bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Growth and production of shallots (Allium ascalonicum L.) applied by Trichoderma harzianum fungus Tithonia diversifolia compost
Authors: Nasir R A , Syam’un E , Mantja K
Published: September 2023

Red onions are such a demanding horticultural product that farmers have to grow them intensively. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of composting applications of Trichoderma harzianum and his Tithonia diversifolia on shallot growth and production. This research was conducted from October 2021 to January 2022 in Sekkang, Mattiro Sompe, Pinrang, South Sulawesi. The study was conducted by experiment using split plot design in a randomized complete block design which consisted of 2 plot factors such as the Trichoderma harzianum fungus as a main plot with 4 levels of doses, and the sub-plots using Tithonia diversifolia compost with 4 levels of doses. The research was done in three main steps: preparing the media and the material, maintenance and examining the result. The results showed that there was an interaction between the treatment of Trichoderma harzianum 15 g with Tithonia diversifolia compost 3 kg per plot, which gave the best results for plant height (41.78 cm). Then, the application of Trichoderma harzianum 10 g with Tithonia diversifolia compost 3 kg per plot gave the best results on the of tuber fresh weight (89.89 g), tuber dry weight (74.61 g) and production per hectare (18,65 ton).
Response on growth and production of cayenne pepper (Capsicum frutescens L.) due to application of bio-slurry and biochar
Authors: Sunanryani C F , Nasaruddin
Published: September 2023

This study aims to determine the best concentration of bioslurry and type of biochar for cayenne pepper growth and production. The research was conducted from March to June 2022 located in Sompe Village, Sabbangparu District, Wajo Regency. The research was carried out in the form of 2-factor factorial experiment using a randomized block design. Four concentration of bio-slurry, used as the first factor, were 0, 125, 250, and 250 cc per plot. The second factor was types of biochar consisted of control, rice husk biochar, corn cob biochar, and coconut shell biochar with a dosage of 4.4 kg per plot. Research results show no significant interaction occurred between the bioslurry and biochar treatments that affect the growth and production of cayenne pepper. Use of coconut shell biochar treatment resulted in the highest plant (36.31 cm) while application of rice husk biochar resulted in the highest number of fruits per plant (30.27), weight per fruit (4 g), fruit weight per plant (34.88 g), and fruit weight per plot (139.54 g). Treatment of rice husk biochar is the most optimal treatment in upgrading the production of cayenne pepper plant.
The effect of varieties of true shallot seed and paclobutrazol concentrations on growth and production of shallot plant
Authors: Sidik D A , Syam’un E , Ulfa F
Published: September 2023

The increasing demand for shallots is inversely proportional to the quality of the current production. Efforts to improve and increase quality of production are selection of good varieties and add plant regulatory substances has also become the focus of many researchers in their effect on plant growth. Therefore, research was carried out on the effect of the varieties and also plant regulatory substances namely paclobutrazol on the growth and production of shallot plants. This research was carried out at the Teaching Farm, Faculty of Agriculture, Hasanuddin University from August to November 2021. This research was carried out as a factorial experiment in a split plot design, as the main plot, namely the botanical seed varieties of shallot (v) consists of 3 varieties, namely the Lokananta varieties (v1), Maserati varieties (v2), and Sanren varieties (v3), as a sub-plot, namely the concentration of paclobutrazol consists of 4 levels, namely 0 ppm (k0), 100 ppm (k1), 200 ppm (k2) and 300 ppm (k3). The research results showed that the interaction of the Sanren varieties with paclobutrazol concentration of 100 ppm gave the best results on the weight of fresh stover per plant (26.04 g), weight of dry stover per plant (19.23 g) and production per hectare (9.20 ton/ha). The Sanren varieties gave the best results on chlorophyll a (387.23 μmol.m−2), chlorophyll b (187.12 μmol.m−2), total chlorophyll (564.14 μmol.m−2) and number of tubers (1.81). Paclobutrazol concentration of 100 ppm gave the best results on plant height (43.07 cm) and number of leaves (6.24 strands), while paclobutrazol concentration of 200 ppm gave the best results on tuber diameter (23.13 mm) and paclobutrazol concentration of 300 ppm gave the best results on the number of tubers (1.54).
Adaptation and farmer’s preferences on rice and steamed rice quality of several varieties in Tidal Swampland (case study in Sei Jangkit Village, Central Kalimantan)
Authors: Lesmayati S , Ningsih R D , Noor A , Qomariah R , Napisah K , Amin M
Published: September 2023

The tidal swampland has the potential as a production source and a rice barn, but some obstacles are high acidity and toxic elements resulting in low rice yields. To increase productivity, adaptive and tolerant superior rice varieties are needed. This study aims to obtain adaptive and tolerant rice varieties in the tidal swampland, Sei Jangkit village in Central Kalimantan. The activity was carried out from September 2021 to April 2022. The varieties planted, namely, Inpara-2, Inpari-32, Inpari Nutrizinc, and Baroma. They covered an area of 4 ha and involved eight cooperative farmers. The technology applied in farming is tidal management, which includes water management, ameliorant applicant, balanced fertilization, and control of pests and diseases. The results showed that Inpara-2 gave the highest grain yield (5.12 t/ha), Inpari-32 gave 4.48 t/ha, Inpari Nutrizinc 4.58 t/ha, and Baroma 4.98 t/ha. Farming analysis using the B/C ratio of the varieties planted ranges from 1.28 – 1.57, with Inpara-2 giving the highest B/C ratio (1.57). The Baroma and Inpari-32 varieties are preferred over other types. These two varieties are close to the rice quality of the local variety based on farmers’ preferences.
Agronomic assessment of corn utilization as cocoa intercrop under coconut stands
Authors: Butolo I , Hasan F , Sirajuddin Z
Published: September 2023

