bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of drying methods and drying temperature on product quality of Phyllanthus Amarus (P. Amarus)
Authors: Phong N T , Duc L A , Khuyen N D
Published: March 2023

Phyllanthus Amarus (P. Amarus) is a precious medicine that has been widely used in traditional oriental medicine as a cure to treat liver diseases, diabetes, and kidney stones. This study evaluated the effects of different drying methods under different temperatures on product quality as antioxidant capacity (IC50) and color change of Phyllanthus Amarus. The P. Amarus was dehydrated by outdoor sun drying and three indoor drying methods: hot air drying, heat pump drying, and vacuum drying at temperatures of 35, 40, 45, and 50°C until reaching the moisture content of 11 ± 0.5%. The results showed that the drying methods and temperature remarkably affected the drying time, color change, and antioxidant capacity of P. Amarus. Among the four drying methods used, vacuum drying at 40°C resulted in better product quality by retaining natural color and the antioxidant capacity (IC50) with the shortest drying time (3.5 hours).
Application of Starch-based Edible Coating on Tomato and Its Effect during Storage
Authors: Wibowo C , Wicaksono R , Haryanti P , Irawan DM , Sulistyo SB , Fatoni A
Published: March 2023

The appropriate postharvest treatment is required for the tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) because it is a perishable commodity. Common procedures for maintaining quality and extending its shelf life is applying storage at low temperatures. Another alternatif is an application of coating on the tomatoes. Starch-based coating is widely used due to its positive effects on the agricultural commodities. The aim of this research is to determine the effect of various coating materials and sprayer nozzle size on the physical and chemical characteristics of tomatoes during storage. This study used an experimental method with a completely randomized design method with 2 factors, namely variations in the type of main coating material (P): canna starch (P1), potato starch (P2), sweet potato starch (P3) and variations in sprayer nozzle size. (N): 0.6 mm (N1); 1.0 mm (N2); 1.5 mm (N3). Each treatment was performed three times. The findings of the research show that the type of main coating material and variations in the diameter of the sprayer nozzle can maintain the brightness level and total soluble solids value of tomatoes on day 6 observation. The selected treatments are tomato fruit samples coated with sweet potato starch, and the sprayer nozzle diameter is 1.0 mm.
Spray drying conditions of lime juice prepared by freeze-concentration
Authors: Huynh T D , Kha C T , Nguyen V A , Nguyen T D , Ha T M L , Ngo H H
Published: March 2023

Lime (Citrus latifolia) juice concentrate is rich in vitamin C and phenolic compounds exerting a range of health benefits. Spray drying converts fruit juice into powder and offers convenience for industrial applications. The appropriate spray drying conditions for lime juice prepared by freeze concentration are rarely reported. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the effects of inlet temperature (130-170°C) and feed flow rate (20-40 mL/min) on drying yield, total ascorbic and phenolic contents (TPC) of the dried lime powder from spray drying of freeze-concentrate lime juice (containing 22% solid). The inlet drying temperature influenced the yield, total ascorbic acid and phenolic contents of the lime powders. The drying using an inlet temperature of 130°C resulted in the dried lime powder with ascorbic acid and phenolic contents of 113.1 mg/100 g and 1268 mgGAE/100 g, respectively and an acceptable yield (90.1%). The most appropriate feed flow rate was 30 mL/min which resulted in lime powder with high yield, total ascorbic acid and phenolic content. In conclusion, the high-quality spray-dried powder can be processed at the 130°C inlet temperature and 30 mL/min of feed flow rate. At these conditions, the obtained powder had a 45% lime solid and suitable moisture content (4.5%) and water activity (< 0.25) that would be stable for storage.
Consumers’ willingness to pay for pork safety in the Southeast region of Vietnam
Authors: Mai D Q , Pham T P , Dang T H , Chau T L , Nguyen H T
Published: March 2023

Food safety is a topic that receives consumers’ attention because it affects directly to their health. Increased demand for safe food leads to consumers’ willingness to pay a high price. This study investigates the awareness and willingness to pay of consumers for safe pork with four safety attributes including certification label, traceability, brand, and price. A choice experiment was carried out among 395 consumers from Ho Chi Minh City, Binh Duong, and Dong Nai provinces in the Southeast region of Vietnam. A random parameter logit model was estimated to reveal consumers’ willingness to pay for safe pork. Results from the survey revealed that unsafe pork is the main concern of consumers because pork is a common meat in their daily meals. The findings indicated that consumers are willing to pay an extra 32.6% for traceability, 31.1% for safety certification label, and 24.9% for pork brand label. This implies that improving the traceability system, safety certification label, and the promotion of safe pork brands and publicity on pork safety attributes will significantly increase consumers’ trust and demand for safe pork.
Price transmission in shrimp production in Vietnam
Authors: Truong H N , Le T C , Pham T T
Published: March 2023

