by subjects. Capillary blood samples were taken by glucometer in the fasting state and then at 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, and 120 minutes from the start consumption of glucose. After a week, subjects were consumed of cookies sample equivalent with 50 g glucose. Samples were analyzed for blood glucose concentration and incremental areas under blood glucose curves were calculated. The glycaemic index of cookies was calculated as the incremental area under curve (iAUC) of the cookies expressed as a percentage of the individual’s average incremental area under curve (iAUC) of the glucose. The results showed that the cooky contained moisture (3.79±0.07%), ash (1.07±0.03%), lipid (29.97±0.28%), protein (6.03±0.06%), crude fiber (3.13±0.38%), and carbohydrate (59.15±0.31%). The cookies have 40.00±17.95 glycaemic index and it was classified as low glycaemic food (less than 55). Furthermore, consuming the cookies could be control the blood glucose of subjects.
Increasing Health Benefit of Wild Yam (Dioscorea hispida) Tuber by Red Mold (Angkak) Fermentation
Authors: Estiasih T , Irawati  , Kuliahsari D E , Widayanti V T
Published: June 2020

Detoxification of cyanogen is very important in cyanide containing tubers such as wild yam (Dioscorea hispida). Principally, cyanogen detoxification is by converting cyanogenic glycoside into acetone cyanohydrin and further converted into free HCN that is easily removed by heating or soaking. Conversion of cyanogenic glycoside into free HCN is catalyzed by beta glucosidase enzyme (linamarase) in linamarin deglycosilation and a- hydroxyinitril liase (HNL) in acetone cyanohydrin degradation into free HCN and acetone. Endogen linamarase is found in the tubers and exogenous linamarase might be from microbes. It is supposed that fermentation of wild yam by angkak will reduce cyanide level. Angkak or Red Mold Rice (RMR) is a product of rice fermentation using Monascus sp mainly M. purpureus. Beside red pigment, angkak fermentation also produces a variety of secondary metabolites such as lovastatin, mevinolin, and citrinin. Monacolin K (lovastatin) from Monascus purpureus is an inhibitor for HMG-CoA reductase in cholesterol biosynthesis. Monacolin K production is higher in Dioscorea substrate compared to rice. RMD (Red Mold Dioscorea) reveals higher anti-cholesterol activity and anti-hypertension than red mold rice. RMD also exhibits antioxidant, anti-diabetic, anti-obesity, and induces cancer sell apoptosis and does not reveal mutagenic and toxicity. In RMD, monascin and ankaflavin have a role in reducing cholesterol. It is expected that wild yam fermentation by angkak will reduce cyanide level and produce health beneficial secondary metabolites.
The Effect of Addition Papaya Leaf Extract (Carica papaya L.) on Reducing Caffeine Levels in Robusta Coffee
Authors: Saloko S , Handito D , Murad  , Apriani N
Published: June 2020

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of adding papaya leaf extract (Carica papaya L.) to a decrease in caffeine content in coffee. This study used a randomized completely block design (RCBD) using one factor, namely the addition factor of papaya leaf extract that consisting of 3 replications. The parameters tested were moisture content, ash content, caffeine content, antioxidant activity and total phenols, physical quality parameters in the form of colour °Hue value and L* value and organoleptic quality in the form of taste and aroma. The effect of adding different papaya leaf extracts had a significant influence on (moisture content, caffeine content, antioxidant activity and total phenol), the colour parameters (L* values) and the organoleptic parameters were (taste scoring methods). Treat the addition of 25% papaya leaf extract was the best treatment in reducing caffeine levels in coffee. The treatment produces coffee with a moisture content 4.87%; caffeine content 0.66%; antioxidant activity 53.33%; total phenol 510.48 mg GAE/g; colour L* 8.48 and taste 4.35 (bitter).
Brewing characterization for optimum functional properties of Dampit Robusta (Coffea canephora) and Liberica (Coffea Liberica) coffee leaves tea
Authors: Fibrianto K , Muliadi B S , Tedja C A , Hartari A , Legowo A M , Al-Baarri A N
Published: June 2020