Cocoa is known as shade-loving plants, i.e. plants that suitably grow with shaded conditions. Therefore, particular cultivation techniques are needed, such as planting shade trees to cover cocoa trees from direct sunlight exposure. The utilization of shade-loving plants from annual and seasonal crops, such as coconut and corn, can provide several benefits for farmers, including optimal early growth of cocoa seedlings, and the byproduct of shade-loving plants can provide short-term economic benefits for farmers. Corn plants in sustainable cocoa farm management are grouped as pioneer plants that can provide temporary shade so that cocoa plants can be protected from direct sunlight because cocoa is known as a shade-loving plant. One of the efforts to get short-term income for farmers is to utilize corn as an intercrop while allowing for the generative phase of cocoa plants. This research aimed to find the growth and production of several corn varieties and their effect on cocoa growth under shade. It was conducted in a farmer’s field in Bualo Village, Paguyaman subdistrict, Boalemo District, Gorontalo Province from June to November 2022. This research employed a Randomized Group Design consisting of four treatments of corn varieties, namely: BISI 18 (V1), BISI 99 (V2), NASA 29 (V3); and NK 6172, repeated 4 times with 16 experimental units. The results explained that all varieties of corn were able to adapt and tolerate conditions under coconut trees as shades, while the BISI 18 variety showed the highest production yield. Furthermore, there is a positive correlation between the use of corn as an intercrop with the vegetative growth of cocoa plants.
Application of inorganic fertilizer NK (18-32) on growth and yield of sweet corn on clay soil
Authors: Sugiono  , Latifah Evy , Krismawati Amik , Antarlina Sri Satya , Angraeni Listy , Handayati Wahyu , Sihombing Donald
Published: September 2023

To determine the effectiveness and efficiency of the application of inorganic compound fertilizer NK (18-32) on sweet corn, an experiment was conducted at the experimental garden in Malang, East Java, Indonesia, starting from March to June 2020. The study was arranged in a single-factor RBD with ten treatments and three replications. The treatments were a combination of doses of NK compound fertilizer, a single fertilizer as a comparison, and a control (without fertilizer). Besides control, all treatments were given P fertilizer at a dose of 100 kg/ha. The result showed that doses of 500-750 kg/ha of NK compound fertilizer significantly increased the growth and yield of the sweet corn plant. Each 10 kg dose increase of NK fertilizer will increase the total dry weight of the plant by 1.3055 g and give a yield of 12.57–13.64 tons/ha of fresh cobs. This result is equivalent to the yield of standard N-K single fertilizer (350 kg/ha Urea + 75 kg/ha). The dose of NK compound fertilizer of 125-250 kg/ha was proven to be able to substitute 100% KCl fertilizer (75 kg/ha). The RAE value of 750 kg/ha of NK fertilizer was 105.99 % higher than the standard/comparative single fertilizer. The combination of 125 kg/ha NK fertilizer + 250 kg/ha Urea and 250 kg/ha NK fertilizer + 100 kg/ha Urea, respectively, resulted in a RAE 3.91% and 1.00% higher than the standard fertilizer. Fertilization can improve the quality of sweet corn, namely the level of sweetness increases. NK (18-32) fertilizer doses of 500-750 kg/ha significantly increased the sweetness level of seed corn from 11.17% (without fertilizer) to 15.25-15.25%.
Response of vegetative phase growth of very early maturing rice plant to the application of liquid biosilica in paddy field
Authors: Rosdiana  , Riadi Muh , Jayadi Muh , Saragih Ammini A , Najamuddin Erwin
Published: September 2023

An increase in the cropping index causes the land to be cultivated more intensively and has impact on decreasing Silica content (Si) so that it is necessary to add Si to support the growth of rice plants, especially on intensive land. This research aims to study the effect of biosilica on the growth of the vegetative phase of several very early maturing rice varieties. The research was conducted from September to December 2022 in Gorontalo using a Split Plot Design. The variety as the main plot and dose of liquid biosilica as a subplot. The results showed that the treatment of Inpari 19 variety with biosilica dose of 4.5 L ha−1 had the highest number of stomata and stomata density. Individually, the Cakrabuana variety has the highest plant height, the highest number of tillers and the smallest flag leaf angle. Meanwhile, biosilica at a dose of 4.5 L ha−1 had the highest plant height and the smallest flag leaf angle. In addition, treatment of Inpari 13 and Inpari 19 varieties with biosilica dose of 3.0 L ha−1 gave the best effect on the development of blast disease intensity.
Response of sweet corn (Zea mays saccharata L.) to plant spacing and granular organic fertilizer (GOF)
Authors: Idaryani  , Paesal  , Warda  , Nurjanani  , Wananda Elisa , Wahditiya Andi Adriani
Published: September 2023

