bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physicochemical Characteristics of Three Local Sweet Potato Flour from East Kalimantan
Authors: Santi E N , Murdianto W , Ahmadi N R , Waryat  , Sulistyaningrum A
Published: June 2022

The character of local sweet potato flour is needed to give good results in food production. This research aims to investigate the physicochemical and functional properties of three verieties of sweet local potato flour from East Kalimantanr i.e Sawenter, White and Purple Kutim. The flour making process includes sorting, cleaning, peeling, soaking in metabisulfite 0.3%, draining, slicing, drying, milling and sieving. The results has a yield ranging from 26.93 to 28.86%; water content of 2.53 to 3.75% w/w; ash content of 1.95 to 5.11% w/w; protein content of 1.63 - 2.38% w/w; fat content of 0.6 to 1.15% w/w; fiber content from 2.72 to 3.3% w/w and carbohydrate by difference 85.13 to 88.6%, color (L = 73.15 to 95.63; a = -1.97 to +11.93, b = + 1,92- +16.52). The gelatinization temperature range 78.5 - 79,75°C; the maximum viscosity 596 - 1157 cP; breakdown viscosity 63-366 cP; setback viscosity 116-309 cP and final viscosity 436-972 cP. The granular form is polygonal and size between 2-12μm. This research is important because it can be applied as a mixed raw material in the manufacture of products that don’t require a high level of development such as brownies and biscuits.
Characteristics of rice cooking quality of Ciherang variety during storage
Authors: Hadipernata M , Hidayah N , Rachmat R
Published: June 2022

The decline of rice quality will occur during storage. One of the quality parameters of rice is the cooking quality. The study was conducted to determine the cooking quality characteristics of Ciherang rice for eight months storage. Rice was stored in several types of packaging, namely plastic sacks, vacuum plastic packaging and non-vacuum plastic. While the storage temperature was air conditioner temperature and room temperature. The cooking quality of rice observed in this study included the cooking time, the water absorption ratio, the volume expansion ratio, and gel consistency. The results showed that the cooking time of rice with vacuum polypropylene plastic packaging did not change during eight months storage. However, the water absorption ratio and the volume expansion ratio of rice had increased during eight months storage. Rice that was stored at room temperature had a higher water absorption ratio and volume expansion ratio than rice stored at air conditioner temperature. Meanwhile, the gel consistency of rice after eight months of storage showed a significant decreased in all treatments. In general, the gel consistency of rice after eight months storage showed the harder texture than initial rice before storage.
Impact of Ingredients on Quality and Shelf Life of Gluten-Free Baked Brownies
Authors: Sunarmani  , Luna P
Published: June 2022

The greater awareness of celiac disease, a gluten intolerance in the intestine, has increased demand for gluten-free products. Gluten is a protein that gives breads, cakes, cookies, and other wheat-flour-based baked goods structure. Gluten removal from a baked good formulation has a variety of effects on the finished product. This study examines research conducted on the effects of many various ingredients on finished product quality of gluten-free baked brownies. Quality parameters of baked brownies were water content, hardness, cohesiveness, springiness, gumminess, chewiness, and total plate count during storage. In this study, brewers’s rice has been investigated for use in the production of a finished product with quality parameters comparable to wheat-based baked brownies. Gluten-free baked brownies commonly has reduced shelf life as compared to wheat-based brownies during storage at room temperature and refrigerator. Water content of brownies has increased 71% after 2 weeks stored in room temperature and 55% after two weeks in refrigerator. The texture of brownies has been decreased approximately 17% in terms of hardness.
Postharvest Physiology and Technology of Tropical Fruits (Indonesia)
Authors: Setyadjit  , Setyabudi D A
Published: June 2022

Indonesia is tropical country and has many islands, thus, postharvest problem arises from both inter-island and export in order shipping the tropical fruit from center of production to consumers. This review is an effort in making a contribution to solve the postharvest of fruit problem such as perishable short storage life. After review study, there are facts and recommendation been made. First one durian, citrus, mango, pineapples, papaya, banana, and salacca have big amount of production annually, thus, it required the most effort in distributing products. The potential but still lower production to boost the export. Second to study postharvest physiology properly of star fruit, duku, durian, citrus siam, pamelo, mango, mangosteen, jackfruit, rambutan, sapodilla, salacca, breadfruit, water melon, and grapes which true topical, mostly still limited data. Even though passion fruit, apple, and papaya have plenty research data there are still some needs of study. Third one, to study the senescent behaviour i.e. respiration and ethylene production, is still relevant in quick check for choosing postharvest treatment.
Challenge in the Identification of Water Loss, Aromatic Sense, and Preference of Chili Paste During Ozone Water Controlled Handling
Authors: Al-Baarri A N , Mawarid A A , Abduh S B M , Legowo A M , Rusmiadi Z T S , Muflihani S K , Fisabilla S , Dewi R K , Anggriyani F S , Lestari F P , Pangestika W , Mulyana H. , Sabrina T , Kusumiyati  , Nur M
Published: June 2022

