bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bamboo as Eco-Green Alternative for Concrete Reinforcement that use Sand Beach Fine Aggregate
Authors: Tata Arbain , Sultan Mufti Amir , Yuda Saputra M. Taufiq , Imran
Published: July 2020

Sand beach has been widely used at the archipelago as fine aggregate in concrete mixture. Sand beach’s is available in huge quantities in many country side but the quality still needs to be investigated before using in construction. Sand beach can drive to corrosion on the steel reinforcement thus damaging the building. Previous studies have shown that bamboo has good tensile strength and flexural strength. This study aims to examine the use of bamboo as an alternative reinforcement in concrete beam made from sand beach’s as fine aggregate. Sand beach of loto is one of three quarry sources chosen as a fine aggregate in making test specimens reinforced concrete beams as subjected study. Concrete beam specimens consist of 12 beams with 10x15 cm and a length of 120 cm of size. control beam (BN) was made from normal aggregate with steel reinforcement. the Variation of beam specimen (BF1, BF2, BF3, BF4, BF5) was made from sand beach’s fine aggregate with bamboo reinforcement. Bamboo that applied as concrete beam reinforcement was Wulung bamboo kind that have about 3 years of age. bamboo’s tensile test results were obtained average tensile strength is 185 MPa. The flexural test for all beam’s specimen was carried out with two-point loads to determine the amount of deflection that occurs in each beam. Analysis of relations of load-deflection was carried out to each beam specimen from the experiment result. test results showed that the bamboo reinforcement worked as well expected and no splitting occurred, so that the bamboo reinforcement appeared broken when ultimate strength exceeded. The maximum strength was obtained in BF5 beam specimen with an ultimate load 21,5 kN. Flexural test results show that on beams with steel reinforcement tends to occur flexural cracks while on beam with bamboo reinforcement also found shear cracks.
Development Planning of Air Side Airport Facilities at Buli Airport, East Halmahera.
Authors: Rizal M , Ahadian E R , Ramadhany S A
Published: July 2020

East Halmahera Regency in North Maluku Province is a district rich in natural resources in the form of mining products. Therefore, one of the leading sectors is mining. As an industrial area being developed by the Ministry of Industry, regional development has also increased and is affected by various factors, one of which is the performance of air transportation that provides access by helpingbusiness travellers and tourists come to East Halmahera faster and more comfortably. Currently, the aircraft operating at Buli Airport are of the ATR 72-600type. It is considered necessary to improve the service capabilities to meet future demands and support the air traffic flow to and from the economic gateway of East Halamahera. Additionally, this study aimed to ascertain the number of passengers who will use Buli Airport in 2032 and assess the dimensions of airside facilities including runway, taxiway, and apron that will be used by the Bombardier CRJ 1000 Nextgen planes. From the data obtained, we could estimate andmake predictions about the demand and availability in the future. The datawas analyzed using three (3) trend analysis methods:least Squares, quadratic and exponential. One of the best trends was selected based on the smallest value of the sum of square error that wasthen used toestimate the number of passengers and aircraft in 2032. The analysis results estimated the number of passengers in 2032 using the quadratic method and obtained a total number of passengers of 50548 per day,while the corresponding number of aircraft was as many as 861, with two movements daily. The design results showed the need for the runway to be 2271 m, 149 × 15 m taxiway, and widening for the apron 97 × 75 m.
Algorithm Analysis of Polynomial Mathematical Models of Noise Pollution due to Traffic Volume in The Region of West Surabaya
Authors: Casita Cintantya Budi , Wibisana Hendrata , Kamandang Zetta Rasullia
Published: July 2020

The systematics of analysis process can be done by compiling some algorithm, based on the accuracy from the parameter. This research objective is to find and analyze mathematical models for noise pollution on arterial roads due to high traffic volume. Data are collected during on site surveys in West Surabaya by using manual traffic counter for recording light vehicle volume and Digital Sound Level (DSL) for recording the noise levels. Least Square Analysis Method is used to find the optimum mathematical model based on the highest value of R2 using polynomial of degree one (linear function), degree two, degree three, and degree four. The result shows that the polynomial of degree four obtained the highest value of R2 = 0.733 and the value of standard error = 2.8933, with the result that can be used as a reference to represent the condition of noise levels on that region.
Synthesis and Characteristics of β-Tri-Calcium Phosphate from Green Mussel Shell
Authors: Wahyudi B , Muljani S , Alfan M A , Zukhrufiansyah A R
Published: July 2020