Under the trade international integration, vertical price transmission in agri-food export supply chains is an essential issue that needs attention. This study analyses the price transmission from export prices to farm-gate prices of the black-tiger shrimp and white-leg shrimp production in Vietnam. Monthly price series of black-tiger shrimp and white-leg shrimp were collected from January 2015 to October 2020, from the Department of Aquaculture of Ca Mau, Soc Trang, Kien Giang, Ben Tre provinces; Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers, and Vietnam market analysis and forecast joint stock company. The Johansen cointegration test, the Toda-Yamamoto Granger causality test, the Engle-Granger’s two-stage estimation, and the asymmetric error correction model using the Houck and Ward approach were applied. The results showed a long-term relationship between the farm-gate prices and export prices for both black-tiger shrimp and white-leg shrimp. The export prices were the price leader. In the long run, the price transmission from export prices to farm-gate prices in both black-tiger shrimp and white-leg shrimp was incomplete; however, the white-leg shrimp’s price transmission was noticeably better than black-tiger shrimp’s. In the short run, there was no statistically significant effect of export prices on farm-gate prices of black-tiger shrimp; while the price transmission of white-leg shrimp was significant but relatively slow rate. The price transmission for black-tiger shrimp and white-leg shrimp was symmetric in the short run and the long run. The findings of this study are useful for farmers in developing production and business strategy. Symmetric price transmission in both the short run and the long run is a positive signal for farmers to invest in sustainable production approaches and to meet stringent standard requirements of the export market.
Research on optimizing the drying process of Pyinkado (Xylia Xylocarpa) by vacuum infrared radiation drying method
Authors: Bui T T K , Le A D , Hoang T T H
Published: March 2023

In this study, wood samples (Xylia Xylocarpa) with dimensions of 50 x 50 x 500 mm were dried under an absolute pressure of 0.12 - 0.217 bar at a temperature of 45 - 59°C and infrared radiation intensity of 459 - 741 W/m2 to assess their drying characteristics. The experiment planning method was used to build the equation that correlated the relationship between technological parameters of radiation intensity and drying temperature on different physicochemical properties of wood dried by the infrared vacuum drying method. The results showed that the increase of both of these conditions promoted the drying process and affected the wood quality. The more defects, the higher the radiation intensity and the higher the drying temperature was from 600 - 741 W/m2, 50 to 60°C, respectively. Therefore, to minimize wood defects and reduce drying time it was necessary to adjust the drying temperature and infrared radiation intensity. The results gave the optimal drying regime ofXylia Xylocarpawith Timin = 64.29 h and Demin = 11.6% at a drying temperature of 58.70C, infrared radiation intensity of 625.2 W/m2 and moisture content of dried wood after at 10± 1% (wb.). That contributes to finding suitable drying technology parameters, providing detailed information for businesses and researchers on the development of infrared vacuum drying technology for wood materials.
Differential diagnosis of DNA viruses related to reproductive disorder on sows by multiplex-PCR technique
Authors: Nguyen T N , Le H T T , Vu H L X , Dinh P X
Published: March 2023

The newly emerged diseases caused by ASFV and PCV3 and their confirmed prevelance in Vietnam whereas most of available common commercial methods such as ELISA or realtime PCR designed for detecting single pathogen per reaction, highlighted a necessity for another diagnostic method to simultaneously detect and differentiate DNA viruses that are related to reproductive failures in sow herds including PCV2, PCV3, PPV, ASFV. In this communication, a diagnostic multiplex-PCR (mPCR) was established with pathogen-specific primers selected from previous studies and another set of primers designed for COX1 gene serving as an internal amplification control (IAC). The predicted products of PCV2, PCV3, PPV, ASFV and IAC were 702 bp, 223 bp, 380 bp, 278 bp and 463 bp, respectively. After optimization, the mPCR functioned specifically at 62°C. Results revealed the consistent detection limit at 100 copies/gene/reaction. In application, 185 serum samples from sows were used to examine the presence of the related pathogens. mPCR results showed that the mono-infection rate of PCV2, PCV3, PPV, and ASFV was 0% (0/185), 40% (74/185), 28.1% (52/185), and 48.1% (89/185), respectively. Regarding coinfection rate, the data indicated that coinfections of 2, 3 and 4 pathogens were 20%, 8.1% and 0% accordingly. In conclusion, the mPCR assay was successfully established and ready to serve for diagnosis of PCV2, PCV3, PPV and ASFV infection in reality with high specificity and sensitivity. It is a good contribution to a better understanding of the epidemiology of these diseases in swine.
The event of the Council: what happened and when?
Authors: Blanchard Shaun , Bullivant Stephen
Published: March 2023

This chapter discusses why Pope John XXIII called the Council, and various factors in both ‘Church’ and ‘world’ to which it was responding. The diversity of backgrounds that made up the Council is considered, as are the bewildering logistics of convening such a massive meeting of deliberating parties. It then gives a ‘what happened when’ overview of the Council’s four sessions and their key turning points (e.g. the death of John XXIII and election of Paul VI, ‘Black Week’), drawing heavily on the testimonies of the participants themselves. A conciliar ‘Minority’ and ‘Majority’ are profiled, which helps explain the differences in theological, political, and ideological outlooks among the voting members of the council. John O’Malley’s correct insistence on the novelty of the conciliar ‘style’, as well as John XXIII’s well-known desire for a pastoral council, are explained.
Ecclesiology: the nature of the Church
Authors: Blanchard Shaun , Bullivant Stephen
Published: March 2023