Demand for sweet corn occurs drastically, especially in big cities. One of the limiting factors for the growth of sweet corn plants is the size of the plant population and the nutrient status of the soil. Based on this, it is necessary to increase the yield of sweet corn, among others, by setting the right spacing and applying organic granular fertilizer at the right dose as a source of nutrients. The study was conducted in Mandai, Maros, and South Sulawesi using a randomized block design in factorial. Plant spacing is the first factor (J1=70x20 cm; J2=70x30 cm; J3=70x40 cm). The level of application of granular organic fertilizer is the second factor (G1= 1 t ha-1; G2=2 t ha−1; G3=3 t ha−1). The use of plant spacing and the application of granular organic fertilizers had no significant effect on plant height, number of leaves, leaf area, cob diameter, or number of rows per cob, but had a significant effect. on the parameters of cob length, cob weight without husk, the weight of 100 grains, number of seeds per row, and yield potential of sweet corn. In general, the best growth and yield of sweet corn was obtained at a spacing of 70 x 20 cm with the application of granular organic fertilizer (GOF) 3 t ha-1, namely 12.81 t ha−1.
Effect of different feed nitrogen on nutrient flow, performance, and productivity in the minapadi system
Authors: Nasrul M , Rasyid B , Saade E
Published: September 2023

Cultivation with the minapadi method can increase the availability of nutrients and soil organic matter from the decomposition of feed residues and weeds. This system implements environmentally friendly cultivation and creates a sustainable ecosystem because rice plants use fish waste as a source of nutrients, and fish use weeds and pests in rice as a food source. This study aims to find the best feed formula in the minapadi system based on differences in nitrogen content and to analyze the effect of nitrogen from the artificial feed given on nitrogen flow, performance, and productivity in the minapadi system. Using a randomized block design method with four treatments of different feed doses repeated three times to obtain twelve experimental plot units, feed production using local raw materials that are cheap and easy to obtain, soil quality, water, and growth performance are the parameters observed. The results showed that the soil and water quality at the study site was quite good, so the growth performance of rice plants and fish was also good. The treatment of the feed doses given showed that the feed with the highest nitrogen content, namely 9%, gave the best growth performance for rice plants, while 7% nitrogen content gave the best growth for tilapia. The excessive levels of protein are not suitable for fish. However, they are handy for rice plants in the Minapadi system because nutrients that dissolve in water, nutrients from fish feces and urine, and nutrients that are sedimentation on the soil surface, are utilized by rice plants as a nutrient source.
In vitro multiplication of “Kepok” banana (Musa acuminata x Musa balbisiana) using different concentration of BAP and NAA in MS media
Authors: Safitri W , Ridwan I , Yassi A , BDR M Farid , Musa Y , Mansyur  , Badwi I T P
Published: September 2023

This study aims to determine the effect of different composition of BAP and NAA concentration added to Murashige and Skoog (MS) basic media on the in vitro multiplication of Indonesian “Kepok” banana variety. The research was conducted at the Tissue Culture Laboratory of Bonto-Bonto Horticultural Plant Seed Center. A completely randomized design (CRD) was employed with two factors tested. Four concentrations of each BAP and NAA used were 0 ppm, 4.5 ppm, 5 ppm, and 5.5 ppm for BAP, and 0 ppm, 2 ppm, 2.5 ppm, and 3 ppm for NAA resulted in 15 composition of BAP:NAA in addition to control (without the hormones). The results show no interaction between the BAP and NAA treatments, BAP concentration of 5 ppm gave the best result on parameter time to shoots emergence (7.50 DAP). NAA concentration of 2.5 ppm gave the best results on root emergence time (8.61 DAP), time to plantlet formation (11.72 DAP), number of roots (4.81 roots) and root length (5.93 cm).
The C-terminus of α-Synuclein Regulates its Dynamic Cellular Internalization by Neurexin 1β
Authors: Birol Melissa , Muñoz Isabella Ioana Douzoglou , Rhoades Elizabeth
Published: September 2023

The aggregation of the disordered neuronal protein, α-Synuclein (αS), is the primary pathological feature of Parkinson’s disease. Current hypotheses favor cell-to-cell spread of αS species as underlying disease progression, driving interest in identifying the molecular species and cellular processes involved in cellular internalization of αS. Prior work from our lab identified the chemically specific interaction between αS and the presynaptic adhesion protein neurexin-1β (N1β) to be capable of driving cellular internalization of both monomer and aggregated forms of αS. Here we explore the physical basis of N1β-driven internalization of αS. Specifically, we show that spontaneous internalization of αS by SH-SY5Y and HEK293 cells expressing N1β requires essentially all of the membrane-binding domain of αS; αS constructs truncated beyond residue 90 bind to N1β in the plasma membrane of HEK cells, but are not internalized. Interestingly, before internalization, αS and N1β codiffuse rapidly in the plasma membrane. αS constructs that are not internalized show very slow mobility themselves, as well as slow N1β diffusion. Finally, we find that truncated αS is capable of blocking internalization of full-length αS. Our results draw attention to the potential therapeutic value of blocking αS–N1β interactions.
CRISPR-mediated reversion of oncogenic KRAS mutation results in increased proliferation and reveals independent roles of Ras and mTORC2 in the migration of A549 lung cancer cells
Authors: Werner Alyssa N. , Kumar Avani I. , Charest Pascale G.
Published: September 2023