The β-tri-calcium phosphate (β-TCP) is a calcium phosphate compound also called whitlockite. This form is more widely used because of its chemical stability, high mechanical strength and better bio-sorption when compared with α-Tri-calcium-phosphate. β-tri-calcium phosphate in this study was obtained from reactions of calcium oxide and phosphoric acid by precipitation method. Precipitation at 50 °C while sintering at 600, 700, 800, 900, and 1000 °C, in the sintering range of 1-5 hours. Green mussel shell has calcium carbonate (CaCO3) content 60-70 % then calcined at 1000 °C to get calcium oxide (CaO). The result shows that β-tri-calcium phosphate optimum reached of 72% at sintering temperature 1000 °C for 5 hr sintering time. The crystal structure of β-tri-calcium phosphate formed is a rhombohedral crystal with a Ca / P ratio mole of 2.72
Low Sodium Healthy Salt by Dry Methods
Authors: Redjeki S , Naibaho J , Setiyono M T
Published: July 2020

Table salt that meets Indonesian National Standards (SNI) have a high sodium content of around 60% so that it is not suitable for consumption by people with hypertension. The reduction in the size of NaCl and KCl salts is carried out in a range of 30; 40; 50; 60 Mesh and the mass ratio of NaCl and KCl is provided at 1: 3; 1: 2; 1: 1; 2: 1; 3: 1. The results showed that there was a decrease in Na concentration in table salt products. The product composition is carried out with AAS and XRF analysis. Products that approach SNI 2016 salt diet is at a particle size of 40 mesh with a mass ratio of 1: 3 where the NaCl content is 54.40 % and the KCl content is 40.33 %.
Needs Analysis Development of Applied Mathematical Blended Learning Models Using Schoology LMS.
Authors: Darma I Ketut , Gede Made Karma I , Made Anom Santiana I
Published: July 2020

The purpose of this study to describe the need for developing LMS-based blended learning models of applied mathematics using Schoology, and 2) to obtain a draft LMS-based blended learning model using Schoology. The development used the Thiagarajan 4-D model, and Semmel in 1974 with several modifications, namely: 1) Define, 2) Design, 3) Develop, dan 4) Disseminate. Currently the development stages 1 and 2 and part of stage 3 are being implemented. The implementation is in the engineering of the Bali State Polytechnic (BSP). Data was collected using survey methods, and questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics. The results of the analysis get: 1) student attitudes toward mathematics are very positive, learning interests are moderate, 2) learning motivation is high; 4) learning independence is high. Characteristics of the blended learning model: based on constructivism learning theory, using synchronous blended learning format, applying problem-based learning (PBL), using LMS schoology, supported by multi-media learning media such as video and audio learning media. Variation in the number of face-to-face and online time in semester, 50% face-to-face and 50% through e-learning. The evaluation is process and results with a performance assessment approach based on a portofolio and self assessment. An average expert assessment of 36.8 (valid) is feasible to use with several minor revisions.
Increasing the Potential of Student Science Process Skills Through Project Based Laboratory
Authors: Dwikoranto  , Munasir  , Setiani Rahyu , Suyitno  , Surasmi Wuwuh Asrining , Tresnaningsih Sri , Pramonoadi
Published: July 2020

The Project Based Laboratory Learning (PBLL) model is designed to improve the process skills of physics teacher candidates who meet practical and effective criteria. The model was developed using the Plomp design through the preliminary study, prototype stage, and assessment phase. The study design used one-group pretest-posttest design. The research subjects were 32 grade B and 32 grade C physics students who were programmers in Unesa’s laboratory. Data is collected through assessment of observation, tests, interviews, and questionnaires. Data is analysed using qualitative and quantitative descriptive statistics, N-gain and paired t-test. The results of the study show that: (1) the PBLL model developed is included in practical category because the component model can be implemented in learning activities well, without significant constraints. (2) The PBLL model developed is included in the effective category because the student’s process skills are improving in the medium criteria and students respond positively to the device and learning process. The implementation of the PBLL model needs to be expanded to provide greater support for the practicality and effectiveness of the model. Based on the above, it can be concluded that the PBLL model developed is practical and effective to improve the process skills of physics teacher candidates.
The Ability of Sagittaria lancifolia as Phytoremediator on Detergent Solution
Authors: Fitrihidajati H , Kustiyaningsih E , Rachmadiarti F
Published: July 2020