If the documents on the liturgy and revelation served as cornerstones of conciliar teaching, it was in Lumen Gentium, the Constitution on the Church, that the most fascinating and wide-reaching doctrinal teaching of the Council occurred. This chapter shows how Lumen Gentium brought together Sacrosanctum Concilium’s concern for ecclesiological renewal with Dei Verbum’s Christocentrism and ressourcement methodology. In addition, the shorter documents Christus Dominus (on the bishops), and Unitatis redintegratio (on ecumenism), contributed to the ecclesiological vision of Vatican II. It was the debates over Lumen Gentium, however, that constituted some of the most dramatic episodes of the Council. Probably the most important ecclesiological teaching at Vatican II was the doctrine of episcopal collegiality. Lumen Gentium sketched a doctrine of collegiality but without concrete juridical instantiation. A renewed theology of the laity was also central to Vatican II ecclesiology. Lumen Gentium is the theological centrepiece of Vatican II, with profound implications for the Church’s self-understanding. It is also the key to unlocking many of the Council’s other documents, which elaborate and expand upon the Constitution in specific ways. This chapter explains its hallmark teachings, including on ‘the people of God’, the laity, authority, collegiality, and Mary.
A computational approach for the identification of distant homologs of bacterial riboswitches based on inverse RNA folding
Authors: Mukherjee Sumit , Retwitzer Matan Drory , Hubbell Sara M , Meyer Michelle M , Barash Danny
Published: March 2023

Riboswitches are conserved structural ribonucleic acid (RNA) sensors that are mainly found to regulate a large number of genes/operons in bacteria. Presently, >50 bacterial riboswitch classes have been discovered, but only the thiamine pyrophosphate riboswitch class is detected in a few eukaryotes like fungi, plants and algae. One of the most important challenges in riboswitch research is to discover existing riboswitch classes in eukaryotes and to understand the evolution of bacterial riboswitches. However, traditional search methods for riboswitch detection have failed to detect eukaryotic riboswitches besides just one class and any distant structural homologs of riboswitches. We developed a novel approach based on inverse RNA folding that attempts to find sequences that match the shape of the target structure with minimal sequence conservation based on key nucleotides that interact directly with the ligand. Then, to support our matched candidates, we expanded the results into a covariance model representing similar sequences preserving the structure. Our method transforms a structure-based search into a sequence-based search that considers the conservation of secondary structure shape and ligand-binding residues. This method enables us to identify a potential structural candidate in fungi that could be the distant homolog of bacterial purine riboswitches. Further, phylogenomic analysis and evolutionary distribution of this structural candidate indicate that the most likely point of origin of this structural candidate in these organisms is associated with the loss of traditional purine riboswitches. The computational approach could be applicable to other domains and problems in RNA research.
Quantification of Luteolin, Apigenin and Chrysoeriol in Tecoma stans by RP-HPLC Method
Authors: Gupta Amit , Behl Tapan , Singh Sukhbir , Garg Madhukar , Tamboli Ennus Tajuddin , Chigurupati Sridevi , Felemban Shatha Ghazi , Albarrati Ali , Albratty Mohammed , Meraya Abdulkarim M
Published: March 2023

Tecoma stans (Fam. Bignoniaceae) is also popularly known as yellow bells and yellow trumpet bush in vernacular terminology. Limited and variable data are available from the literature regarding the quantification of luteolin, apigenin and chrysoeriol, which are considered as the most active pharmacological active constituents. High-performance liquid chromatography–photodiode array detection has been developed for the determination of the bioactive flavonoids, luteolin, apigenin and chrysoeriol, from the methanolic extract of the leaves of T. stans. A column packed with a pentafluorophenyl-based stationary phase was used for the separation of the analytes under gradient elution. The detection wavelength was 345 nm. The validation of the method as per the International Council on Harmonisation (ICH) guidelines (ICH 2005) for linearity, accuracy and precision was investigated and found within limits specified by the ICH guidelines. The method was linear over with a good regression coefficient of more than 0.99. The limit of detection of the method was 0.68, 2.97 and 1.76 μg/mL for luteolin, apigenin and chrysoeriol, respectively. In conclusion, a reliable and reproducible method was devised that can be used for the estimation of the said components from T. stans.
Plasma Concentrations of Calcium and Risk of Alzheimer Disease—Observational and Genetic Studies
Authors: Thomassen Jesper Qvist , Nordestgaard Børge G , Tybjærg-Hansen Anne , Frikke-Schmidt Ruth
Published: March 2023

Background

Dysregulation of calcium ion homeostasis in neurons is well documented in Alzheimer disease (AD), and high plasma calcium concentrations have been associated with cognitive decline in the elderly; however, a potential causal nature for this association has not been elucidated.

Methods

Plasma calcium ion concentrations of 97 968 individuals from the Copenhagen General Population Study (CGPS) were included and multifactorial Cox regressions using splines or quartiles was performed to investigate the observational association. A plasma calcium ion genome-wide association study (GWAS) was performed in 2 independent subgroups of the CGPS. The plasma calcium ion GWAS and publicly available genomic data sets for plasma total calcium and AD were used to perform the currently most powerful 2-sample Mendelian randomization studies.

Results

The hazard ratio for lowest vs highest quartile of the calcium ion concentration was 1.24 (95% CI, 1.08–1.43) for AD. The plasma calcium ion GWAS identified 3 independent loci. None of the genetic instruments for plasma concentrations of calcium ions or total calcium were associated with AD risk.