Chili production received significant attention from Indonesian farmers due to the national income based on agricultural products. As happen in Indonesia, chili production depends on the season, resulting in the national stock and the price. The second-grade chili is easily available in the traditional market with low-medium quality but less shelf life quality. This research identified the treatment of chili using ozone after harvesting. Basic processing was used to produce chili paste. A10 kg of second-grade chili from a local farm was obtained. The chili without ozone was also used as control. The treatment for chili was washed in ozone through the method of ozone water. Chili paste was packaged in the aluminum packaging and heating. The chili paste was stored at room temperature for 12 days and the tests were conducted in every 6 days. This research had not shown a significant increase in water loss, but the aroma of chili had significant changes in the last day. Aromatic sense was obtained from consumer preferences upon the color of chili paste which indicated less changes in chili paste. In conclusion, chili paste with ozone treatment provided a remarkable positive effect on water loss, aromatic sense, and consumer preference.
Physical Characteristics and UV Protection (In Vitro) of Gambier Leaf Extract Lotion
Authors: Winarti C , Innawati  , Hemani
Published: June 2022

Nowadays, sun care products become one of the most developed market amounts of 13.5 billion USD in 2020 and projected to become 20.1 billion USD in 2027, growing by 5.8% per year. The need for sun care products derived from natural ingredients is also increasing as people worry about the side effect of synthetic material. Gambier leaf contains a lot of polyphenol compounds such as catechin that have antioxidant properties. Antioxidant is useful as a defense system against free radicals and ultraviolet radiation. The Objective of the research was to find out the physical characteristics (stability, color, pH, viscosity) and the Sun Protection Factor (SPF) score of sunscreen lotions containing extract gambier leaf. Gambier leaf extract was formulated into lotions with different concentrations: 0% (control); 0,25%; 0,5%; and 1% with three replicates. The ability of the lotion with gambier leaf extract as sunscreen was measured by determining SPF (Sun Protection Factor) score in vitro using a UV-vis spectrophotometer. The result showed that lotion with 0%; 0.25%; 0.5%; and 1.0% concentration has good physical stability during storage. Lotion’s SPF scoring showed that the SPF score in the lotion was increasing along with the addition of gambier leaf extract on each concentration. The SPF score for the concentration 0.25%; 0.5%; and 1.0%. were as follows: 7.01; 12.45; dan 26.55; and pH was about 5.55 – 6.93. Gambier extract with a concentration of 1.0% can be applied for the formulation of SPF lotion
Discrimination of several robusta organic coffees from Sumatra Indonesia with different origins using UV spectroscopy and principal component analysis
Authors: Yulia M , Ningtyas K R , Kuncoro S , Tamrin  , Suhandy D
Published: June 2022

Comparing to non-organic coffee, organically grown coffee has been regarded to be healthier at a more expensive price. Recently, in Sumatra, Robusta organic coffee is becoming more popular. However, it is difficult to assess the origin of organic ground roasted coffee resulting in frequent mislabeling incidence in the market. In this research, an effort to discriminate Robusta organic coffee from different origins was evaluated using ultraviolet (UV) spectroscopy and principal component analysis (PCA). A total of fifty samples of ground-roasted organic coffee from two origins in Sumatra Indonesia (Lampung and Bengkulu) was used. The samples were extracted using hot distilled water, filtered, and diluted with distilled water (1:70 volume/volume). UV spectra were measured in the range of 220-400 nm with 1 nm of the resolution using a benchtop UV-Vis spectrometer. Principal component analysis (PCA) was applied for original and preprocessed spectral data in the range of 220-400 nm. Using the first and the second principal components (PC1 and PC2) using preprocessed spectra resulted in a distinct cluster between Lampung and Bengkulu organic coffee samples. This result showed the effectiveness of PCA in differentiating between the organic Robusta coffee from different origins (Lampung and Bengkulu).
Food Consumption Patterns for Children Under Two Years (Toddler) in Areas with High Stunting Prevalence
Authors: Kusumawardani H D , Ashar H
Published: June 2022

Toddler age is a critical golden period for a child’s growth and development and affects the quality of the future generation. The non-optimal growth quality, one of them, can be seen from the high stunting prevalence. It is influenced by a lot of factors, such as nutritional status. The toddler’s nutritional status is affected by the food consumption patterns. This research is an advanced analysis from the previous research, cross-sectional research, for toddlers aged 6-18 months. The total of samples is 451 toddlers. The variables are the data of consumption patterns measured with food frequency questionnaire, anthropometric data counted by digital scales, and baby board. There are 95.3% toddlers consuming carbohydrate in 7 days of a week, and only 19.3% of them consuming animal protein, 28.2% of them consuming plant-based protein, 68.5% of them consuming vegetables, 30.6% of them consuming fruit, 45% of them consuming sweet treats, 11.8% of them consuming snacks, and only 10% of them consuming sweet drinks. Most of the quality of food intake of children under two years old every day does not meet balanced nutrition
Microbial xylitol production from corn cob using Candida guilliermondii
Authors: Hidayah N , Adiandri RS , Rahayu E
Published: June 2022