Sagittaria lancifolia is a plant that can be used as a phytoremediator. This study aimed to determine the effect of phytoremediation in various concentrations of a detergent solution, a different detention time and interaction both on levels of LAS, BOD, leaf morphology and chlorophyll content. Method using an experimental with randomized block design with three factors of each treatment with three replications. Analysis of data using ANOVA two directions and continued test of Duncan. The results showed that the average percentage reduction in the levels of LAS on the most optimal planting medium is shown at a concentration of 75 ppm detention time of 14 days at 81.53%, the average BOD is best contained at a concentration of 10 ppm to 14 days detention time of 25.55 mg/l and lowest average chlorophyll content was shown at a concentration of 75 ppm detention time of 14 days amounted to 14.433 mg/l. Chlorosis and necrosis highest concentration of 75 ppm is shown in 14-day detention time.
Adaptive Interval Trapezoid Fuzzy Number for Recommendation Systems E-Learning
Authors: Kustiyahningsih Y , Fatmawati  , Suprajitno H
Published: July 2020

This research aims to develop decision making models for Multi Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) with Adaptive Interval Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (AIVFAHP) and Adaptive Interval Fuzzy Technique for Order Preference of Similarity Ideal Solution (AIVFTOPSIS) integration methods by constructing a decision-making model using trapezoid fuzzy number. The strength of the AIVFAHP method is to consult the value of logical consistency in the assessment. This logical consistency is to calculate the assessor and determine the costs in multi-criteria decision making. AIVFTOPSIS is based on the principle that the chosen alternative should be close to a positive ideal solution and far from the ideal solution. Contribution of this research is to conduct a research of decision making with Adaptive Interval Value Fuzzy Multi Criteria Decision Making (AIVFMCDM) and to improve interval points by modifying the midpoint and degree on the trapezoid fuzzy number function. This modeling provides more accurate, more effective linguistic representation and flexible in determining the point of the interval for optimal results. The research produced a new decision-making model based on the Adaptive Interval Trapezoid Fuzzy Number (AIVTFN) and recommendations for improvement of e-learning indicators.
Synchronization Conveyance and Loading Equipment for Production Target In Mining Activities On Obi Island
Authors: Alkatiri H , Abbas S , Haya A
Published: July 2020

Mining company open pit method, with mining selective system, target production of 3,600,000 tons / year, using the tools excavator sany PC 365 and the tools load ADT dump truck komatsu HM 400 To achieve the predetermined production results, analysis of the factors that affect the production, one of which is the amount of time wasted, due to the influence of time constraints, standby time, and the time of repair of the excavator and dump truck. The effective time of work used by the operator is the time available 12 hours per shift per 1 day, but the reality on the ground of the acquisition of effective time is 6, 67 hours or 56% for excavator and 6.59 hours or 55% for dump truck, Match factor (The number that shows the comparison between the production of loading equipment and the hauling unit served) is MF <1, which means that the conveyance is always busy, while the loading tools has idle time.
Analysis of Hydrogeology and Rainwater Prevention Systems at Sepo Village in Central Halmahera Regency, North Maluku
Authors: Lukman Nurany , Karim Razak
Published: July 2020

Mining water is one of the main problems that has a great importance on mine productivity. In mining implementation, it is necessary to study the Mining Water (Hydrogeology) system to support a good mine design. The Mining Water drainage system is a method for making work sites in the mining area always dry. Prior to mining, hydrogeological analysis and rainwater management methods are carried out. Calculation of rainfall intensity using Gumbel Probability estimation and water capture area analysis obtained CA-1 Q = 915, 35, m3 / day CA-2 Q = 1149, CA-3 Q = 141116, 01CA-4 Q = 1407.89, the form of rainwater trapping channels in the form of trapezium and pump requirements in each catchment area of 1 (one) pump each.
Magnetic Properties of Fe3O4@Graphene: Preparation from Natural Material
Authors: Munasir  , Kusumawati R.P. , Kusumawati D.H.
Published: July 2020