Conclusions

High plasma concentrations of calcium ions were observationally associated with increased risk of AD but genetic associations were not found, suggesting that the observational findings may be due to reverse causation or residual confounding.
Anorectal Function and Clinical Characteristics Associated with Faecal Incontinence in Patients with Crohn’s Disease
Authors: de Codes Lina Maria Góes , de Jesus Ana Carolina Costa , de Codes João Jorge Góes , Ferreira Reginaldo Freitas , da Silva Beda Sacramento Carolina , da Cruz Isabela Dias Marques , de Castro Ribeiro Fidelis Flávia , de Carvalho Alexandre Lopes , Motta Marina Pamponet , de Oliveira Alves Cândida , Netto Eduardo Martins , Santana Genoile Oliveira
Published: March 2023

Background and Aims

Faecal incontinence is an important complaint reported by patients with Crohn’s disease [CD] and it is associated with several disease-related mechanisms, including anorectal functional disorders. This study aimed to assess the anorectal function and clinical characteristics to identify parameters associated with faecal incontinence in CD patients.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional study of 104 patients with CD, aged 18 years or older, from a referral centre between August 2019 and May 2021. Patients responded to a specific questionnaire, and underwent medical record review, proctological examination and anorectal functional assessment with anorectal manometry.

Results

Of the 104 patients, 49% were incontinent. Patients with incontinence had a lower mean resting pressure [43.5 vs 53.1 mmHg; p = 0.038], lower mean squeeze pressure [62.1 vs 94.1 mmHg; p = 0.036] and lower maximum rectal capacity [140 vs 180 mL; p < 0.001]. Faecal incontinence was also associated with disease activity [p < 0.001], loose stools [p = 0.02], perianal disease [p = 0.006], previous anoperineal surgery [p = 0.048] and number of anorectal surgeries [p = 0.036].

Conclusions

This is the largest reported study describing manometric findings of Crohn’s disease patients with and without faecal incontinence. Our results identified an association between faecal incontinence and functional disorders, in addition to clinical features in these patients. Functional assessment with anorectal manometry may help choose the best treatment for faecal incontinence in patients with CD.
Optimal Contact Tracing and Social Distancing Policies to Suppress A New Infectious Disease
Authors: Pollinger Stefan
Published: March 2023

This paper studies the suppression of an infectious disease in the canonical susceptible-infectious-recovered model. It derives three results. First, if technically feasible, the optimal response to a sufficiently small outbreak is halting transmissions instead of building up immunity through infections. Second, the crucial trade-off is not between health and economic costs, but between the intensity and duration of control measures. A simple formula of observables characterises the optimum. Third, the total cost depends critically on the efficiency of contact tracing, since it allows relaxing costly social distancing without increasing transmissions. A calibration to the COVID-19 pandemic illustrates the theoretical findings.
Ring annuloplasty, optionally combined with edge-to-edge leaflet plications, should be amended with subvalvular repair techniques to efficaciously treat tricuspid regurgitation with severe tethering
Authors: Takeshita Masashi , Arai Hirokuni , Nagaoka Eiki , Oi Keiji , Fujiwara Tatsuki , Oishi Kiyotoshi , Mizuno Tomohiro
Published: March 2023

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of tricuspid annuloplasty with/without additional edge-to-edge plications in patients with functional tricuspid regurgitation (TR) and to clarify the impact of tethering on surgical outcomes.

METHODS

This retrospective observational study included patients with moderate or greater functional TR who underwent initial tricuspid valve repair between January 2008 and December 2021. The patients were divided into 2 groups based on whether they had tethering (preoperative tethering area ≥0.75 cm2). All patients underwent annuloplasty, and edge-to-edge plications were added at the regurgitant leakage site identified by saline tests. The surgical outcomes of each group and the effect of tethering on recurrent moderate or greater TR were evaluated.

RESULTS

One hundred and thirty-three patients were included in this study. During the follow-up period of 55.3 (standard deviation: 44.9) months, the 5-year survival rates were 78.4% in patients without tethering and 76.1% in patients with tethering (P = 0.78). The 5-year cumulative incidence rates of readmission for heart failure and recurrent TR were 10.8% and 1.3% in patients without tethering and 23.0% and 29.5% in patients with tethering, respectively (P = 0.12 and <0.001). Multivariable analyses revealed that the preoperative and predischarge tethering areas predicted recurrent TR. A large tethering area remained postoperatively in patients with tethering.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients without tethering, annuloplasty and additional edge-to-edge plications are effective in avoiding recurrent TR with satisfactory midterm clinical outcomes. However, in patients with tethering, these procedures resulted in residual tethering, which could be leading to recurrent TR.
Valvular complex and tissue remodelling in ovine functional tricuspid regurgitation
Authors: Iwasieczko Artur , Gaddam Manikantam , Gaweda Boguslaw , Goodyke Austin , Mathur Mrudang , Lin Chien-Yu , Zagorski Joseph , Solarewicz Monica , Cohle Stephen , Rausch Manuel , Timek Tomasz A
Published: March 2023

OBJECTIVES

Pathophysiology of function tricuspid regurgitation (FTR) is incompletely understood. We set out to comprehensively evaluate geometric and tissue remodelling of the tricuspid valve complex in ovine FTR.