Coffee leaf is rich of bioactive compound such as phenolic acids, flavonoids, alkaloids, tannin, and caffeine. This study aims to determine optimal brewing conditions for Dampit Robusta and Liberica coffee leaf tea with total phenolic content, tannin content and antioxidant activity as response, also to determine its sensory characteristics. The results suggest that the optimum brewing condition of Dampit Robusta coffee leaves tea was obtained at 95.30°C for 5.14 minutes with total phenolic compound of 468.26 ± 4.16 mg GAE/g, tannin content 303.95 ± 8.17 μg TAE/g, and IC50 antioxidant activity was 14.91 ± 2.48 ppm. Meanwhile the brewing of Dampit liberica coffee tea leaves was optimum at 95.52°C for 6.03 minutes, with the total phenolic content, tannin content, and antioxidant activity were 562.72 ± 20.21 mg GAE/g, 434.86 ± 34.05 μg TAE/g and 12.68 ± 1.89 ppm consecutively. It was also found that Robusta tea leaves have more dominant floral flavour while Liberica tea leaves were dominated by burnt flavour, bitter taste and astringent mouth-feel.
Designing Instant Corn Rice Using the Product Design Phase of Quality Function Deployment
Authors: Hidayat K , Asfan  , Asfan D F , Nursiyam U A
Published: June 2020

Corn rice is one of popular foods in Madura. It refers to main meal consisting of rice grains and grinding corn. Often, it takes long time for preparation; thus, instant product of corn rice is needed. The purpose of this study aims to design Madura instant corn rice products according to consumer preference. Development of product design development involves Quality Function Deployment (QFD) method of the product design phase. The results of this study indicate eleven stages of the process carried out to make instant corn rice products. The product was made as follows: (1) sorting, carried out to select good quality corn, (2) milling, carried out to operate size reduction of the corn, (3) sieving, carried out to produce uniform corn rice faction, and (4) weighing. Washing and soaking of corn was required to remove foreign materials; then followed by steaming, drying 1, boiling, cooling, and drying 2. Ultimately, instant corn rice was packaged. In this regard, boiling process showed importance, with a value of 492,921, then sorting with a value of 454,721, and drying process with a value of 432,446.
Antecedents of Attitude Toward Green Products and its Impact on Purchase Intention
Authors: Lestari E R , Hanifa KPU , Hartawan S
Published: June 2020

The lack of information related to green consumption behaviour becomes an obstacle to both local and international markets in developing their marketing strategy to promote green products. Therefore, it is fundamental to recognize green behaviour of consumers through their purchase intention towards green products, considering that this trend is quite new for them. The purpose of the study is to examine the relationship between three antecedents of attitude towards green products, namely, eco-label, environmental concern and peer pressure, as well as to analyse their influence to consumer’s purchase intention. In this study, the Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA) is used as theoretical research framework. This study investigates the green products, particularly on the ready to drink (RTD) beverage products in a paperboard package certified by Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). The data were collected from 386 respondents in Malang, Indonesia. The findings of this study signified that eco-label, environmental concern and peer pressure have a significant positive impact on the attitudes towards green products. Moreover, this attitude also has a positive impact on green products purchase intention.
Fatigue life investigation of non-load carrying fillet weld of structural offshore steel S460G2+M using experiment and FEM simulation
Authors: Andud D , Saidin S , Manurung Y H P , Faiz Mat M , Salim K , Mahmud A , Dawam A A , Said M K M , Bani S , Jalani S , Zaukah Ibel M , Yasan M Y M , Zainudin D , Abas H
Published: June 2020

This research deals with the fatigue life investigation using experiment and FEM simulation on longitudinal fillet weld of structural offshore steel S460G2+M with a thickness of 10mm. The experimental fatigue test is conducted based on nominal stress (NS) approach while the simulation uses the effective notch stress (ENS) approach for fatigue life assessment. The investigation begins with the preparation of the longitudinal fillet weld fatigue specimen using Milling Machine based on the IIW fatigue specimen design recommendation and joined using the semi-automatic GMAW process following the AWS D1.1 procedure. Fatigue testing on non-load carrying fillet weld is conducted using the Instron Fatigue Machine with a stress ratio of 0.1 with constant amplitude loading and stress loading from 50%-75% of the yield strength of the base material. For the simulation approach, the 3D longitudinal fillet weld geometry is created using CAD based on the ENS design procedures of IIW where the sizes and dimensions are similar to the experimental fatigue specimen. The static elastic stress analysis of the model is conducted using MSC Marc/Mentat FEM software. Based on the IIW fatigue data evaluation, it is found that the natural mean curve of the longitudinal fillet weld obtained 146 MPa of FAT class which exceeds approximately 106% from the IIW FAT class recommendation for a longitudinal fillet joint. However, the characteristic curve of 97.7% failure probability of the parts only attained 95 MPa of FAT class, but still exceeds approximately 33% form the IIW FAT class. In the ENS fatigue assessment of the 3D longitudinal fillet weld, it is found that the model obtained 195MPa of FAT class which is inferior approximately 15 % from the FAT class recommendation of IIW. Also, it is found that both S-N curves of NS after conversion to ENS system have a good agreement with the S-N curve of ENS of 3D longitudinal fillet weld model and the IIW recommendation due to only 16 % and 34% lower as compared with the IIW FAT class recommendation for ENS.
ASHP national survey of pharmacy practice in hospital settings: Prescribing and transcribing—2019
Authors: Pedersen Craig A , Schneider Philip J , Ganio Michael C , Scheckelhoff Douglas J
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Results of the 2019 ASHP national survey of pharmacy practice in hospital settings are presented.