Xylitol is a polyol that is widely used in the food industries as an alternative sweetener due to some health benefits. The microbial production of xylitol based on corn cobs was potential to be developed due to the abundant availability of corn cobs in Indonesia. In addition, it is an alternative process that is a higher yield and environmentally friendly. This study was conducted to assign the optimum process in the xylitol production based on corn cobs using Candida guilliermondii. The hydrolysis of corn cobs used sulfuric acid 1% at a temperature of 121°C for 60 minutes. The hydrolysate was then added with calcium hydroxide and activated charcoal to remove inhibitors. The design of experimental used was a factorial completely randomized design with three factors included corn cobs hydrolysate concentration (50% and 66%), glucose (0 g l-1 and 5 g l-1), and incubation period (120 h and 168 h). The result showed that concentration of hydrolysate, glucose, and incubation period had an effect on the xylitol produced. The highest xylitol was 144.09 ppm that was produced by the hydrolysate of 66%, glucose of 5 g l-1 and incubation period of 168 h, meanwhile the residual xylose was 2081.87 ppm.
Experimental investigations on water absorption and mechanical properties of expanded perlite mortar under accelerated and natural aging conditions
Authors: Ye Jin , Yuan Kelong , Xiong Houren , Bin Sha  , Wei Tingting , Wu Lihua , Gao Dong , Chen Jianwei
Published: June 2022

The objective of this paper is to study the variation in the physical and mechanical properties of expanded perlite mortar with environmental factors and analyze its deterioration mechanism. In this paper, the influence of the heat-rain cyclic and natural aging on the physical and mechanical properties of expanded perlite mortar has been studied. The expanded perlite mortar specimens were subjected to 80 heat-rain cycles (the maximum temperature rises to 70 °C, and the spray volume reaches 1 l/(m2 min)) and 60-day natural aging tests (the daily average temperature is 23 °C, with the maximum temperature reaching 36 °C). The corresponding mass loss rate, water absorption, and compressive strength of the specimens at every 10 heat-rain cycles and 10 days were determined. The results show that the mass loss rate gradually increases with the increase in heat-rain cycles and the natural aging days. The variation range was found as about 0.2%∼0.7% and −0.4%∼0.2%, respectively. The water absorption rate gradually decreases with the number of heat-rain cycles and natural aging days; however, the decay rate of the water absorption rate differs by orders of magnitude in the two weathering conditions. The compressive strength does not have an obvious change with the number of heat rain cycles, but it first increases and then decreases with the number of natural aging days. Under artificial and natural aging, the deterioration mechanism and aging speed of expanded perlite mortar are much different. The comparative analysis of the physical and mechanical properties of expanded perlite mortar under artificially accelerated and natural aging conditions can further reveal its evolution model and the corresponding relationships under the two conditions and provide a theoretical basis for establishing a more scientific and reasonable aging system.
Correlation of 24-Hour Urinary Microalbumin and Atrial Arrhythmia in Patients With Essential Hypertension
Authors: Naderemu Paermanjiang , Zhang Jun-shi , Liu Hai-ming , Xu Xin-juan
Published: June 2022

Background

To investigate the relationship between 24-hour urinary microalbumin (24h-UmAlb) and atrial arrhythmia in patients with essential hypertension (EH).

Methods

From March 2018 to January 2020, 917 EH patients at First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University were enrolled, and divided into nonatrial arrhythmia and atrial arrhythmia groups according to their 24-hour dynamic electrocardiography. The general clinical data and laboratory test parameters were compared.

Results

Compared with patients without atrial arrhythmia, the 24-UmAlb level was higher in patients with atrial arrhythmia (8.0, 5.0–19.7 vs. 7.5, 4.5–15.5 mg/24 hours, Z = −2.190, P < 0.05). Multivariate regression analysis showed that positive 24-UmAlb (odds ratio = 1.649, 95% confidence interval 1.065–2.554) and supine angiotensin II (odds ratio = 1.407, 95% confidence interval 1.034–1.914) were the risk factor for atrial arrhythmia in patients with EH after adjusted for left atrial diameter, age, course of hypertension, 24-hour systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

Conclusions

24h-UmAlb is one of the risk factors for atrial arrhythmia in patients with EH.
How Can Research and Theory Enhance Understanding of Professional Decision-Making in Reviews of Cases of Child Death and Serious Injury?
Authors: Gillingham Philip , Whittaker Andrew
Published: June 2022

In most child protection jurisdictions, a case of child death or serious injury through the actions or inaction of a parent or carer is responded to with an inquiry into the circumstances that led to the death of the child. A key objective of such inquiries is to discern what may have been done by public agencies to prevent the child’s death or serious injury and this may, in turn, lead to changes in existing policies or the development of new policies. Such changes have, at times, been criticised as ‘knee jerk’ reactions and can lead to well-meaning but possibly counter-productive initiatives. A general observation is that, in some inquiry reports, there is little, if any, reference to research and theory about child protection practice and policy. In this article, an anonymised case study of a child death inquiry is used to analyse the decision-making processes of child protection practitioners using a range of theory and research. The aim is to demonstrate how the use of insights from theory and research can lead to an enhanced understanding of the circumstances that led to a child death or serious injury, one which is grounded in current knowledge and evidence.
Indicators of Suboptimal Treatment and Associated Healthcare Costs Among Patients With Crohn’s Disease Initiated on Biologic or Conventional Agents
Authors: Pilon Dominic , Ding Zhijie , Muser Erik , Manceur Ameur M , Vermette-Laforme Maude , Lafeuille Marie-Hélène , Lefebvre Patrick
Published: June 2022

Background

As the treatment landscape for Crohn’s disease (CD) evolves, an up-to-date understanding of the burden associated with indicators of suboptimal treatment is needed. The aim of this study was to describe suboptimal treatment indicators and associated healthcare costs among CD patients initiated on a biologic or conventional agent.