Although the RAS oncogene has been extensively studied, new aspects concerning its role and regulation in normal biology and cancer continue to be discovered. Recently, others and we have shown that the mechanistic Target of Rapamycin Complex 2 (mTORC2) is a Ras effector in Dictyostelium and mammalian cells. mTORC2 plays evolutionarily conserved roles in cell survival and migration and has been linked to tumorigenesis. Because RAS is often mutated in lung cancer, we investigated whether a Ras–mTORC2 pathway contributes to enhancing the migration of lung cancer cells expressing oncogenic Ras. We used A549 cells and CRISPR/Cas9 to revert the cells’ KRAS G12S mutation to wild-type and establish A549 revertant (REV) cell lines, which we then used to evaluate the Ras-mediated regulation of mTORC2 and cell migration. Interestingly, our results suggest that K-Ras and mTORC2 promote A549 cell migration but as part of different pathways and independently of Ras’s mutational status. Moreover, further characterization of the A549REV cells revealed that loss of mutant K-Ras expression for the wild-type protein leads to an increase in cell growth and proliferation, suggesting that the A549 cells have low KRAS-mutant dependency and that recovering expression of wild-type K-Ras protein increases these cells tumorigenic potential.
Neural oscillations reflect the individual differences in the temporal perception of audiovisual speech
Authors: Jiang Zeliang , An Xingwei , Liu Shuang , Yin Erwei , Yan Ye , Ming Dong
Published: September 2023

Multisensory integration occurs within a limited time interval between multimodal stimuli. Multisensory temporal perception varies widely among individuals and involves perceptual synchrony and temporal sensitivity processes. Previous studies explored the neural mechanisms of individual differences for beep-flash stimuli, whereas there was no study for speech. In this study, 28 subjects (16 male) performed an audiovisual speech/ba/simultaneity judgment task while recording their electroencephalography. We examined the relationship between prestimulus neural oscillations (i.e. the pre-pronunciation movement-related oscillations) and temporal perception. The perceptual synchrony was quantified using the Point of Subjective Simultaneity and temporal sensitivity using the Temporal Binding Window. Our results revealed dissociated neural mechanisms for individual differences in Temporal Binding Window and Point of Subjective Simultaneity. The frontocentral delta power, reflecting top-down attention control, is positively related to the magnitude of individual auditory leading Temporal Binding Windows (auditory Temporal Binding Windows; LTBWs), whereas the parieto-occipital theta power, indexing bottom-up visual temporal attention specific to speech, is negatively associated with the magnitude of individual visual leading Temporal Binding Windows (visual Temporal Binding Windows; RTBWs). In addition, increased left frontal and bilateral temporoparietal occipital alpha power, reflecting general attentional states, is associated with increased Points of Subjective Simultaneity. Strengthening attention abilities might improve the audiovisual temporal perception of speech and further impact speech integration.
Long-Read Sequencing Reveals Rapid Evolution of Immunity- and Cancer-Related Genes in Bats
Authors: Scheben Armin , Mendivil Ramos Olivia , Kramer Melissa , Goodwin Sara , Oppenheim Sara , Becker Daniel J , Schatz Michael C , Simmons Nancy B , Siepel Adam , McCombie W Richard
Published: September 2023

Bats are exceptional among mammals for their powered flight, extended lifespans, and robust immune systems and therefore have been of particular interest in comparative genomics. Using the Oxford Nanopore Technologies long-read platform, we sequenced the genomes of two bat species with key phylogenetic positions, the Jamaican fruit bat (Artibeus jamaicensis) and the Mesoamerican mustached bat (Pteronotus mesoamericanus), and carried out a comprehensive comparative genomic analysis with a diverse collection of bats and other mammals. The high-quality, long-read genome assemblies revealed a contraction of interferon (IFN)-α at the immunity-related type I IFN locus in bats, resulting in a shift in relative IFN-ω and IFN-α copy numbers. Contradicting previous hypotheses of constitutive expression of IFN-α being a feature of the bat immune system, three bat species lost all IFN-α genes. This shift to IFN-ω could contribute to the increased viral tolerance that has made bats a common reservoir for viruses that can be transmitted to humans. Antiviral genes stimulated by type I IFNs also showed evidence of rapid evolution, including a lineage-specific duplication of IFN-induced transmembrane genes and positive selection in IFIT2. In addition, 33 tumor suppressors and 6 DNA-repair genes showed signs of positive selection, perhaps contributing to increased longevity and reduced cancer rates in bats. The robust immune systems of bats rely on both bat-wide and lineage-specific evolution in the immune gene repertoire, suggesting diverse immune strategies. Our study provides new genomic resources for bats and sheds new light on the extraordinary molecular evolution in this critically important group of mammals.
Global Positioning System Indicators of Community Mobility and Future Health Outcomes Among Older Adults
Authors: Dunlap Pamela M , Crane Breanna M , Perera Subashan , Moored Kyle D , Carlson Michelle C , Brach Jennifer S , Klatt Brooke N , Rosso Andrea L
Published: September 2023

Background

We examined the relationship between global positioning system (GPS) indicators of community mobility and incident hospitalizations, emergency department (ED) visits, and falls over 1-year in community-dwelling older adults.