Methods

Pharmacy directors at 4,863 general and children’s medical/surgical hospitals in the United States were surveyed using a mixed-mode method of contact by email and mail. Survey completion was online, using an online survey application. IQVIA supplied data on hospital characteristics; the survey sample was drawn from the IMS Health hospital database.

Results

The response rate was 10.8%. Pharmacists are increasingly managing medication use in the areas of vancomycin therapy, antibiotic selection and dosing, and anticoagulation. Electronic health record (EHR) decision support is guiding prescribing, and nearly 50% of hospitals are customizing drug warnings. Adoption of compounding technology continues, with 43.6% of hospitals using technology in their sterile compounding processes. Nearly half of hospitals have active opioid stewardship programs, and pharmacists are leading these efforts. Specialty pharmacy operations are growing in health systems. Human resource commitments to support new services are increasing; however, vacancy rates for technicians are challenging. Staff credentialing continues to expand for pharmacist and technicians.

Conclusion

Pharmacists continue to assume greater responsibility for writing medication orders, dosing, ordering laboratory tests, and monitoring outcomes. Health-system pharmacists are taking a leading role in addressing the opioid crisis, advancing safety in compounded sterile preparations through adoption of intravenous workflow technologies, and optimizing EHR applications to leverage clinical decision support tools to improve the safe prescribing and use of medications.
Does Class Proportion of Students with Non-Western Origin in High Schools Affect Drinking Habits Among Ethnic Danish Students?
Authors: Hoffmann Sofie H , Pisinger Veronica S C , Norredam Marie , Tolstrup Janne S , Thygesen Lau C
Published: June 2020

Aim

the objective was to test the hypothesis that a higher proportion of students with non-Western origin in high school classes is associated with lower and less frequent alcohol consumption among ethnic Danish students.

Method

data on country of origin was obtained from the Danish Civil Registration System, while information on drinking habits were derived from the Danish National Youth Study 2014. Multilevel zero-inflated binominal regression was used to assess the association between class proportion of students with non-Western origin and odds of non-drinking and mean weekly alcohol consumption, while multilevel logistic regression was used to assess the association with frequent binge drinking.

Results

a higher proportion of students with non-Western origin in class was associated with higher odds of non-drinking among ethnic Danish student in the same class. For example, ethnic Danish boys in classes with more than 15% of the students of non-Western origin had 77% higher odds of being non-drinkers, compared to ethnic Danish boys in classes where 0–5% had non-Western origin (OR: 1.77, 95% CI; 1.42–2.20). Among ethnic Danish students that did consume alcohol, class proportion of students with non-Western origin was not associated with weekly alcohol consumption, while a higher proportion of students with non-Western origin in class was associated with lower odds of frequent binge drinking.

Conclusion

the downward drinking trend among adolescents in Western countries may be partly explained by the higher proportion of youth with non-Western origin, influencing the prevalence of drinking and frequency of binge drinking among adolescents in the ethnic majority population.
A Cohort Study of the Temporal Stability of ImPACT Scores Among NCAA Division I Collegiate Athletes: Clinical Implications of Test–Retest Reliability for Enhancing Student Athlete Safety
Authors: Mason Sara J , Davidson Bradley S , Lehto Marybeth , Ledreux Aurélie , Granholm Ann-Charlotte , Gorgens Kim A
Published: June 2020

Objective

In this study we examined the temporal stability of the Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Test (ImPACT) within NCAA Division I athletes across various timepoints using an exhaustive series of statistical models.

Methods

Within a cohort design, 48 athletes completed repeated baseline ImPACT assessments at various timepoints. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were calculated using a two-way mixed effects model with absolute agreement.