Methods

Adults with CD were identified in a US healthcare claims database (Optum’s Clinformatics Data Mart; 01/2004–03/2019). The first biologic or conventional agent claim within 12 months of a CD diagnosis was the index date/agent. Indicators of suboptimal treatment (nonadherence, dose escalation, chronic corticosteroid use, augmentation, ≥1 CD surgery, ≥2 CD emergency department visits, ≥1 CD inpatient (IP) stay, switch, cycling, restart, inadequate induction) were identified in the 12-month postindex landmark period. The mean per-patient-per-year (PPPY) healthcare costs (2019 USD) were evaluated in the year postlandmark.

Results

There were 5107 patients (mean age ~44 years, 56% female) in the biologic and 6072 patients (~51 years; 59% female) in the conventional cohort. In the biologic cohort, 79.4% of patients had ≥1 suboptimal treatment indicator. Mean PPPY healthcare costs increased with the number of suboptimal treatment indicators, from $46 100 (no indicator) to $68 572 (≥4 indicators). The conventional cohort had similar patterns: 72.5% of patients presented ≥1 suboptimal treatment indicator, and mean PPPY healthcare costs increased from $17 329 (no indicator) to $67 568 (≥4 indicators). In both cohorts, IP and outpatient medical costs (excluding biologics) contributed a major portion of the increase.

Conclusions

Among CD patients, suboptimal treatment indicators were common and were associated with an increased burden to the healthcare system.
Novel Budesonide Suppository and Standard Budesonide Rectal Foam Induce High Rates of Clinical Remission and Mucosal Healing in Active Ulcerative Proctitis: a Randomised, Controlled, Non-inferiority Trial
Authors: Kruis Wolfgang , Siegmund Britta , Lesniakowski Konrad , Simanenkov Vladimir , Khimion Ludmila , Sobon Marcin , Delmans Glebs , Maksyashina Svetlana V , Sablin Oleg A , Pokrotnieks Juris , Mostovoy Yuriy , Datsenko Olena , Abdulkhakov Sayar , Dorofeyev Andriy , Levchenko Olena , Alexeeva Olga , Andreev Pavel , Kolesnik Ivan P , Mihaly Emese , Abrahamovych Orest , Baluta Malgorzata , Kharchenko Nataliia , Viacheslav Neshta , Uspenskiy Yury , Vieth Michael , Mohrbacher Ralf , Mueller Ralph , Greinwald Roland
Published: June 2022

Background and Aims

Proctitis is the least extensive type of ulcerative colitis, for which rectal therapy is rarely studied and is underused. This study evaluated the efficacy, safety, and patient’s preference of a novel formulation of budesonide suppository 4 mg, compared with a commercially available budesonide rectal foam 2 mg, for the treatment of mild to moderate ulcerative proctitis.

Methods

This was a randomised, double-blind, double-dummy, active-controlled trial. Patients were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive either budesonide 4 mg suppository or budesonide 2 mg foam once daily for 8 weeks. The co-primary endpoints were changes from baseline to Week 8 in clinical symptoms, for which clinical remission was defined as having a modified Ulcerative Colitis-Disease Activity Index [UC-DAI] subscore for stool frequency of 0 or 1 and a subscore for rectal bleeding of 0, and mucosal healing, defined as having a modified UC-DAI subscore for mucosal appearance of 0 or 1. Using a more stringent criterion, we additionally analysed deepened mucosal healing, which was defined as a mucosal appearance subscore of 0. Patient’s preference, physician’s global assessment, and quality of life were also assessed and analysed.

Results

Overall, 286 and 291 patients were included in the 4 mg suppository and 2 mg foam groups, respectively. Budesonide 4 mg suppository met the prespecified criterion for non-inferiority to the 2 mg foam in both co-primary endpoints of clinical remission and mucosal healing. Secondary endpoints consistently supported the non-inferiority of the suppository. Trends in favour of the suppository were observed in the subgroup of mesalazine non-responders. More patients reported a preference for the suppository over rectal foam.

Conclusions

In patients with ulcerative proctitis, budesonide 4 mg suppository was non-inferior to budesonide 2 mg foam in efficacy, and both were safe and well tolerated.
Percutaneous closure of a paravalvular leak from a prosthetic mitral valve dehiscence in a young high-risk patient: case report
Authors: Ozden Ozge , Kemal Hatice , Bingöl Gülsüm , Göktekin Ömer
Published: June 2022

Background

Paravalvular leak (PVL) is a common, serious complication related with prosthetic valve replacement. Although surgical closure reoperation is the choice of treatment, percutaneous device closure is a good alternative with good results in patients with very high surgical risk.

Case summary

In this case report, we present the percutaneous closure of PVL of mitral valve replacement (MVR), in a patient with cardiogenic shock who failed conservative medical treatment and was deemed inoperable due to recurrent operations. Successful closure of the PVL with the use of the four consecutive PVL closure devices was performed under general anaesthesia with guidance of 2D and 3D transoesophageal echocardiography. The procedure was performed with no complications and the patient has remained asymptomatic after 10 months following the PVL closure procedure with marked improvement in her NYHA class and echocardiographic values.