Methods

We performed a secondary analysis of a randomized trial investigating a physical therapy intervention to improve mobility in older adults. One hundred and forty-eight participants (mean age: 76.9 ± 6.2 years; 65% female) carried a GPS device following the postintervention visit. Over 1-year, new hospitalizations, falls, and ED visits were reported. GPS indicators of community mobility included the median area and compactness of the standard deviation ellipse (SDE), the median percentage of time spent outside of home (TOH), and median maximum distance from home. Generalized linear models assessed the association between 1-year risk of outcomes and GPS measures adjusted for age, race, gender, body mass index, comorbidity burden, and fall history.

Results

The mean ± standard deviation of the median SDE area was 4.4 ± 8.5 km2, median SDE compactness 0.7 ± 0.2, median percentage TOH 14.4 ± 12.0%, and median maximum distance from home was 38 ± 253 km. Each 5% increase in median percentage TOH was associated with a 24% lower risk of hospitalization (incident rate ratio = IRR = 0.76, 95%CI: 0.61–0.95; p = .01). The association persisted after covariate adjustment (IRR = 0.78, 95%CI: 0.63–0.98; p = .03). No significant associations appeared for any GPS indicators with incident falls or ED visits.

Conclusions

Increased TOH was associated with a lower risk of incident hospitalization over 1 year among community-dwelling older adults. Restricted community mobility may be an indicator of activity limitations related to future health outcomes, but further study is warranted.
Inequities in spatial access to health services in Ghanaian cities
Authors: Dumedah Gift , Iddrisu Seidu , Asare Christabel , Adu-Prah Samuel , English Sinead
Published: September 2023

Consideration of health equity is fundamental to enhancing the health of those who are economically/socially disadvantaged. A vital characteristic of health equity and therefore health disparity is the level of spatial access to health services and its distribution among populations. Adequate knowledge of health disparity is critical to enhancing the optimal allocation of resources, identification of underserved populations and improving the efficiency and performance of the health system. The provision of such insight for sub-Saharan African (SSA) cities is a challenge and is severely limited in the literature. Accordingly, this study examined the disparities in potential spatial access to health services for four selected urban areas in Ghana based on: (1) the number of physicians per population; (2) access score based on a weighted sum of access components; (3) travel time to health services and (4) the combined evaluation of linkages between travel distance, settlement area, population and economic status. The overall spatial access to health services is low across all selected cities varying between 3.02 and 1.78 physicians per 10 000 persons, whereas the access score is between 1.70 and 2.54. The current number of physicians needs to be increased by about five times to satisfy the World Health Organization’s standard. The low spatial access is not equitable across and within the selected cities, where the economically disadvantaged populations were found to endure longer travel distances to access health services. Inequities were found to be embedded within the selected cities where economically poor populations are also disadvantaged in their physical access to healthcare. The health facilities in all cities have reasonable travel distances separating them but are inadequately resourced with physicians. Thus, increasing the physician numbers and related resources at spatially targeted existing facilities would considerably enhance spatial access to health services.
Genetics
Authors: Meneely Philip , Hoang Rachel Dawes , Hoang Rachel Dawes , Okeke Iruka N. , Heston Katherine
Published: September 2023

Genetics begins with an evaluation of evolution, genomes, and genes. It looks at the Central Dogma of molecular biology. Other topics covered include genome structure, organization, and variation; descent and modification; single-gene traits; mendelian genetics; x-linked genes; sex chromosomes; and the inheritance of multiple genes. The book also looks at genes in chromosomes, genetic maps, human genetic mapping, exchange, evolution, and transcription. Finally, there are chapters on networks of gene regulation, genetic analysis of cellular processes, genetics of population, and metagenomes.
Can guidelines rein in oxygen use? A retrospective cross-sectional study using routinely collected data
Authors: Talat Usman , Schmidtke Kelly A , Khanal Saval , Turner Alice M , Vlaev Ivo
Published: September 2023

Oxygen is one of the most commonly used emergency therapies. Like other therapies, oxygen can cause harm if used inappropriately. During the COVID-19 pandemic, guidelines were released to optimize oxygen and medication use. In the current study, we examine whether oxygen and medication use during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic was in concordance with new guidelines.

A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted using routinely collected data from University of Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust in England. Patients were admitted between April 2020 and September 2020, were over the age of 18 years, and had a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19. To assess adherence to the oxygen guidelines (i.e. SpO2 adherence), the percentage of times oxygen therapy was administered within, over, and under guideline specifications were calculated for patients overall, and then for patients with and without chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)/pulmonary disease separately. Next, two multinomial regression analyses were conducted to assess whether clinical processes, pre-admission diagnoses, and other demographic factors were related to oxygen use. Analysis 1 included patients not diagnosed with COPD/pulmonary disease. Analysis 2 included patients diagnosed with COPD/pulmonary disease. Results are reported as tallies, percentages, and odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals. To assess adherence to a new medication guideline, the percentage of patients administered oxygen and dexamethasone was calculated for those admitted after 25 June 2020.

The overall number of patients included in our SpO2 adherence analyses was 8751 (female = 4168). Oxygen was used within guideline specifications less than half the time, i.e. 41.6% (n = 3638/8751); non-adherence involving under-administering (3.5%, n = 304/8751) was markedly lower than over-administering (55.0%, n = 4809/8751). Adherence was higher for patients without COPD (43.7%, n = 3383/7741) than with COPD (25.2%, n = 255/1010). Under-administering was low across groups (non-COPD 3.5%, n = 274/7741 and COPD 2.9%, n = 30/1010). Over-administering was markedly lower for non-COPD (52.3%, n = 4084/7741) than COPD (71.8%, n = 725/1010) patients. Diagnoses associated with over-administering varied across the groups. Regarding the dexamethasone guidelines, of the 6397 patients admitted after the 24th of June, only 12.6% (n = 805) received dexamethasone.