This work presents a study of structure and the magnetic behavior of Fe3O4 nanoparticles produced in the extraction process and Magnetic Nanoparticle of Fe3O4 coated by graphene oxide (GO) from natural materials of coconut shells (graphite). Preparation of the core-shell composite Fe3O4@Graphene was carried out with ex-situ process. Superparamagnetic analysis of Fe3O4, and Fe3O4@Graphene using VSM (vibrating sample magnetometer), structure analysis using HRPD, TEM and adsorption of dyes solution in the drink water. Obtained results, along with the thickening of the skin (Graphene that encloses the core particles (Fe3O4), the saturation of the magnetization (Ms) decreases. And the amount of GO composition affects the coating decorated (shell); Fe3O4/Graphene absorptivity increases when walls are thinner.
Plankton diversity in intertidal zone kondang merak beach district of malang, east java
Authors: Purnomo Tarzan
Published: July 2020

Kondang Merak beach is one of the beaches on the southern coast of Malang district, East Java, which is used as a fishing area and marine tourism destination. Beachs in the south of the Java island has a profile is relatively steep, the substrate of coral, and wavy large, it is the influence on water quality and diversity plankton. This study aims to identification of plankton diversity and abundance in the intertidal zone of Kondang Merak beach. Sample taken using transect method at 8 stations. Each station consists of 3 substations namely the upper intertidal zone, the middle intertidal zone, and the lower intertidal zone. Samples were taken at three times different, ie morning, noon, and night, using net plankton no.25. Plankton diversity was analyzed based on Shanon-Wiener diversity index calculations and relative abundance Odum. The results of the study showed that in the intertidal zone of Kondang Merak beach, found out of 43 types of plankton were consist 29 species phytoplankton and 14 species zooplankton. Index diversity of plankton 2.59 included moderate category. The most abundant is Diatome, relative abundance 19.81%, followed Oscilatoria and Closteriopsis longisima 8.47% and 17.57%. The quality of waters still suitable for sustaining life plankton temperature 26.2-29.45°C, brightness infinitely, Total Suspended Solids 0.321-0.488 g, pH 7.8-8.0, salinity 35°/∞, DO 4.08-6.10 ppm, BOD 0.622-0.994 ppm, and CO2 20.29-39.45 ppm.
Amplification of Salt-Sensitive Hypertension and Kidney Damage by Immune Mechanisms
Authors: Mattson David L , Dasinger John Henry , Abais-Battad Justine M
Published: July 2020

Humans with salt-sensitive (SS) hypertension demonstrate increased morbidity, increased mortality, and renal end-organ damage when compared with normotensive subjects or those with salt-resistant hypertension. Increasing evidence indicates that immune mechanisms play an important role in the full development of SS hypertension and associated renal damage. Recent experimental advances and studies in animal models have permitted a greater understanding of the mechanisms of activation and action of immunity in this disease process. Evidence favors a role of both innate and adaptive immune mechanisms that are triggered by initial, immune-independent alterations in blood pressure, sympathetic activity, or tissue damage. Activation of immunity, which can be enhanced by a high-salt intake or by alterations in other components of the diet, leads to the release of cytokines, free radicals, or other factors that amplify renal damage and hypertension and mediate malignant disease.
Investigation of the role of infusate properties related to midline catheter failure in an ovine model
Authors: Ryder Marcia , Gunther Robert A , Nishikawa Reid A , Stranz Marc , Meyer Britt M , Spangler Taylor A , Parker Albert E , Sylvia Charles
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Infusate osmolarity, pH, and cytotoxicity were investigated as risk factors for midline catheter failure.