Discussion

Percutaneous PVL closure is a very challenging and high clinical skills requiring procedure, but has a good success and low complication rate in high-risk patients. It is not a standard procedure and the type and size of device should be tailored for each patient with a good 2D and 3D echocardiographic guidance.
The View from here – Teaching ‘Popular’ Nationalism in English
Authors: Bhattacharya Saradindu
Published: June 2022

This essay situates the academic enquiry into the ‘popular’ idea of the nation within the shifting disciplinary contours of English in India. Using the iconic Bharatbala music video ‘Vande Mataram’ (1998) as a case study, it demonstrates how methods of analysis derived from literary studies may be used to engage with the mediated nature of contemporary culture; the classroom experience of ‘reading’ together a popular cultural text reflects as well as instantiates the expansion of ‘English’ at the level of both content and form. The collaborative pedagogic exercise of decoding the ‘signs’ that constitute the audio-visual text through familiar literary terms such as imagery, symbolism, setting and character reveals how the cultural discourse of nationalism – in terms of its historical legacy as well as its current political resonance – can be ‘read’ contextually using disciplinary methods of ‘English’. I argue that the ‘literary’ can no longer be defined only in terms of the nature of the text one brings into the classroom – it is a mode of analysis that can be extended to examining cultural texts in other media formats too, especially if the enterprise of ‘doing’ English in a formal, academic set-up is to be anything more than a reiteration of the value of Anglo-American canonical literature. If the English canon has traditionally been a means of teaching students how to ask fundamental questions about cultural representation, the same aim is now achieved also through the use of texts from other, more familiar and local contexts and media.
Life-course income trajectories of men and women in Norway: implications for self-rated health in later life
Authors: Veenstra Marijke , Aartsen Marja
Published: June 2022

Background

Socioeconomic inequalities in health are well-established, but studies addressing lagged effects of income or of fluctuations in income over the life course are relatively rare. The current study aims to (i) identify and describe life-course income trajectories for men and women who are currently in later life; and (ii) assess the association of income trajectories with self-rated health in older adults.

Methods

The study sample consisted of 1625 men and 1634 women born between 1937 and 1955 who participated in the third wave of the Norwegian Life course, Ageing and Generation Study. Latent class growth analyses were used to estimate dominant income trajectories from ages 30 through 62 in men and women. Stepwise logistic regression analyses were specified to analyze the association of income trajectories with self-rated health in later life.

Results

Four trajectories in women and three trajectories in men were estimated as dominant patterns of income over the life course. Differences in the level of income were considerable at age 30 and accumulated over time. Continued exposure to low income showed statistically significant higher odds for poor self-rated health in older men and women. This association remained significant after taking differences in educational attainment, working life, family formation and accumulated wealth into account.

Conclusion

The findings suggested remarkable rigidity in income groups that had formed by age 30. A significant share of men and women remain mired in relatively low-income status across the life course with negative implications for health in later life.
CaveCrawler: an interactive analysis suite for cavefish bioinformatics
Authors: Perry Annabel , McGaugh Suzanne E , Keene Alex C , Blackmon Heath
Published: June 2022

The growing use of genomics in diverse organisms provides the basis for identifying genomic and transcriptional differences across species and experimental conditions. Databases containing genomic and functional data have played critical roles in the development of numerous genetic models but most emerging models lack such databases. The Mexican tetra, Astyanax mexicanus exists as 2 morphs: surface-dwelling and cave-dwelling. There exist at least 30 cave populations, providing a system to study convergent evolution. We have generated a web-based analysis suite that integrates datasets from different studies to identify how gene transcription and genetic markers of selection differ between populations and across experimental contexts. Results of diverse studies can be analyzed in conjunction with other genetic data (e.g. Gene Ontology information), to enable biological inference from cross-study patterns and identify future avenues of research. Furthermore, the framework that we have built for A. mexicanus can be adapted for other emerging model systems.
Isha is a su(Hw) mRNA-binding protein required for gypsy insulator function
Authors: Bag Indira , Chen Yang , D'Orazio Karole , Lopez Prisma , Wenzel Sabine , Takagi Yuichiro , Lei Elissa P
Published: June 2022

Chromatin insulators are DNA–protein complexes localized throughout the genome capable of establishing independent transcriptional domains. It was previously reported that the Drosophila su(Hw) mRNA physically associates with the gypsy chromatin insulator protein complex within the nucleus and may serve a noncoding function to affect insulator activity. However, how this mRNA is recruited to the gypsy complex is not known. Here, we utilized RNA-affinity pulldown coupled with mass spectrometry to identify a novel RNA-binding protein, Isha (CG4266), that associates with su(Hw) mRNA in vitro and in vivo. Isha harbors a conserved RNA recognition motif and RNA Polymerase II C-terminal domain-interacting domain (CID). We found that Isha physically interacts with total and elongating Polymerase II and associates with chromatin at the 5′ end of genes in an RNA-dependent manner. Furthermore, ChIP-seq analysis reveals Isha overlaps particularly with the core gypsy insulator component CP190 on chromatin. Depletion of Isha reduces enhancer-blocking and barrier activities of the gypsy insulator and disrupts the nuclear localization of insulator bodies. Our results reveal a novel factor Isha that promotes gypsy insulator activity that may act as a nuclear RNA-binding protein adapter for su(Hw) noncoding mRNA.
O-GlcNAc transferase maintains metabolic homeostasis in response to CDK9 inhibition
Authors: Gondane Aishwarya , Poulose Ninu , Walker Suzanne , Mills Ian G , Itkonen Harri M
Published: June 2022