Suboptimal use of oxygen and medication were common during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. As found in previous studies, over-administering was more common than under-administering. The new guidelines issued during the COVID-19 pandemic were not by themselves sufficient to optimize oxygen use. Behavioural strategies are explored which may help policymakers optimize oxygen use.
Temporal variability of abundance and non-predation mortality of some major groups of crustacean zooplankton (Diplostraca, Copepoda, and Decapoda) in Magdalena Bay, Baja California, Mexico
Authors: Alemany-Rodríguez Emilio Alejandro , Hernández-Trujillo Sergio , La Rosa-Izquierdo Yadian Israel
Published: September 2023

Estimates of the prevalence of dead zooplankton are increasingly necessary in marine ecological studies. We aimed to identify the relative proportions of live/dead individuals of three of the historically most abundant taxa of zooplankton in Magdalena Bay, Mexico: copepods, decapods, and diplostracans. Abundance data and environmental variability were recorded monthly at neap tides during 2015–2018. Samples were stained with neutral red to distinguish living from dead individuals. Copepods were the most abundant group and showed a significant annual variability in their abundance during the study period. Influenced by a preceding warm spell and the El Niño event of 2015–2016, the lowest abundances and the highest recorded standing mortalities of all three taxa were reported in 2015; standing mortality during El Niño was double that otherwise observed. A significant correlation was found between some of the environmental variables analyzed (salinity, temperature) and increased standing mortalities in copepods and decapods. We found differences between the percentages of live/dead organisms between the years analyzed and also between the taxonomic groups involved (copepods 17%, decapods 21%), which underlines the importance of including mortality analyses in ecological studies of zooplankton.
Tracing Evolution in Massive Protostellar Objects – I. Fragmentation and emission properties of massive star-forming clumps in a luminosity-limited ALMA sample
Authors: Avison A , Fuller G A , Frimpong N Asabre , Etoka S , Hoare M , Jones B M , Peretto N , Traficante A , van der Tak F , Pineda J E , Beltrán M , Wyrowski F , Thompson M , Lumsden S , Nagy Z , Hill T , Viti S , Fontani F , Schilke P
Published: September 2023

The role of massive (≥ 8$\, {\rm M}_{\odot }$) stars in defining the energy budget and chemical enrichment of the interstellar medium in their host galaxy is significant. In this first paper from the Tracing Evolution in Massive Protostellar Objects (TEMPO) project we introduce a colour-luminosity selected (L* ∼ 3 × 103 to 1 × 105 L⊙) sample of 38 massive star-forming regions observed with ALMA at 1.3 mm and explore the fragmentation, clustering, and flux density properties of the sample. The TEMPO sample fields are each found to contain multiple fragments (between 2 and 15 per field). The flux density budget is split evenly (53 per cent–47 per cent) between fields where emission is dominated by a single high flux density fragment and those in which the combined flux density of fainter objects dominates. The fragmentation scales observed in most fields are not comparable with the thermal Jeans length, λJ, being larger in the majority of cases, suggestive of some non-thermal mechanism. A tentative evolutionary trend is seen between luminosity of the clump and the ‘spectral line richness’ of the TEMPO fields; with 6.7 GHz maser associated fields found to be lower luminosity and more line rich. This work also describes a method of line-free continuum channel selection within ALMA data and a generalized approach used to distinguishing sources which are potentially star-forming from those which are not, utilizing interferometric visibility properties.
Interstellar scintillation observations for PSR J0835−4510 at 6656 MHz
Authors: Xu Yonghua , Shi Xun , Lee Kejia , Hao Longfei , Li Zhixuan , Wang Min , Yuan Jianping , Xu Heng , Wu Ziwei , Jiang Jinchen , Huang Yuxiang , Wang Bojun , Shen Faxin , Cao Shuo
Published: September 2023

Scintillation phenomena of pulsars provide an important tool for studying interstellar scattering screens and their properties. In this paper, we report pulsar scintillation phenomena of the PSR J0835−4510 at multiple epochs between MJD 58592 and MJD 58843 using the Kunming 40 m radio telescope at a centre frequency of 6656 MHz. We have measured the dynamic spectrum, and derived the scintillation time, bandwidth, and secondary spectrum at each observation epoch. For the first time, we report the detection of parabolic arc structure in the secondary spectra of PSR J0835−4510. Parabolic arcs with varying curvatures appear at all our observation epochs. We used both anisotropic and isotropic scattering screen models to fit the annual variations of arc curvature. While both models can fit the arc curvature variations equally well, the anisotropic model also explains the parabolic arc morphology and its time variation. In this model, the scattering is located at a fractional distance of s = 0.35 ± 0.10, or a distance Ds = 0.19 ± 0.03 kpc from the Earth, likely corresponding to the boundary of the Local Bubble.
Magnetically confined mountains on accreting neutron stars in general relativity
Authors: Rossetto Pedro H B , Frauendiener Jörg , Brunet Ryan , Melatos Andrew
Published: September 2023