Results

Four ImPACT composite scores (Verbal Memory, Visual Memory, Visual Motor Speed, and Reaction Time) demonstrated moderate reliability (ICC = 0.51–0.66) across the span of a typical Division I athlete’s career, which is below previous reliability recommendations (0.90) for measures used in individual decision-making. No evidence of fixed bias was detected within Verbal Memory, Visual Motor Speed, or Reaction Time composite scores, and minimal detectable change values exceeded the limits of agreement.

Conclusions

The demonstrated temporal stability of the ImPACT falls below the published recommendations, and as such, fails to provide robust support for the NCAA’s recommendation to obtain a single preparticipation cognitive baseline for use in sports-related concussion management throughout an athlete’s career. Clinical interpretation guidelines are provided for clinicians who utilize baseline ImPACT scores for later performance comparisons.
Diverse Temporal Dynamics of Repetition Suppression Revealed by Intracranial Recordings in the Human Ventral Temporal Cortex
Authors: Rangarajan Vinitha , Jacques Corentin , Knight Robert T , Weiner Kevin S , Grill-Spector Kalanit
Published: June 2020

Repeated stimulus presentations commonly produce decreased neural responses—a phenomenon known as repetition suppression (RS) or adaptation—in ventral temporal cortex (VTC) of humans and nonhuman primates. However, the temporal features of RS in human VTC are not well understood. To fill this gap in knowledge, we utilized the precise spatial localization and high temporal resolution of electrocorticography (ECoG) from nine human subjects implanted with intracranial electrodes in the VTC. The subjects viewed nonrepeated and repeated images of faces with long-lagged intervals and many intervening stimuli between repeats. We report three main findings: 1) robust RS occurs in VTC for activity in high-frequency broadband (HFB), but not lower-frequency bands; 2) RS of the HFB signal is associated with lower peak magnitude (PM), lower total responses, and earlier peak responses; and 3) RS effects occur early within initial stages of stimulus processing and persist for the entire stimulus duration. We discuss these findings in the context of early and late components of visual perception, as well as theoretical models of repetition suppression.
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pharmacologic Treatments for Children: Research Priorities and Approach to Pediatric Studies
Authors: Garcia-Prats Anthony J , Salazar-Austin Nicole , Conway James H , Radtke Kendra , LaCourse Sylvia M , Maleche-Obimbo Elizabeth , Hesseling Anneke C , Savic Rada M , Nachman Sharon
Published: June 2020

Clinical trials of pharmacologic treatments of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are being rapidly designed and implemented in adults. Children are often not considered during development of novel treatments for infectious diseases until very late. Although children appear to have a lower risk compared with adults of severe COVID-19 disease, a substantial number of children globally will benefit from pharmacologic treatments. It will be reasonable to extrapolate efficacy of most treatments from adult trials to children. Pediatric trials should focus on characterizing a treatment’s pharmacokinetics, optimal dose, and safety across the age spectrum. These trials should use an adaptive design to efficiently add or remove arms in what will be a rapidly evolving treatment landscape, and should involve a large number of sites across the globe in a collaborative effort to facilitate efficient implementation. All stakeholders must commit to equitable access to any effective, safe treatment for children everywhere.
Distribution of Transmission Potential During Nonsevere COVID-19 Illness
Authors: Shrestha Nabin K , Marco Canosa Francisco , Nowacki Amy S , Procop Gary W , Vogel Sherilynn , Fraser Thomas G , Erzurum Serpil C , Terpeluk Paul , Gordon Steven M
Published: June 2020

Background

Patients recovering from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) often continue to test positive for the causative virus by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) even after clinical recovery, thereby complicating return-to-work plans. The purpose of this study was to evaluate transmission potential of COVID-19 by examining viral load with respect to time.

Methods

Health care personnel (HCP) at Cleveland Clinic diagnosed with COVID-19, who recovered without needing hospitalization, were identified. Threshold cycles (Ct) for positive PCR tests were obtained and viral loads calculated. The association of viral load with days since symptom onset was examined in a multivariable regression model, which was reduced by stepwise backward selection to only keep variables significant at a level of .05. Viral loads by day since symptom onset were predicted using the model and transmission potential evaluated by examination of a viral load-time curve.

Results

Over 6 weeks, 230 HCP had 528 tests performed. Viral loads declined by orders of magnitude within a few days of symptom onset. The only variable significantly associated with viral load was time since onset of symptoms. Of the area under the curve (AUC) spanning symptom onset to 30 days, 96.9% lay within the first 7 days, and 99.7% within 10 days. Findings were very similar when validated using split-sample and 10-fold cross-validation.