Co-targeting of O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT) and the transcriptional kinase cyclin-dependent kinase 9 (CDK9) is toxic to prostate cancer cells. As OGT is an essential glycosyltransferase, identifying an alternative target showing similar effects is of great interest. Here, we used a multiomics approach (transcriptomics, metabolomics, and proteomics) to better understand the mechanistic basis of the combinatorial lethality between OGT and CDK9 inhibition. CDK9 inhibition preferentially affected transcription. In contrast, depletion of OGT activity predominantly remodeled the metabolome. Using an unbiased systems biology approach (weighted gene correlation network analysis), we discovered that CDK9 inhibition alters mitochondrial activity/flux, and high OGT activity is essential to maintain mitochondrial respiration when CDK9 activity is depleted. Our metabolite profiling data revealed that pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) is the metabolite that is most robustly induced by both OGT and OGT+CDK9 inhibitor treatments but not by CDK9 inhibition alone. Finally, supplementing prostate cancer cell lines with vitamin B5 in the presence of CDK9 inhibitor mimics the effects of co-targeting OGT and CDK9.
Premature transcription termination at the expanded GAA repeats and aberrant alternative polyadenylation contributes to theFrataxintranscriptional deficit in Friedreich’s ataxia
Authors: Li Yanjie , Li Jixue , Wang Jun , Zhang Siyuan , Giles Keith , Prakash Thazha P , Rigo Frank , Napierala Jill S , Napierala Marek
Published: June 2022

Frataxin deficiency in Friedreich’s ataxia results from transcriptional downregulation of the FXN gene caused by expansion of the intronic trinucleotide guanine-adenine-adenine (GAA) repeats. We used multiple transcriptomic approaches to determine the molecular mechanism of transcription inhibition caused by long GAAs. We uncovered that transcription of FXN in patient cells is prematurely terminated upstream of the expanded repeats leading to the formation of a novel, truncated and stable RNA. This FXN early terminated transcript (FXN-ett) undergoes alternative, non-productive splicing and does not contribute to the synthesis of functional frataxin. The level the FXN-ett RNA directly correlates with the length of the longer of the two expanded GAA tracts. Targeting GAAs with antisense oligonucleotides or excision of the repeats eliminates the transcription impediment, diminishes expression of the aberrant FXN-ett, while increasing levels of FXN mRNA and frataxin. Non-productive transcription may represent a common phenomenon and attractive therapeutic target in diseases caused by repeat-mediated transcription aberrations.
Wargames Resurgent: The Hyperrealities of Military Gaming from Recruitment to Rehabilitation
Authors: Hirst Aggie
Published: June 2022

While games are commonly viewed as frivolous fun, their rapid proliferation across the US defense establishment compels us to think again. Spanning spheres as diverse as total immersion training, near-peer/cyber conflict, and future force strategies, a gaming renaissance is currently underway across the US military. Surprisingly, given international relations’ (IR) interest in the production and projection of military power, the discipline has neglected to engage with this revival. This article argues that hyperreal games—that is, games that produce realities—play an increasingly important role in the attraction, production, management, and recovery of warfighters. Drawing upon one hundred hours of interviews undertaken with US military games designers, trainers, trainees, and veterans between 2017 and 2019, the article documents first-hand experiences of hyperreal gaming in warfighter recruitment, training, deployment, and rehabilitation. The core argument developed is that unlike simulations, which model scenarios, games are productive of people, values, and identity. If it is to understand games’ use as a tool of warfighter subjectification, the article argues, IR must renew its focus on military gaming disaggregated from the broader hyperrealities of modeling, simulation, and exercises with which it has hitherto been conflated.
How Do Economic Sanctions Affect Public Opinion and Consumer Behavior in Target States? Evidence from China's Economic Sanctions on South Korea
Authors: Sung Rena , Park Jonghyuk
Published: June 2022

Previous research shows that economic sanctions affect three facets of public opinion in target states: support for the policy at issue, support for the target government, and hostility toward the sanctioner. We explore the dynamics between the facets of opinion and link them to consumer behavior. How do supportive opinions of the policy and the target government lead to hostility? How does this hostility affect consumers’ propensity to buy the sanctioner's branded products? We examine a case in which China imposed economic sanctions on South Korea in opposition to South Korea's decision to deploy Terminal High Altitude Area Defense. We collect comments from relevant newspaper articles and conduct attitude analysis using machine learning. We conduct difference-in-differences analyses using barcode-level data regarding monthly beer sales, for which we argue boycotts are more likely to occur. We find that a backlash effect in public opinion occurred with respect to two facets of opinion. However, despite the public antagonism, we observe no significant backlash in consumer behavior. These findings imply that effects of economic sanctions in target states are multidimensional and thus it is too simplistic to assess the effectiveness of economic sanctions only by looking at public opinion in target states.
Art World Fields and Global Hegemonies
Authors: MacKay Joseph
Published: June 2022