Methods

An experimental, randomized, controlled, blinded trial was conducted using an ovine model. Two 10-cm, 18-gauge single-lumen midline catheters were inserted into the cephalic veins of sheep. The animals were divided into 6 study arms and were administered solutions of vancomycin 4 mg/mL (a low-cytotoxicity infusate) or 10 mg/mL (a high-cytotoxicity infusate), doxycycline 1 mg/mL (an acidic infusate), or acyclovir 3.5 mg/mL (an alkaline infusate) and 0.9% sodium chloride injection; or 1 of 2 premixed Clinimix (amino acids in dextrose; Baxter International) products with respective osmolarities of 675 mOsm/L (a low-osmolarity infusate) and 930 mOsm/L (a mid-osmolarity infusate). Contralateral legs were infused with 0.9% sodium chloride injection for control purposes. Catheter failure was evaluated by assessment of adverse clinical symptoms (swelling, pain, leakage, and occlusion). A quantitative vessel injury score (VIS) was calculated by grading 4 histopathological features: inflammation, mural thrombus, necrosis, and perivascular reaction.

Results

Among 20 sheep included in the study, the overall catheter failure rate was 95% for test catheters (median time to failure, 7.5 days; range, 3–14 days), while 60% of the control catheters failed before or concurrently (median time to failure, 7 days; range, 4.5–14 days). Four of the 6 study arms (all but the Clinimix 675-mOsm/L and acyclovir 3.5-mg/mL arms) demonstrated an increase in mean VIS of ≥77% in test vs control legs (P ≤ 0.034). Both pain and swelling occurred at higher rates in test vs control legs: 65% vs 10% and 70% vs 50%, respectively. The mean difference in rates of occlusive pericatheter mural thrombus between the test and control arms was statistically significant for the vancomycin 10-mg/mL (P = 0.0476), Clinimix 930-mOsm/L (P = 0.0406), and doxycycline 1-mg/mL (P = 0.032) arms.

Conclusion

Administration of infusates of varied pH, osmolarity, and cytotoxicity via midline catheter resulted in severe vascular injury and premature catheter failure; therefore, the tested infusates should not be infused via midline catheters.
“Dear Anglo”: Scrambling the Signs of Anglo-Modernity from New York to Lagos
Authors: Bilbija Marina
Published: July 2020

This essay reveals the surprising ties within an African American print franchise: the Anglo-African Magazine, the Weekly Anglo-African, and their various iterations between 1859 and 1865 and a Lagos journal also titled The Anglo-African (1863–65). The link was Robert Campbell, the West Indian editor of the Lagos paper and former contributor to the New York ones. I show how Campbell not only borrowed his title from his African American colleagues but also adapted their editorial models for hailing abolitionist publics and constituting interpretative communities. As these Anglo-African journals proliferated from New York to Lagos, “Anglo-African” became a racialized title associated with a particular kind of journal, rather than just a racial term. A salient feature of an “Anglo-African” type of journal was its scrambling of its titular term and its prefix Anglo. Thus, in the US papers, Anglo became a shorthand for a black publication, while their Nigerian counterpart inserted the US and African-America into the “Anglo” world of the Lagos Anglo-African. By decoupling “Anglo” from whiteness in one context, and from Britishness in the other, these editors forged a black Atlantic counterculture that worked at what Paul Gilroy has called the “hidden internal fissures” of modernity.
Pro-inflammatory immune response is linked to wintering habitat in a migratory shorebird
Authors: Abad-Gómez José M , Villegas Auxiliadora , Gutiérrez Jorge S , Parejo Manuel , Navedo Juan G , Sánchez-Guzmán Juan M , Rocha Afonso , Masero José A
Published: July 2020