METHODS

Twenty adult sheep underwent left thoracotomy and pulmonary artery banding (PAB) to induce right heart pressure overload and FTR. After 8 weeks, 17 surviving animals and 10 healthy controls (CTL) underwent sternotomy, echocardiography and implantation of sonomicrometry crystals on right ventricle and tricuspid valvular apparatus. Haemodynamic and sonomicrometry data were acquired in all animals after weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass. Leaflet tissue was harvested for pentachrome histologic analysis and biomechanical testing.

RESULTS

Animal weight was 62 ± 5 and 63 ± 3 kg for CTL and PAB, respectively (P = 0.6). At terminal procedure, systolic pulmonary artery pressure was 22 ± 3 and 40 ± 7 mmHg for CTL and PAB, respectively (P = 0.0001). The mean TR grade (+0–4) was 0.8 ± 0.4 and 3.2 ± 1.2 (P = 0.0001) for control and banded animals, respectively. Right ventricle volume (126 ± 13 vs 172 ± 34 ml, P = 0.0019), tricuspid annular area (651 ± 109 vs 865 ± 247 mm2, P = 0.037) and area between papillary muscle tips (162 ± 51 vs 302 ± 75 mm2, P = 0.001) increased substantially while systolic excursion of anterior leaflet decreased significantly (23.8 ± 6.1° vs 7.4 ± 4.5°, P = 0.001) with banding. Total leaflet surface area increased from 806 ± 94 to 953 ± 148 mm2 (P = 0.009), and leaflets became thicker and stiffer.

CONCLUSIONS

Detailed analysis of the tricuspid valve complex revealed significant ventricular, annular, subvalvular and leaflet remodelling to be associated with ovine functional tricuspid regurgitation. Durable surgical repair of severe FTR may require a multi-level approach to the valvular apparatus.
CELTA tutors’ beliefs about online tutoring practices
Authors: Hasper Anna , Barkhuizen Gary
Published: March 2023

Although a number of studies have explored the experiences of remote English language teaching in response to COVID-19, yet to be addressed is English language teacher-educators’ beliefs regarding their online tutoring practices. This article reports on the finding of a study which attempted to identify tutors’ beliefs about the differences between face-to-face (F2F) and online tutoring and the knowledge and skills required for online tutoring. Data collected through a questionnaire and follow-up interviews reveal that instructional strategies were regarded as a main difference between F2F and online tutoring, followed by the use of technology. However, knowledge about technology and how to use it was believed to be most important for tutoring in an online environment. Implications of the study include creating structured professional learning opportunities for online tutors, incorporating a focus on managing well-being, and developing awareness of the trainees’ sociocultural context.
Penicillin-binding protein 1b encoded bymrcB gene mediates the enhancement of biofilm formation by subinhibitory concentrations of cefotaxime in monophasicSalmonellaTyphimurium strain SH16SP46
Authors: Wang Mengran , Wang Jing , Li Tian , Bao Xue , Li Pengyun , Zhang Xiuling , Huang Qi , Meng Xianrong , Li Shaowen
Published: March 2023

Development of cefotaxime-resistance and biofilm formation increase the difficulty to prevent and control the infection and contamination of Salmonella, one of the most important foodborne and zoonotic bacterial pathogen. Our previous study observed that 1/8 minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of cefotaxime induced the enhancement of biofilm formation and filamentous morphological change by a monophasic Salmonella Typhimurium strain SH16SP46. This study was designed to explore the role of three penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) in mediating the induction effect of cefotaxime. Three deletion mutants of the genes mrcA, mrcB, and ftsI, encoding the proteins PBP1a, PBP1b, and PBP3, respectively, were constructed using the parental Salmonella strain SH16SP46. Gram staining and scanning electron microscopy showed that these mutants showed normal morphology comparable to the parental strain without cefotaxime treatment. However, under the stress of 1/8 MIC of cefotaxime, the strains WT, ΔmrcA, and ΔftsI, rather than ΔmrcB, exhibited filamentous morphological change. Moreover, cefotaxime treatment significantly enhanced biofilm formation by the strains WT, ΔmrcA, and ΔftsI, but not by the ΔmrcB strain. The complement of mrcB gene in the ΔmrcB strain recovered the enhanced biofilm formation and filamentous morphological change induced by cefotaxime. Our results suggest that PBP1b encoded by mrcB gene may be a binding target of cefotaxime for initiating the effect on Salmonella morphology and biofilm formation. The study will contribute to further understanding of the regulatory mechanism of cefotaxime on Salmonella biofilm formation.
A Prisoner, Legislator, and Jurist: Joseph Lamm’s Legal Legacy in Relation to the Nazis and Nazi Collaborators (Punishment) Law, 1950
Authors: Dori Deston Yehudit , Porat Dan
Published: March 2023