Conclusions

Among patients with nonsevere COVID-19, viral loads in upper respiratory specimens peak by 2 or 3 days from symptom onset and decrease rapidly thereafter. The vast majority of the viral load-time AUC lies within 10 days of symptom onset.
SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Healthcare Personnel With High-risk Occupational Exposure: Evaluation of 7-Day Exclusion From Work Policy
Authors: Maltezou Helena C , Dedoukou Xanthi , Tseroni Maria , Tsonou Paraskevi , Raftopoulos Vasilios , Papadima Kalliopi , Mouratidou Elisavet , Poufta Sophia , Panagiotakopoulos George , Hatzigeorgiou Dimitrios , Sipsas Nikolaos
Published: June 2020

Background

As of late February 2020, Greece has been experiencing the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic. Healthcare personnel (HCP) were disproportionately affected, accounting for ~10% of notified cases. Exclusion from work for 7 days was recommended for HCP with high-risk occupational exposure. Our aim was to evaluate the 7-day exclusion from work policy for HCP with high-risk exposure.

Methods

HCP with a history of occupational exposure to COVID-19 were notified to the Hellenic National Public Health Organization, regardless of their exposure risk category. Exposed HCP were followed for 14 days after last exposure.

Results

We prospectively studied 3398 occupationally exposed HCP; nursing personnel accounted for most exposures (n = 1705; 50.2%). Of the 3398 exposed HCP, 1599 (47.1%) were classified as low-risk, 765 (22.5%) as moderate-risk, and 1031 (30.4%) as high-risk exposures. Sixty-six (1.9%) HCP developed COVID-19 at a mean of 3.65 (range: 0–17) days postexposure. Of the 66 HCP with COVID-19, 46, 7, and 13 had a history of high-, moderate- or low-risk exposure (4.5%, 0.9%, and 0.8% of all high-, moderate-, and low-risk exposures, respectively). Hospitalization and absenteeism were more prevalent among HCP with high-risk exposure. A logistic regression analysis showed that the following variables were significantly associated with an increased risk for the onset of COVID-19: male, administrative personnel, underlying disease, and high-risk exposure.

Conclusions

HCP with high-risk occupational exposure to COVID-19 had increased probability of serious morbidity, healthcare seeking, hospitalization, and absenteeism. Our findings justify the 7-day exclusion from work policy for HCP with high-risk exposure.
Effect of icosapent ethyl on progression of coronary atherosclerosis in patients with elevated triglycerides on statin therapy: a prospective, placebo-controlled randomized trial (EVAPORATE): interim results
Authors: Budoff Matthew J , Muhlestein Joseph B , Bhatt Deepak L , Le Pa Viet T , May Heidi T , Shaikh Kashif , Shekar Chandana , Kinninger April , Lakshmanan Suvasini , Roy Sion K , Tayek John , Nelson John R
Published: June 2020

Aims

Though statin therapy is known to slow coronary atherosclerosis progression and reduce cardiovascular (CV) events, significant CV risk still remains. In the REDUCE-IT study, icosapent ethyl (IPE) added to statin therapy reduced initial CV events by 25% and total CV events by 30%, but its effects on coronary atherosclerosis progression have not yet been fully investigated. Therefore, this study is to determine whether IPE 4 g/day will result in a greater change from baseline in plaque volume measured by serial multidetector computed tomography than placebo in statin-treated patients.

Methods and results

EVAPORATE is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Patients had to have coronary atherosclerosis by coronary computed tomographic angiography (CCTA) (≥1 angiographic stenoses with ≥20% narrowing), on stable statin therapy with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels 40–115 mg/dL, and persistently high triglyceride levels (135–499 mg/dL). Patients underwent an interim scan at 9 months and were followed for an additional 9 months with CCTA at 0, 9, and 18 months. Here, we present the protocol-specified interim efficacy results. A total of 80 patients were enrolled, with 67 completing the 9-month visit and having interpretable CCTA at baseline and at 9 months (age = 57 ± 6 years, male = 36, 63%). At the 9-month interim analysis, there was no significant change in low attenuation plaque (LAP) between active and placebo groups (74% vs. 94%, P = 0.469). However, there was slowing of total non-calcified plaque (sum of LAP, fibrofatty, and fibrous plaque) (35% vs. 43%, P = 0.010), total plaque (non-calcified + calcified plaque) (15% vs. 26%, P = 0.0004), fibrous plaque (17% vs. 40%, P = 0.011), and calcified plaque (−1% vs. 9%, P = 0.001), after adjustment by baseline plaque, age, sex, diabetes, baseline triglyceride levels, and statin use.