Migratory shorebirds (Charadrii) show a strong dichotomy in their breeding and wintering strategies: Arctic-breeding species typically spend the wintering season in marine habitats, while more southerly breeding species tend to do so in freshwater habitats where pathogens and parasites, particularly vector-borne blood parasites, are generally more abundant. Thus, it has been hypothesized that the former group may reduce their investment in immunity, but experimental data supporting this hypothesis are lacking. Moreover, whether this contrasting habitat selection can shape investments in immunocompetence among populations within a species is uncertain. We experimentally tested the hypothesis that there is a significant association between habitat occupancy and the strength of a pro-inflammatory immune response in the Dunlin (Calidris alpina), a widely distributed long-distance migratory shorebird that breeds in (sub-)arctic areas and winters mainly, but not exclusively, in coastal habitats. Overwintering Dunlins occupying inland freshwater and marine habitats at a similar latitude were captured and acclimated under identical conditions in outdoor aviaries. After an acclimation period, they were challenged with phytohemagglutinin to assess the pro-inflammatory immune response and its associated energetic costs, measured by basal metabolic rate (BMR) and body mass changes. We found that freshwater Dunlins exhibited a higher (63%) pro-inflammatory immune response than marine Dunlins. Although this difference did not involve significant BMR changes, the time course of body mass response differed between freshwater and marine individuals. Our findings point to the existence of different pro-inflammatory immune responses and body mass adjustments associated with the wintering habitat. These intraspecific differences are likely due to population adaptation rather than phenotypic plasticity, where not only disease risk but also physiological adaptations to different salinity levels could play an important role.
SCORE: Smart Consensus Of RNA Expression—a consensus tool for detecting differentially expressed genes in bacteria
Authors: Wolf Silver A , Epping Lennard , Andreotti Sandro , Reinert Knut , Semmler Torsten
Published: July 2020

RNA-sequencing (RNA-Seq) is the current method of choice for studying bacterial transcriptomes. To date, many computational pipelines have been developed to predict differentially expressed genes from RNA-Seq data, but no gold-standard has been widely accepted. We present the Snakemake-based tool Smart Consensus Of RNA Expression (SCORE) which uses a consensus approach founded on a selection of well-established tools for differential gene expression analysis. This allows SCORE to increase the overall prediction accuracy and to merge varying results into a single, human-readable output. SCORE performs all steps for the analysis of bacterial RNA-Seq data, from read preprocessing to the overrepresentation analysis of significantly associated ontologies. Development of consensus approaches like SCORE will help to streamline future RNA-Seq workflows and will fundamentally contribute to the creation of new gold-standards for the analysis of these types of data.

Availability and implementation

https://github.com/SiWolf/SCORE.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Distinct changes of in BTLA, ICOS, PD-1, and TIGIT expression on peripheral blood and decidual CD8+ T cells in women with unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion†
Authors: Liang Qianqian , Tong Lingxia , Xiang Liping , Shen Sujuan , Pan Chenhuan , Liu Cuiping , Zhang Hong
Published: July 2020

The two-way communication between the mother and the fetus is accomplished by immune cells. CD8+ T cells of normal pregnant (NP) women express progesterone receptor (PR). Binding of PR to progesterone (P) and the production of progesterone-induced blocking factor (PIBF) can aid immune escape, which is an important factor in the maternal immune response. We detected the proportion of CD8+ T cells and the expression of the surface costimulatory molecules BTLA, TIGIT, ICOS, and PD-1 in peripheral blood and decidual tissues of women with unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion (URSA) and in NP women. All patients were at 8 -10 weeks of gestation. The results showed that there was no change in the proportions of CD8+ T cells in peripheral blood and decidual tissues of URSA patients compared to those of NP women. In peripheral blood, compared with the NP group, the URSA group showed decreased expression of BTLA + CD8+ T cells and the difference was statistically significant, but there was no difference between the groups in terms of TIGIT + CD8+, PD-1 + CD8+, and ICOS + CD8+ T cells. There was no change in the levels of TIGIT + CD8+, PD-1 + CD8+, ICOS + CD8+, and BTLA + CD8+ T cells in decidual tissue. These data confirm that the number of CD8+ T cells in peripheral blood and decidual tissue is not the main factor leading to the pathogenesis of URSA, and other immune cells may play an important role in URSA, but this hypothesis needs further exploration and research.
A general interactive framework for false discovery rate control under structural constraints
Authors: Lei Lihua , Ramdas Aaditya , Fithian William
Published: July 2020

We propose a general framework based on selectively traversed accumulation rules for interactive multiple testing with generic structural constraints on the rejection set. It combines accumulation tests from ordered multiple testing with data-carving ideas from post-selection inference, allowing highly flexible adaptation to generic structural information. Our procedure defines an interactive protocol for gradually pruning a candidate rejection set, beginning with the set of all hypotheses and shrinking the set with each step. By restricting the information at each step via a technique we call masking, our protocol enables interaction while controlling the false discovery rate in finite samples for any data-adaptive update rule that the analyst may choose. We suggest update rules for a variety of applications with complex structural constraints, demonstrate that selectively traversed accumulation rules perform well in problems ranging from convex region detection to false discovery rate control on directed acyclic graphs, and show how to extend the framework to regression problems where knockoff statistics are available in lieu of $p$-values.
Supporting Face-to-Face Birth Family Contact after Adoption from Care: Learning for Trauma-Sensitive Practice
Authors: MacDonald Mandi
Published: July 2020