This paper investigates the art world as a setting for hegemonic status or prestige politics. Powerful states engage in art world status-seeking but appear to face challenges distinct to the art world in so doing. To explain, I adopt a Bourdieusian forms of capital approach, framing the art world as a social field with distinctive contentious dynamics and symbolic politics. I argue states must work through art world networks and institutions to pursue status there, observing local rules in so doing. I frame art world prestige as symbolic capital—the overt, observable pursuit of which tends to undermine any gains. Hegemonic incumbents and challengers face differing such constraints. The existing global art world models rules and standards by homology on that of the current hegemon. A challenger must adapt to this status quo before they can revise it. I unpack these dynamics in the cases of America, China, and India. I focus on their shifting standing in the global art market and performances of national aggrandizement at a recurring global art world event: the Venice Biennale.
Improvement of Umbilical Cord Blood Gas Analysis with Implementation of Clot Catchers
Authors: Engelstad Michael , Tenney Brandon , Brooks Eugene , Thimm Matthew , Sheffield Jeanne S , Baschat Ahmet , Knezevic Claire E
Published: June 2022

Background

Umbilical cord blood gas testing is a key component of objective pre- and perinatal evaluation of fetal acid base status to determine presence of intrapartum asphyxia and risk of neonatal encephalopathy. Heparinized cord blood is more likely to form small clots than other blood sources, which can interfere with, or preclude, sample analysis. Cord blood samples are irreplaceable and cannot be recollected, thereby compromising clinical decision-making when analysis is not possible. We evaluated processes to prevent excessive rates of cord blood clotting and quantified their impact on successful testing of blood gas specimens.

Methods

Verified result and cancellation data were obtained retrospectively from the laboratory information system. Clot catchers were evaluated using noncord remnant specimens. Collection syringes were compared via collection from remnant cord sections.

Results

Prior to implementation of any interventions, retrospective analysis indicated a cancellation rate of 18.6% for umbilical cord blood gas specimens (arterial and venous) and 0.7% for noncord blood arterial and venous samples. Clot catchers were validated for clinical use, with a bias of <±4% for all analytes. After clot catchers were implemented for all cord specimens, cancellation rate decreased approximately 5-fold in the first month and remained <5% a year after implementation. A limited comparison of two heparin syringe types revealed a small difference in the overall rate of specimen clotting.

Conclusions

Implementation of clot catchers was acceptable for analysis of cord blood samples, and when implemented resulted in a sustained 5-fold decrease in the rate of cord blood gas order cancellation.
Gilt development to improve offspring performance and survivability
Authors: Faccin Jamil E G , Tokach Mike D , Goodband Robert D , DeRouchey Joel M , Woodworth Jason C , Gebhardt Jordan T
Published: June 2022

Methods for developing incoming replacement gilts can indirectly and directly influence survivability of their offspring. Indirectly, having proper gilt development reduces culling rates and mortality, which increases longevity and creates a more mature sow herd. Older sows are more likely to have greater immunity than gilts and therefore can pass this along to their pigs in both quantity and quality of colostrum and milk, thus improving piglet survivability. Directly, proper gilt development will maximize mammary gland development which increases colostrum and milk production leading to large, healthy pig. As for the developing gilt at birth, increasing colostrum intake, reducing nursing pressure, providing adequate space allowance, and good growth rate can increase the likelihood that gilts successfully enter and remain in the herd. Light birth weight gilts (<1 kg) or gilts from litters with low birth weight should be removed early in the selection process. Gilts should be weaned at 24 d of age or older and then can be grown in a variety of ways as long as lifetime growth rate is over 600 g/d. Current genetic lines with exceptional growth rate run the risk of being bred too heavy, reducing longevity. On the other hand, restricting feed intake at specific times could be detrimental to mammary development. In these situations, reducing diet amino acid concentration and allowing ad libitum feed is a possible strategy. Gilts should be bred between 135 and 160 kg and at second estrus or later while in a positive metabolic state to increase lifetime productivity and longevity in the herd. Once bred, gilts should be fed to maintain or build body reserves without becoming over-conditioned at farrowing. Proper body condition at farrowing impacts the percentage of pigs born alive as well as colostrum and milk production, and consequently, offspring performance and survivability. Combined with the benefit in pig immunity conferred by an older sow parity structure, gilt development has lasting impacts on offspring performance and survivability.
Novel small synthetic HIV-1 V3 crown variants: CCR5 targeting ligands
Authors: Anitha Anju Krishnan , Narayanan Pratibha , Ajayakumar Neethu , Sivakumar Krishnankutty Chandrika , Kumar Kesavakurup Santhosh
Published: June 2022