Conclusion

EVAPORATE is the first study using CCTA to evaluate the effects of IPE as an adjunct to statin therapy on atherosclerotic plaque characteristics in a high-risk CV population with persistently high triglyceride levels. It provides important mechanistic data in regards to the reduction in CV events in the REDUCE-IT clinical trial.

ClinicalTrials. govIdentifier

NCT029226027.
Class switching and high-affinity immunoglobulin G production by B cells is dispensable for the development of hypertension in mice
Authors: Chen Yuhan , Dale Bethany L , Alexander Matthew R , Xiao Liang , Ao Mingfang , Pandey Arvind K , Smart Charles D , Davis Gwendolyn K , Madhur Meena S
Published: June 2020

Aims 

Elevated serum immunoglobulins have been associated with experimental and human hypertension for decades but whether immunoglobulins and B cells play a causal role in hypertension pathology is unclear. In this study, we sought to determine the role of B cells and high-affinity class-switched immunoglobulins on hypertension and hypertensive end-organ damage to determine if they might represent viable therapeutic targets for this disease.

Methods and results 

We purified serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) from mice exposed to vehicle or angiotensin (Ang) II to induce hypertension and adoptively transferred these to wild type (WT) recipient mice receiving a subpressor dose of Ang II. We found that transfer of IgG from hypertensive animals does not affect blood pressure, endothelial function, renal inflammation, albuminuria, or T cell-derived cytokine production compared with transfer of IgG from vehicle infused animals. As an alternative approach to investigate the role of high-affinity, class-switched immunoglobulins, we studied mice with genetic deletion of activation-induced deaminase (Aicda−/−). These mice have elevated levels of IgM but virtual absence of class-switched immunoglobulins such as IgG subclasses and IgA. Neither male nor female Aicda−/− mice were protected from Ang II-induced hypertension and renal/vascular damage. To determine if IgM or non-immunoglobulin-dependent innate functions of B cells play a role in hypertension, we studied mice with severe global B-cell deficiency due to deletion of the membrane exon of the IgM heavy chain (µMT−/−). µMT−/− mice were also not protected from hypertension or end-organ damage induced by Ang II infusion or deoxycorticosterone acetate-salt treatment.

Conclusions 

These results suggest that B cells and serum immunoglobulins do not play a causal role in hypertension pathology.
Early glycaemic changes after initiation of oral antidiabetic medication and risk of major adverse cardiovascular events: results from a large primary care population of patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Ghouse Jonas , Blanche Paul , Skov Morten W , Lind Bent , Vaag Allan , Kanters Jørgen K , Svendsen Jesper H , Køber Lars , Olesen Morten S , Gerds Thomas A , Holst Anders G , Nielsen Jonas B
Published: June 2020

Aims

To determine the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and death, associated with an early large and rapid decline in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1C) following first time initiation of an oral antidiabetic drug (OAD).

Methods and results

We included 10 518 primary care patients with type 2 diabetes, who initiated an OAD for the first time. For each individual, we measured a decline in HbA1C, as the difference between the pre-treatment HbA1C (within 3 months before OAD initiation) and the post-treatment HbA1C (within 1.5–4.5 months after OAD initiation), divided by the time between the two measurements. The decline was reported in mmol/mol change per 3 months in HbA1C and categorized by the median decline into levels of steep [≥9 mmol/mol (≥0.8%)] and flat decline [<9 mmol/mol per 3 months (<0.8%)]. Pre-treatment HbA1C was categorized by the median, into levels of low (48–62 mmol/mol) and high (>62 mmol/mol). Multiple Cox regression was used to study the effect of decline (steep vs. flat) on the outcome hazard rates separately for patients with low and high pre-treatment HbA1C. Analyses were adjusted for age, sex, traditional cardiovascular risk factors, severe comorbidities, and concomitant medication treatment. During a median follow-up time of 7.7 years, 1625 developed MACE and 2323 died. We found that a steep decline vs. a flat decline was significantly associated with a decreased hazard for MACE, both in individuals with high [hazard ratio (HR) 0.81; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.69–0.94; P = 0.005] and low pre-treatment HbA1C (HR 0.79; 95% CI 0.66–0.96; P = 0.015). The hazard of MACE was more pronounced on the short-term vs. long-term in individuals with high pre-treatment HbA1C. We found no significant association between combinations of pre-treatment HbA1C and decline categories and hazard of all-cause mortality. However, a combination of a low pre-treatment HbA1C and steep decline was associated with increased 1-year mortality (HR 1.52; 95% CI 1.00–2.29; P = 0.048) and hypoglycaemia (HR 1.82; 95% CI 1.11–2.98; P = 0.017).