The general relativistic formulation of the problem of magnetically confined mountains on neutron stars is presented, and the resulting equations are solved numerically, generalizing previous Newtonian calculations. The hydromagnetic structure of the accreted matter and the subsequent magnetic burial of the star’s magnetic dipole moment are computed. Overall, it is observed that relativistic corrections reduce the hydromagnetic deformation associated with the mountain. The magnetic field lines are curved more gently than in previous calculations, and the screening of the dipole moment is reduced. Quantitatively, it is found that the dimensionless dipole moment (md) depends on the accreted mass (Ma) as md = −3.2 × 103Ma/M⊙ + 1.0, implying approximately three times less screening compared to the Newtonian theory. Additionally, the characteristic scale height of the mountain, governing the gradients of quantities like pressure, density, and magnetic field strength, reduces by approximately 40  per cent for an isothermal equation of state.
How Does Policy Uncertainty Affect Venture Capital?
Authors: Tian Xuan , Wang Yichu , Ye Kailei
Published: September 2023

This paper examines the effect of policy uncertainty on venture capital (VC) investment. Relying on plausibly exogenous variation in policy uncertainty caused by closely contested U.S. gubernatorial elections, we find that policy uncertainty negatively affects VC investment. The effect is more pronounced if VC investment is subject to higher illiquidity. However, some distinctive features of VCs (strategic motives, intensive post-investment monitoring, and preferences for early-stage and high-tech ventures) mitigate the effect of policy uncertainty, distinguishing the effect of policy uncertainty on VC investments (in private markets) from that in public markets. Our findings shed new light on the real effects of policy uncertainty in private markets. (JEL G24, D81, M13)

Received: June 17, 2020; Editorial decision: June 27, 2023 by Editor: Andrew Ellul
National Provider Survey: Use of Naltrexone for Pregnant Individuals with Substance Use Disorders
Authors: Deflorimonte Chloe , Glissendorf Viktorria , Hofer Julia , Cai Annette , Iannella Nicole , Boateng Jeffery O. , Carter Ginny , Saia Kelley A. , Jones Hendree E. , Wachman Elisha M.
Published: September 2023

Objectives

A national survey evaluated the availability of naltrexone as a treatment for alcohol use disorder and/or opioid use disorder for pregnant individuals. Provider perceptions of barriers to treatment with naltrexone during pregnancy were also examined.

Methods

Sites were selected from a national registry of naltrexone prescribers (N = 5208). A 10% sampling of sites within 150 miles of each state’s capital was selected (n = 2073). Survey of 11 questions included availability of naltrexone for pregnant individuals, standard practices for treating pregnant individuals already on naltrexone, and barriers to treatment. Survey responses were summarized to identify top barriers and national trends in service availability.

Results

Of the 236 sites contacted, 78 (33.1%) completed the survey. There was significant geographic variation in number of available sites, with Northeast United States having the most sites. Of the 78 responding sites, only 23 (35.9%) offered naltrexone for pregnant individuals. The most common barriers to prescribing naltrexone included the following: sites without pregnant patients (15.6%), lack of national guidelines in using naltrexone for pregnant patients (14.1%), providers’ discomfort with prescribing naltrexone during pregnancy due to safety concerns (9.4%), and providers’ discomfort due to inexperience (4.7%)

Conclusions

Accessibility of naltrexone and related care for pregnant individuals with alcohol use disorder and opioid use disorder varies greatly across the United States with numerous barriers and educational gaps identified. Additional research and resources are needed to expand naltrexone treatment access for pregnant individuals.
Using Technology to Detect Erythema Across Skin Tones
Authors: Sonenblum Sharon Eve , Patel Rahee , Phrasavath Sarah , Xu Sharon , Bates-Jensen Barbara M.
Published: September 2023

OBJECTIVE

To examine the effectiveness of the ColorMeter DSM III (ColorMeter; Cortex Technology) at grouping individuals by skin tone and measuring erythema/skin discoloration after erythema induction across skin tones.

METHODS

This pre/post experimental study induced erythema on a convenience sample of 61 healthy adults. Skin tone at baseline was measured using the ColorMeter, Munsell Soil Color Chart 5YR (Munsell), and Pantone SkinTone Guide (Pantone) and compared with the Eumelanin Human Skin Colour Scale (Eumelanin Scale) groupings. Erythema and melanin values on the arm immediately and after recovery time were compared with baseline values. Melanin was measured at five body regions on the face and arm.

RESULTS

Participants were predominantly women (64% [n = 39] women, 36% [n = 22] men) and young (mean, 28.8 ± 14.3 years); 5% (n = 3) were Hispanic, 26% (n = 16) Asian, 29% (n = 18) Black, 38% (n = 23) White, and 7% (n = 4) identified with more than one race. ColorMeter lightness (L*) and melanin measures were strongly correlated with both Munsell and Pantone values. Munsell skin tone groups were not aligned with Eumelanin Scale groupings. Most participants were in the Eumelanin intermediate-low group, and this changed depending on which body location melanin value was used. The change in erythema from baseline did not differ significantly across skin tone groups at the ulnar head, but on the forearm at the delayed time point, significant differences existed between light and both medium and dark skin tone groups (P = .001; 95% CI, 0.04-0.37).