The CC chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5) antagonism represents a promising pharmacological strategy for therapeutic intervention as it plays a significant role in reducing the severity and progression of a wide range of pathological conditions. Here we designed and generated peptide ligands targeting the chemokine receptor, CCR5, that were derived from the critical interaction sites of the V3 crown domain of envelope protein glycoprotein gp120 (TRKSIHIGPGRAFYTTGEI) of HIV-1 using computational biology approach and the peptide sequence corresponding to this region was taken as the template peptide, designated as TMP-1. The peptide variants were synthesized by employing Fmoc chemistry using polymer support and were labelled with rhodamine B to study their interaction with the CCR5 receptor expressed on various cells. TMP-1 and TMP-2 were selected as the high-affinity ligands from in vitro receptor-binding assays. Specific receptor-binding experiments in activated peripheral blood mononuclear cells and HOS.CCR5 cells indicated that TMP-1 and TMP-2 had significant CCR5 specificity. Further, the functional analysis of TMP peptides using chemotactic migration assay showed that both peptides did not mediate the migration of responsive cells. Thus, template TMP-1 and TMP-2 represent promising CCR5 targeting peptide candidates.
Transcriptomic analysis elucidates evolution of the major histocompatibility complex class I in neotropical bats
Authors: Moreno-Santillán Diana D , Machain-Williams Carlos , Hernández-Montes Georgina , Ortega Jorge
Published: June 2022

The Order Chiroptera comprises more than 1,400 species, each with its evolutionary history and under unique selective pressures, among which are the host–pathogen interactions. Bats have coped with complex interactions with a broad spectrum of microbes throughout their evolutionary history, prompting the development of unique adaptations that allow them to co-exist with microbes with pathogenic potential more efficiently than other nonadapted species. In this sense, an extraordinary immune system with unique adaptations has been hypothesized in bats. To explore this, we focused on the major histocompatibility complex (MHC), which plays a crucial role in pathogen recognition and presentation to T cells to trigger the adaptive immune response. We analyzed MHC class I transcripts in five species, each from different families of New World bats. From RNA-seq data, we assembled a partial region of the MHC-I comprising the α1 and α2 domains, which are responsible for peptide binding and recognition. We described five putative functional variants, two of which have two independent insertions at the α2 domain. Our results suggest that this insertion appeared after the divergence of the order Chiroptera and may have an adaptive function in the defense against intracellular pathogens, providing evidence of positive selection and trans-specific polymorphism on the peptide-binding sites.
Chest wall perforator flap to partially reconstruct central mound of breast tissue – evolution of the technique
Authors: Sundara Rajan Sreekumar , Verma Rashmi , Murthy Bade L
Published: June 2022

We describe the use of chest wall perforator flap (CWPF) to reconstruct the central mound of breast tissue in women presenting with central/retro areolar breast cancer. We describe the results of seven patients (median age, 59 years) with a median follow-up of 9 months. We were able to conserve the breast in all except one woman who was found to have extensive DCIS. Two patients were taken back to theatre, one for a washout of infected seroma and second for a wound debridement. There was no flap loss or donor site complications in our series. We were able to conserve the breast, maintain aesthetic contour of the central mound along with projection and achieve excellent cosmetic outcome for our patients. Partial breast reconstruction using CWPF provides an oncologically safe and cosmetically superior alternative in selected women with breast cancer needing central wide local excision.
Cardew’s Lessons: The Scratch Orchestra’s Amateur Democracy (1967–1973)
Authors: Court Benjamin
Published: June 2022

Between 1967 and 1973 Cornelius Cardew taught at three different London institutions—a traditional music conservatory (the Royal Academy of Music), an adult education college (Morley College), and a politically radical free school (the Antiuniversity of London). These schools introduced Cardew to a wide range of technical musical abilities and profoundly affected the composer’s works and pedagogy, culminating in a new musical organization: the Scratch Orchestra. This essay details the political implications of Cardew’s teaching philosophy within the Scratch Orchestra and the lessons to be gleaned from the Orchestra’s successes and failures, particularly the fundamental necessity of disagreement in egalitarian musical classrooms and improvisatory collaborations. To amplify these lessons, I analyse how the musical structures of ‘Paragraph 2’ of Cardew’s The Great Learning belie the composer’s own politics by prescribing distinctly hierarchical performance roles.
The plastid-encoded protein Orf2971 is required for protein translocation and chloroplast quality control
Authors: Xing Jiale , Pan Junting , Yi Heng , Lv Kang , Gan Qiuliang , Wang Meimei , Ge Haitao , Huang Xiahe , Huang Fang , Wang Yingchun , Rochaix Jean-David , Yang Wenqiang
Published: June 2022

Photosynthesis and the biosynthesis of many important metabolites occur in chloroplasts. In these semi-autonomous organelles, the chloroplast genome encodes approximately 100 proteins. The remaining chloroplast proteins, close to 3,000, are encoded by nuclear genes whose products are translated in the cytosol and imported into chloroplasts. However, there is still no consensus on the composition of the protein import machinery including its motor proteins and on how newly imported chloroplast proteins are refolded. In this study, we have examined the function of orf2971, the largest chloroplast gene of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. The depletion of Orf2971 causes the accumulation of protein precursors, partial proteolysis and aggregation of proteins, increased expression of chaperones and proteases, and autophagy. Orf2971 interacts with the TIC (translocon at the inner chloroplast envelope) complex, catalyzes ATP (adenosine triphosphate) hydrolysis, and associates with chaperones and chaperonins. We propose that Orf2971 is intimately connected to the protein import machinery and plays an important role in chloroplast protein quality control.