Conclusion

A combination of a high pre-treatment HbA1C and a steep decline in HbA1C was associated with a decreased short-term risk of MACE. A low pre-treatment HbA1C and a steep decline was associated with a long-term reduced risk of MACE, but a short-term increased risk of death and hypoglycaemia.
Challenges and strategies for ELF-aware teacher development
Authors: Choi Koun , Liu Yongcan
Published: June 2020

Teachers play a crucial role in the implementation of an English as a lingua franca (ELF) perspective in the classroom. However, little research has been conducted on what challenges teachers might encounter and what types of support are needed to teach English from an ELF perspective. This study thus explores the experiences of seven primary teachers enrolled in a teacher development programme designed to support their attempts to teach from an ELF perspective in South Korea. Drawing on in-depth interview data, the paper provides detailed accounts of the challenges and strategies for developing ELF-aware teachers. The main challenges encountered included a lack of the pedagogical skills required to implement planned lessons, the paucity of relevant instructional materials, and parents’ strong preference for Standard English. It is possible, however, that these challenges could be addressed by creating opportunities for guided reflection, peer collaboration, and effective communication. Implications for future ELF-aware teacher development programmes are also discussed.
Complementary effectiveness of carotid sinus massage and tilt testing for the diagnosis of reflex syncope in patients older than 40 years: a cohort study
Authors: Brignole Michele , Kessisoglu Federica , Croci Francesco , Solano Alberto , Donateo Paolo , Maggi Roberto , Solari Diana , Bertolone Cristina , Fontana Daniele , Oddone Daniele , Rivasi Giulia , Rafanelli Martina , Casini Niccolò , Ungar Andrea
Published: June 2020

Aims

Indications, methodology, and diagnostic criteria for carotid sinus massage (CSM) and tilt testing (TT) have been standardized by the 2018 Guidelines on Syncope of the European Society of Cardiology. Aim of this study was to assess their effectiveness in a large cohort which reflects the performance under ‘real-world’ conditions.

Methods and results

We analysed all patients who had undergone CSM and TT in the years 2003–2019 for suspected reflex syncope. Carotid sinus massage was performed according to the ‘Method of Symptoms’. Tilt testing was performed according to the ‘Italian protocol’ which consists of a passive phase followed by a sublingual nitroglycerine phase. For both tests, positive test was defined as reproduction of spontaneous symptoms in the presence of bradycardia and/or hypotension. Among 3293 patients (mean age 73 ± 12 years, 48% males), 2019 (61%) had at least one test positive. A bradycardic phenotype was found in 420 patients (13%); of these, 60% were identified by CSM, 37% by TT, and 3% had both test positive. A hypotensive phenotype was found in 1733 patients (53%); of these, 98% were identified by TT and 2% had both TT and CSM positive.

Conclusion

The overall diagnostic yield of the tests in patients >40-year-old with suspected reflex syncope was 61%. Both CSM and TT are useful for identifying those patients with a bradycardic phenotype, whereas CSM has a limited value for identifying the hypotensive phenotype. Since the overlap of responses between tests is minimal, both CSM and TT should be performed in every patient over 40 years receiving investigation for unexplained but possible reflex syncope.
Polyphasic taxonomic analysis of Nitratireductor arenosus sp. nov., isolated from sea sand
Authors: Baek Jihye , Kim Jong-Hwa , Jeong Jiseon , Yoon Jung-Hoon , Sukhoom Ampaitip , Kim Wonyong
Published: June 2020