There are recent calls to consider face-to-face birth family contact for more children adopted from care. Given that the threshold for this authoritative intervention is significant harm, post-adoption contact should be sensitive to the possible impact of early childhood trauma, and be adequately supported. This article draws on adopters’ reports of face-to-face contact with birth relatives, and their evaluation of social work support to suggest an approach to practice informed by principles of trauma-informed care. Twenty-six adoptive parents participated in focus groups, and seventy-three completed a web-based questionnaire, all from Northern Ireland where face-to-face post-adoption contact is expected. Findings are structured thematically around principles of trauma-informed care: trusting relationships; physical and emotional safety; choice and control; and narrative coherence. Most families had a social worker attending contact, and help with practical arrangements. Less common but important practices included: deliberate consideration of children’s perspectives; safeguarding their emotional well-being; and facilitating communication outside of visits. Findings suggest that visits are a context in which trauma-effects may surface, and social workers supporting contact should be sensitive to this possibility. This article suggests a systemic approach to helping all parties prepare for, manage and de-brief after contact, attending to both adult-to-adult and adult–child interactions.
A polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon-enriched environmental chemical mixture enhances AhR, antiapoptotic signaling and a proliferative phenotype in breast cancer cells
Authors: Gearhart-Serna Larisa M , Davis John B , Jolly Mohit Kumar , Jayasundara Nishad , Sauer Scott J , Di Giulio Richard T , Devi Gayathri R
Published: July 2020

Emerging evidence suggests the role of environmental chemicals, in particular endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), in progression of breast cancer and treatment resistance, which can impact survival outcomes. However, most research tends to focus on tumor etiology and the effect of single chemicals, offering little insight into the effects of realistic complex mixture exposures on tumor progression. Herein, we investigated the effect of a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH)-enriched EDC mixture in a panel of normal and breast cancer cells and in a tumor organoid model. Cells or organoids in culture were treated with EDC mixture at doses estimated from US adult intake of the top four PAH compounds within the mixture from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey database. We demonstrate that low-dose PAH mixture (6, 30 and 300 nM) increased aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) expression and CYP activity in estrogen receptor (ER) positive but not normal mammary or ER-negative breast cancer cells, and that upregulated AhR signaling corresponded with increased cell proliferation and expression of antiapoptotic and antioxidant proteins XIAP and SOD1. We employed a mathematical model to validate PAH-mediated increases in AhR and XIAP expression in the MCF-7 ER-positive cell line. Furthermore, the PAH mixture caused significant growth increases in ER-negative breast cancer cell derived 3D tumor organoids, providing further evidence for the role of a natural-derived PAH mixture in enhancing a tumor proliferative phenotype. Together, our integrated cell signaling, computational and phenotype analysis reveals the underlying mechanisms of EDC mixtures in breast cancer progression and survival.
The Etiology of Pneumonia From Analysis of Lung Aspirate and Pleural Fluid Samples: Findings From the Pneumonia Etiology Research for Child Health (PERCH) Study
Authors: Ebruke Bernard E , Deloria Knoll Maria , Haddix Meredith , Zaman Syed M A , Prosperi Christine , Feikin Daniel R , Hammitt Laura L , Levine Orin S , O’Brien Katherine L , Murdoch David R , Brooks W Abdullah , Scott J Anthony G , Kotloff Karen L , Madhi Shabir A , Thea Donald M , Baillie Vicky L , Chisti Mohammod Jobayer , Dione Michel , Driscoll Amanda J , Fancourt Nicholas , Karron Ruth A , Le Tham T , Mohamed Shebe , Moore David P , Morpeth Susan C , Mwaba John , Mwansa James , Bin Shahid Abu Sadat Mohammad Sayeem , Sow Samba O , Tapia Milagritos D , Antonio Martin , Howie Stephen R C
Published: July 2020

Background

An improved understanding of childhood pneumonia etiology is required to inform prevention and treatment strategies. Lung aspiration is the gold standard specimen for pneumonia diagnostics. We report findings from analyses of lung and pleural aspirates collected in the Pneumonia Etiology Research for Child Health (PERCH) study.