In recent years, a number of studies have explored the unique legal phenomenon of the Israeli court cases that applied the Nazis and Nazi Collaborators (Punishment) Law of 1950. The defendants were Jewish kapos or members of the Jewish police, themselves Holocaust survivors, who were considered to be collaborators with the Nazis. Most of these studies point out how these trials blurred the lines between criminal law and moral judgment, focusing on either the legislators, the defendants, or the court. In contrast, the present article examines the trials through the lens of one individual who was central to shaping and implementing the law: Joseph Lamm. Lamm’s contribution stemmed from three different positions: from his experience as a prisoner in the Dachau camp, as a legislator who formulated the 1950 law, and as a judge in two criminal proceedings based on the law (which ended in opposite legal outcomes). The article argues that Lamm’s personal experiences shaped his perceptions of the dual function of the law as both practical and declarative. This, in turn, affected his understanding of the law’s content (as a legislator) and how it should be interpreted (as a judge).
Girls’ Voices: Jewish Teenage Diarists from Central and Eastern Europe as Witnesses of the Holocaust and Cultural Resisters in Concentration Camps and Ghettos
Authors: Bitunjac Martina , Markowska-Manista Urszula
Published: March 2023

The diaries of the teenage girls Renia Spiegel (Poland), Rutka Laskier (Poland), Sheindi Miller-Ehrenwald (Hungary), Ana Novac (Romania), Éva Heyman (Romania/Hungary), Masha Rolnikaite (Lithuania) and Helga Weiss (Czechoslovakia) share several characteristics. They were all written by diarists who were of Jewish origin; lived in Central and Eastern Europe; and were persecuted, intimidated, and deported to a ghetto and/or concentration camp. Some of the diarists were murdered by the National Socialists. To cope with their traumatic experiences, the girls risked their lives by entrusting their thoughts, fears, and insights to their diaries. In this study, these individual authors are not seen as passive victims, but rather—despite their young age—as eyewitnesses, chroniclers, and cultural resistance fighters. Regardless of the subjectivity and childish or adolescent perspective from which they were written, their works are valued and understood as important historical documents.
Protecting the Right to Social Participation of Older Persons in Long-Term Care under Article 19 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
Authors: Morrison-Dayan Rachel
Published: March 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has drawn public attention to the long-standing issues of social isolation and loneliness of older persons living in residential long-term care (LTC) and has increased awareness of the importance of social participation. This article aims to contribute towards a shift in the understanding of how the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) may be applied in aged-care. It argues that the CRPD, in particular Article 19 (Living independently and being included in the community), has considerable potential to protect the right to social participation. It is also argued that changes in LTC settings and support may assist in protecting this right. Furthermore, the participation of older persons in this process and cultural change within LTC provider organizations and the general community is crucial. However, applying the Convention in the aged-care context raises challenges that require further consideration by human rights mechanisms.
A shared pattern of altered gene expression in human embryos affected by mitochondrial diseases
Authors: Chatzovoulou Kalliopi , Mayeur Anne , Cagnard Nicolas , Zarhrate Mohammed , Bole Christine , Nitschke Patrick , Jabot-Hanin Fabienne , Rötig Agnès , Monnot Sophie , Munnich Arnold , Frydman Nelly , Steffann Julie
Published: March 2023

STUDY QUESTION

Does mitochondrial deficiency affect human embryonic preimplantation development?

SUMMARY ANSWER

The presence of a pathogenic mitochondrial variant triggers changes in the gene expression of preimplantation human embryos, compromising their development, cell differentiation, and survival.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

Quantitative and qualitative anomalies of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) are reportedly associated with impaired human embryonic development, but the underlying mechanisms remain unexplained.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

Taking advantage of the preimplantation genetic testing for mitochondrial disorders in at-risk couples, we have compared gene expression of 9 human embryos carrying pathogenic variants in either mtDNA genes or nuclear genes encoding mitochondrial protein to 33 age-matched control embryos.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

Single-embryo transcriptomic analysis was performed on whole human blastocyst embryos donated to research.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

Specific pathogenic mitochondrial variants downregulate gene expression in preimplantation human embryos [566 genes in oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS)-deficient embryos], impacting transcriptional regulators, differentiation factors, and nuclear genes encoding mitochondrial proteins. These changes in gene expression primarily alter OXPHOS and cell survival pathways.

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

The number of OXPHOS-deficient embryos available for the study was limited owing to the rarity of this material. However, the molecular signature shared by all these embryos supports the relevance of the findings.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

While identification of reliable markers of normal embryonic development is urgently needed in ART, our study prompts us to consider under-expression of the targeted genes reported here, as predictive biomarkers of mitochondrial dysfunction during preimplantation development.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)

This work was supported by the ‘Association Française contre les Myopathies (AFM-Téléthon)’ and the ‘La Fondation Maladies Rares’. No competing interests to declare.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

N/A.
The Compilation of the English–Slovene Dictionary of Criminal Justice and Security Abbreviations
Authors: Kompara Lukančič Mojca
Published: March 2023

The article highlights the compilation of specialised dictionaries, focusing mainly on the characteristics of dictionary entries of abbreviations in terminological dictionaries for Slovene. Special attention is given to the compilation and characteristics of the dictionary entries of abbreviations in the Slovene terminological dictionaries published by the Fran Ramovš Institute of the Slovenian language. The paper presents an overview of the characteristics of the terminological dictionaries for Slovene and provides examples of good practice that were used in the compilation of the English–Slovene Dictionary of Criminal Justice and Security Abbreviations. The paper presents the microstructure of the dictionary, and selected examples of Slovene and English–Slovene dictionary entries, as well as the overall compilation process, the selection of terms and the inclusion of related subfields. The English–Slovene Dictionary of Criminal Justice and Security Abbreviations is a growing dictionary compiled in the freely available dictionary mask Termania, and freely accessible on the portal Slovarji.si. The dictionary is the first Slovene terminological dictionary of abbreviations for the field of criminal justice and security.
Afidopyropen as a potential tool for Potato leafroll virus management in post-neonicotinoid potato production
Authors: Angelella Gina M , Waters Timothy D
Published: March 2023