A novel proteobacterial bacterium, designated strain CAU 1489T, was isolated from Jeju Island, Republic of Korea. Cells were strictly anaerobic, Gram stain-negative, cream-pigmented, non-spore-forming, motile and short rod-shaped. Strain CAU 1489T exhibited the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity (98.2%) to Nitratireductor mangrovi SY7T. Multilocus sequence analysis of 16S rRNA and four housekeeping genes (rpoB, rpoC, gyrB and dnaK) indicated that CAU 1489T represents a distinct branch within Nitratireductor. The whole genome was 4.8 Mb with a G + C content of 64.7 mol%, including protein-coding genes related to the function terms amino acids and derivatives, nucleotides and nucleosides, protein metabolism, carbohydrates and cofactors, vitamins, prosthetic groups and pigments. The major fatty acids were 11-methyl C18:1ω7c, cyclo- C19:0ω8c, iso-C17:0 and summed feature 8 (C18:1ω6c and/or C18:1ω7c), and the predominant respiratory quinone was Q-10. The polar lipids comprised diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine and two unidentified phospholipids. Digital DNA–DNA hybridization and average nucleotide identity values were 19.4–22.0% and 72.4–79.1%, respectively. On the basis of taxonomic characterization, strain CAU 1489T constitutes a novel species, for which the name Nitratireductor arenosus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is CAU 1489T ( = KCTC 62997T = NBRC 113694T).
Ubiquity and functional uniformity in CO2 concentrating mechanisms in multiple phyla of Bacteria is suggested by a diversity and prevalence of genes encoding candidate dissolved inorganic carbon transporters
Authors: Scott Kathleen M , Harmer Tara L , Gemmell Bradford J , Kramer Andrew M , Sutter Markus , Kerfeld Cheryl A , Barber Kourtney S , Bari Saaurav , Boling Joshua W , Campbell Cassandra P , Gallard-Gongora Javier F , Jackson Jessica K , Lobos Aldo , Mounger Jeannie M , Radulovic Peter W , Sanson Jacqueline M , Schmid Sarah , Takieddine Candice , Warlick Kiley F , Whittaker Robert
Published: June 2020

Autotrophic microorganisms catalyze the entry of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC; = CO2 + HCO3− + CO32−) into the biological component of the global carbon cycle, despite dramatic differences in DIC abundance and composition in their sometimes extreme environments. “Cyanobacteria” are known to have CO2 concentrating mechanisms (CCMs) to facilitate growth under low CO2 conditions. These CCMs consist of carboxysomes, containing enzymes ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate oxygenase and carbonic anhydrase, partnered to DIC transporters. CCMs and their DIC transporters have been studied in a handful of other prokaryotes, but it was not known how common CCMs were beyond “Cyanobacteria”. Since it had previously been noted that genes encoding potential transporters were found neighboring carboxysome loci, α-carboxysome loci were gathered from bacterial genomes, and potential transporter genes neighboring these loci are described here. Members of transporter families whose members all transport DIC (CHC, MDT and Sbt) were common in these neighborhoods, as were members of the SulP transporter family, many of which transport DIC. 109 of 115 taxa with carboxysome loci have some form of DIC transporter encoded in their genomes, suggesting that CCMs consisting of carboxysomes and DIC transporters are widespread not only among “Cyanobacteria”, but also among members of “Proteobacteria” and “Actinobacteria”.
Multiple Invasions of Visitor, a DD41D Family of Tc1/mariner Transposons, throughout the Evolution of Vertebrates
Authors: Shen Dan , Gao Bo , Miskey Csaba , Chen Cai , Sang Yatong , Zong Wencheng , Wang Saisai , Wang Yali , Wang Xiaoyan , Ivics Zoltán , Song Chengyi
Published: June 2020

Although the DD41D (named as Visitor, VS) family of Tc1/mariner transposons was discovered in Arthropods and Mollusca, the evolution profile of this family is still largely unknown. We found that VS is widespread in the animal kingdom, including 140 species of 18 orders in invertebrates and 30 species of 12 orders in vertebrates, and one land plant species. Our data revealed multiple horizontal transfer events in both invertebrates and vertebrates and invasion into multiple lineages of mammals, including Chiroptera (seven species), Dasyuromorphia/Marsupialia (one species), Didelphimorphia/Marsupialia (one species), Diprotodontia/Marsupialia (two species), and Primates (one species). Phylogenetic analysis revealed a close relationship of VSs to DD37D/maT and DD34D/mariner and confirmed that VSs with the DD40D signature identified previously are not a distinct family but originated from DD41D/VS. Age analysis revealed that the most recent invasion of VSs was found in ray-finned fishes and a toad, followed by relatively young invasions in bats and marsupials, whereas VSs in mammals, jawless fishes, and lizards were mainly represented by ancient copies, suggesting old age. Phylogenetic analyses and comparison of pairwise distances between VSs and recombination-activating gene 1 (RAG1) support horizontal transfer events of VSs in vertebrates. The intact VSs from bats were nonfunctional as determined by the transposition activity assay. Some vertebrate lineages and species were identified as the hot hosts of Tc1/mariner transposons. Overall, our study presents the evolution profile of VSs and suggests that VSs play roles in diversifying and shaping the genomes of diverse animal lineages.