CONCLUSIONS

The ColorMeter provides an effective objective measure of skin tone and erythema/discoloration across various skin tones and may improve on current standards for detection. The proposed Eumelanin Scale–Modified provides additional sensitivity for persons with medium skin tones.
Long-Term Outcome of Cochlear Implantation in Children With Congenital, Perilingual, and Postlingual Single-Sided Deafness
Authors: Arndt Susan , Findeis Lydia , Wesarg Thomas , Aschendorff Antje , Speck Iva , Ketterer Manuel Christoph , Rauch Ann-Kathrin
Published: September 2023

Objectives:

We investigated the long-term outcomes of children with single-sided deafness (SSD) after cochlear implant (CI) surgery, during and after rehabilitation, and compared the results of children with congenital, perilingual, and postlingual SSD. We evaluated the impact of SSD at age at onset and duration of deafness on their performance.

Design:

Thirty-six children with SSD treated with CI participated in the study: 20 had congenital, seven perilingual (defined: >0 to 4 years), and nine had postlingual deafness (defined as >4 years of age). Their outcome with CI were measured on both subjective and objective scales: duration of device use, speech intelligibility in noise and in quiet, bilateral hearing and localization ability, quality of life and hearing, presence and loudness of tinnitus, and hearing ability of the better hearing ear.

Results:

After a mean follow-up time of 4.75 years, 32 of the 36 children used their CI on a regular basis. The remaining four children were nonusers. These children had congenital SSD and were older than three years at the time of CI surgery. Overall, for congenital/perilingual and postlingual SSD, speech intelligibility in noise and the Speech, Spatial and Qualities of Hearing Scale (SSQ) speech subscore were significantly improved, as were their subjective and objective localization ability and hearing-related quality of life. Children with postlingual SSD benefited from the CI with regard to speech intelligibility, SSQ speech/spatial/total score, and localization error, and children with congenital SSD showed better results with a short duration of deafness of less than 3 years compared with those with a longer deafness period.

Conclusions:

Cochlear implantation is a successful treatment for children with congenital/perilingual or postlingual SSD. Results largely differed with respect to the onset and duration of deafness, and better outcomes were achieved by children with postlingual SSD and with a short duration of deafness. Our data also confirmed that children with congenital SSD should be implanted with a CI within three years of age.
Review and Key Takeaways of the 2021 Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Guidelines
Authors: Patail Haris , Bali Atul , Sharma Tanya , Frishman William H. , Aronow Wilbert S.
Published: September 2023

The 2021 Percutaneous Coronary Intervention guidelines completed by American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association/Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions provide a set of guidelines regarding revascularization strategies. With emphasis on equity of care, multidisciplinary heart team use, revascularization for acute coronary syndrome, and stable ischemic heart disease, the guidelines create a thorough framework with recommendations regarding therapeutic strategies. In this comprehensive review, our aim is to summarize the 2021 revascularization guidelines and analyze key points regarding each recommendation.
Review of Cerebral Collateral Circulation and Insight into Cardiovascular Strategies to Limit Collateral Damage in Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Medicherla Chaitanya , Pashun Raymond , Al-Mufti Fawaz
Published: September 2023

Cerebral collateral circulation is a dynamic and adaptive process by which alternative vascular pathways supply perfusion to ischemic brain tissue in the event of an arterial occlusion. This complicated network of blood vessels that acts as a natural bypass plays a pivotal role in stroke pathophysiology and has become a key area of study given its significance in stroke treatment and patient outcomes. In this review, we will study the factors influencing the formation, recruitment, and endurance of collateral vessels; discuss imaging modalities for quantitative and qualitative assessment of this network; explore the role of collaterals in stroke management; and highlight several cardiovascular strategies to minimize damage to collaterals and optimize stroke outcomes.
Comorbidities in Male Patients With Lichen Sclerosus: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Hieta Niina K. , Haataja Marjut A.M. , Tapana Lotta
Published: September 2023

Objective

Lichen sclerosus (LS) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease. In male patients, it usually involves the glans penis and foreskin and can cause phimosis or meatal stenosis. The aim of this cross-sectional case-control study was to identify clinically important comorbidities in male patients with LS.

Materials and Methods

By searching Turku University Hospital electronic health records, the authors identified 630 male patients diagnosed with LS between 2004 and 2020. To investigate possible comorbidities, the authors compared this patient group to a 10-fold larger control group.

Results

The incidence of LS increased during the study period, from 5 to 27.5 per 100,000 men. Patients were most often diagnosed at 21 to 25 years of age. Patients with LS exhibited markedly increased risks of penile carcinoma (odds ratio [OR], 81.0; 95% CI = 10.82–3516.7; p < .001) and carcinoma in situ of the penis (OR = 60.5; 95% CI = 7.32–2738.9; p < .001). Patients also more commonly exhibited lichen planus (OR = 16.8; 95% CI = 8.97–32.39; p < .001), psoriasis (OR = 3.3; 95% CI = 1.80–5.70; p = .004), angina pectoris (OR = 1.8; 95% CI = 1.10–2.81; p = .013), obesity (OR = 2.6; 95% CI = 1.72–3.77; p < .001), type 2 diabetes (OR = 2.3; 95% CI = 1.74–3.09; p < .001), and hypertension (OR = 1.9; 95% CI = 1.53–2.37; p < .001). The most commonly performed urological procedures were operation for phimosis, uroflowmetry, and ultrasound measurement of residual urine.

Conclusions

Genital malignancies, other dermatological conditions, and diseases related to metabolic syndrome should be considered when treating patients with LS.