Potato leafroll virus (PLRV) has been well managed by neonicotinoids since their widespread adoption in the United States, becoming virtually absent from seed and production fields in the Northwest. However, with increasing interest in discontinuing neonicotinoid usage, there is concern that PLRV could enjoy a resurgence in the absence of effective alternative chemistries. We tested the effects of afidopyropen, an insecticide with novel mode of action, on PLRV transmission and the feeding/probing behavior of its primary vector, the green peach aphid (Myzus persicae [Sulzer]). Afidopyropen foliar sprays decreased PLRV transmission by individual green peach aphids relative to water controls: PLRV acquisition from treated potato plants and subsequent transmission was reduced by 89%, and PLRV inoculation by viruliferous aphids to treated potato plants was reduced by 35%. Although electropenetrograph analyses following 4-h recordings of individual aphids on potato plants showed decreases in the total and mean duration of phloem feeding (E) on plants subject to an afidopyropen treatment relative to water, these only trended toward significance. Taken together, these results suggest treatment with afidopyropen can decrease PLRV transmission in potatoes, but that significant changes in feeding/probing might not occur quickly post-exposure. Overall, while the reductions in transmission were not as dramatic as have been observed following neonicotinoid treatments, afidopyropen may be a useful alternative and should be evaluated in field experiments.
Morphological relationships among populations support a single taxonomic unit for the North American Gray Wolf
Authors: Khidas Kamal
Published: March 2023

The Gray Wolf (Canis lupus) is viewed as one of the most diverse mammal species. In North America, the diversity of its forms is debated, with views conflicting on subspecies designation. The present study aimed to reinvestigate the skull morphometric variation among North American populations while attempting to unveil underlying causal factors. A large sample of vouchered museum skulls, collected from 12 ecogeographical populations spanning the North American range of the species, was examined and 21 craniodental characters were measured. Skull shape showed within-population variations but provided evidence for a high morphological affinity among populations. Allometric analyses also pointed to similar evolutionary paths among populations. However, significant size-related differentiation was revealed within and among populations. Skull size could be related to three insulin-like growth factor-1 gene (IGF-1) alleles. Ecological conditions that should determine prey type and availability accounted for most of the skull size variation. In contrast, no evidence of geographical isolation of populations was detected. The results support the existence of a single morphological pool of North American gray wolf populations that could be equated with one taxonomic unit. This study raises again the question of the diversity of forms in this species in North America and calls into question the validity of previously recognized species and subspecies based on genetics and morphology.
Posterior cervical necrotising fasciitis: a multidisciplinary endeavour in surgery
Authors: Lee Jia Hui , Foo Fung Joon , Wong Allen Wei-Jiat
Published: March 2023

A 62-year-old male was diagnosed to the Emergency Department with 5-cm posterior neck carbuncle, and was subsequently discovered to have severe necrotising fasciitis intraoperatively during saucerization of the carbuncle. Subsequently, the patient was admitted to the intensive care unit and underwent combined debridement by the General Surgery, Neurosurgery and Plastic Surgery team. The large defect necessitated a trapezius flap reconstruction for coverage. Three months post-surgery, the patient had recovered well with the full range of movement of his neck.
A VLA monitoring study of JVAS B1422+231: investigation of time delays and detection of extrinsic variability
Authors: Biggs A D
Published: March 2023

We present an analysis of two seasons of archival, multifrequency VLA monitoring of the quad lens system JVAS B1422+231, the 15-GHz data of which have previously been published. The 8.4- and 15-GHz variability curves show significant variability, especially in polarization, but lack features on short time-scales that would be necessary for an accurate measurement of the very short predicted time delays ($\lesssim$1 d) between the three bright images. Time delays can only realistically be measured to the very faint image D and for the first time we detect its long-term variability and determine its polarization properties. However, image-dependent (extrinsic) variability (including variations on time-scales of hours) is present in multiple images and the magnitude of this is largest in image D at 15 GHz (±10 per cent). As the variations appear to increase in amplitude with frequency, we suggest that the most likely cause is microlensing by compact objects in the lensing galaxy. Combining the monitoring data allows us to detect a faint arc of emission lying between images B and C and the jets responsible for this are imaged using archival VLBA data. Finally, we have also measured the rotation measure of the three bright images and detected the polarization properties of image D.
The implications of large binding energies of massive stripped core collapse supernova progenitors on the explosion mechanism
Authors: Shishkin Dmitry , Soker Noam
Published: March 2023

We examine the binding energies of massive stripped-envelope core collapse supernova (SECCSN) progenitors with the stellar evolution code mesa, and find that the jittering jets explosion mechanism is preferred for explosions where carbon–oxygen cores with masses of ${\gtrsim} 20 \, \mathrm{M}_\odot$ collapse to leave a neutron star (NS) remnant. We calculate the binding energy at core collapse under the assumption that the remnant is an NS. Namely, stellar gas above mass coordinate of ${\simeq} 1.5\text{{--}}2.5 \, \mathrm{M}_\odot$ is ejected in the explosion. We find that the typical binding energy of the ejecta of stripped-envelope (SE) progenitors with carbon–oxygen core masses of $M_{\rm CO} \gtrsim 20 \, \mathrm{M}_\odot$ is $E_{\rm bind} \gtrsim 2 \times 10^{51} {~\rm erg}$. We claim that jets are most likely to explode such cores as jet-driven explosion mechanisms can supply high energies to the explosion. We apply our results to SN 2020qlb, which is an SECCSN with a claimed core mass of ${\simeq} 30\!-\!50 \, \mathrm{M}_\odot$, and conclude that the jittering jets explosion mechanism best accounts for such an explosion that leaves an NS.
Homologous recombination suppresses transgenerational DNA end resection and chromosomal instability in fission yeast
Authors: Pai Chen-Chun , Durley Samuel C , Cheng Wei-Chen , Chiang Nien-Yi , Peters Jennifer , Kasparek Torben , Blaikley Elizabeth , Wee Boon-Yu , Walker Carol , Kearsey Stephen E , Buffa Francesca , Murray Johanne M , Humphrey Timothy C
Published: March 2023

Chromosomal instability (CIN) drives cell-to-cell heterogeneity, and the development of genetic diseases, including cancer. Impaired homologous recombination (HR) has been implicated as a major driver of CIN, however, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Using a fission yeast model system, we establish a common role for HR genes in suppressing DNA double-strand break (DSB)-induced CIN. Further, we show that an unrepaired single-ended DSB arising from failed HR repair or telomere loss is a potent driver of widespread CIN. Inherited chromosomes carrying a single-ended DSB are subject to cycles of DNA replication and extensive end-processing across successive cell divisions. These cycles are enabled by Cullin 3-mediated Chk1 loss and checkpoint adaptation. Subsequent propagation of unstable chromosomes carrying a single-ended DSB continues until transgenerational end-resection leads to fold-back inversion of single-stranded centromeric repeats and to stable chromosomal rearrangements, typically isochromosomes, or to chromosomal loss. These findings reveal a mechanism by which HR genes suppress CIN and how DNA breaks that persist through mitotic divisions propagate cell-to-cell heterogeneity in the resultant progeny.
Unmasking the tissue-resident eukaryotic DNA virome in humans
Authors: Pyöriä Lari , Pratas Diogo , Toppinen Mari , Hedman Klaus , Sajantila Antti , Perdomo Maria F
Published: March 2023

Little is known on the landscape of viruses that reside within our cells, nor on the interplay with the host imperative for their persistence. Yet, a lifetime of interactions conceivably have an imprint on our physiology and immune phenotype. In this work, we revealed the genetic make-up and unique composition of the known eukaryotic human DNA virome in nine organs (colon, liver, lung, heart, brain, kidney, skin, blood, hair) of 31 Finnish individuals. By integration of quantitative (qPCR) and qualitative (hybrid-capture sequencing) analysis, we identified the DNAs of 17 species, primarily herpes-, parvo-, papilloma- and anello-viruses (>80% prevalence), typically persisting in low copies (mean 540 copies/ million cells). We assembled in total 70 viral genomes (>90% breadth coverage), distinct in each of the individuals, and identified high sequence homology across the organs. Moreover, we detected variations in virome composition in two individuals with underlying malignant conditions. Our findings reveal unprecedented prevalences of viral DNAs in human organs and provide a fundamental ground for the investigation of disease correlates. Our results from post-mortem tissues call for investigation of the crosstalk between human DNA viruses, the host, and other microbes, as it predictably has a significant impact on our health.
Safety and Efficacy of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Patients with Cancer and Viral Hepatitis: The MD Anderson Cancer Center Experience
Authors: Nardo Mirella , Yilmaz Bulent , Nelson Blessie Elizabeth , Torres Harrys A , Wang Lan Sun , Granwehr Bruno Palma , Song Juhee , Dalla Pria Hanna R F , Trinh Van A , Glitza Oliva Isabella C , Patel Sapna P , Tannir Nizar M , Kaseb Ahmed Omar , Altan Mehmet , Lee Sunyoung S , Miller Ethan , Zhang Hao , Stephen Bettzy A , Naing Aung
Published: March 2023

Background

Despite the clinical benefit of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), patients with a viral hepatitis have been excluded from clinical trials because of safety concerns. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence rate of adverse events (AEs) in patients with viral hepatitis who received ICIs for cancer treatment.

Materials and Methods

We conducted a retrospective study in patients with cancer and concurrent hepatitis B or C, who had undergone treatment with ICI at MD Anderson Cancer Center from January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2019.

Results

Of the 1076 patients screened, we identified 33 with concurrent hepatitis. All 10 patients with HBV underwent concomitant antiviral therapy during ICI treatment. Sixteen of the 23 patients with HCV received it before the initiation of ICI. The median follow-up time was 33 months (95% CI, 23-45) and the median duration of ICI therapy was 3 months (IQR, 1.9-6.6). Of the 33 patients, 12 (39%) experienced irAEs (immune-related adverse events) of any grade, with 2 (6%) having grade 3 or higher. None of the patients developed hepatitis toxicities.

Conclusion

ICIs may be a therapeutic option with an acceptable safety profile in patients with cancer and advanced liver disease.