Methods

The PERCH study enrolled children aged 1–59 months hospitalized with World Health Organization–defined severe or very severe pneumonia in 7 countries in Africa and Asia. Percutaneous transthoracic lung aspiration (LA) and pleural fluid (PF) aspiration was performed on a sample of pneumonia cases with radiological consolidation and/or PF in 4 countries. Venous blood and nasopharyngeal/oropharyngeal swabs were collected from all cases. Multiplex quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and routine microbiologic culture were applied to clinical specimens.

Results

Of 44 LAs performed within 3 days of admission on 622 eligible cases, 13 (30%) had a pathogen identified by either culture (5/44) or by PCR (11/29). A pathogen was identified in 12/14 (86%) PF specimens tested by either culture (9/14) or PCR (9/11). Bacterial pathogens were identified more frequently than viruses. All but 1 of the cases with a virus identified were coinfected with bacterial pathogens. Streptococcus pneumoniae (9/44 [20%]) and Staphylococcus aureus (7/14 [50%]) were the predominant pathogens identified in LA and PF, respectively.

Conclusions

Bacterial pathogens predominated in this selected subgroup of PERCH participants drawn from those with radiological consolidation or PF, with S. pneumoniae and S. aureus the leading pathogens identified.
First Case of Brucellosis Caused by an Amphibian-type Brucella
Authors: Rouzic Nicolas , Desmier Ludovic , Cariou Marie-Estelle , Gay Eugénie , Foster Jeffrey T , Williamson Charles H D , Schmitt François , Le Henaff Mikael , Le Coz Alain , Lorléac’h Aurélien , Lavigne Jean-Philippe , O’Callaghan David , Keriel Anne
Published: July 2020

We report the first case of brucellosis caused by an isolate whose genome is identical that of a frog isolate from Texas, demonstrating the zoonotic potential of amphibian-type Brucella. Importantly, with such atypical Brucella, correct diagnosis cannot be performed using routine serological tests or identification methods.
Effects of Pregnancy and Isoniazid Preventive Therapy onMycobacterium tuberculosisInterferon Gamma Response Assays in Women With HIV
Authors: Weinberg Adriana , Aaron Lisa , Montepiedra Grace , Sterling Timothy R , Browning Renee , Mmbaga Blandina , Vhembo Tichaona , Naik Shilpa , Kabugho Enid , Masheto Gaerolwe , Pahwa Savita , Mathad Jyoti S , LaCourse Sylvia M , McCarthy Katie , Bradford Sarah , Theron Gerhard , Costello Diane , Zimmer Bonnie , Pierre Marie F , Gausi Kamunkhwala , Denti Paolo , Haas David W , Gupta Amita ,   IMPAACT P1078 study team, Shao Alisa , Nyati Mandisa , Louw Jeanne , Kakhu Tebogo J , Chipato Tsungai , Stranix-Chibanda Lynda , Suryavanshi Nishi , Tongprasert Fuanglada , de Vaal Celeste
Published: July 2020

Background

Pregnancy is accompanied by immune suppression. We hypothesized that Mycobacterium tuberculosis-specific inflammatory responses used to identify latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) lose positivity during pregnancy. We also hypothesized that isoniazid preventive therapy (IPT) may revert LTBI diagnoses because of its sterilizing activity.

Methods

944 women with human immunodeficiency virus infection (HIV) participating in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study comparing 28 weeks of IPT antepartum versus postpartum, were tested by QuantiFERON-gold-in-tube (QGIT) antepartum and by QGIT and tuberculin skin test (TST) at delivery and postpartum. Serial QGIT positivity was assessed by logistic regression using generalized estimating equations.

Results

From entry to delivery, 68 (24%) of 284 QGIT-positive women reverted to QGIT-negative or indeterminate. Of these, 42 (62%) recovered QGIT positivity postpartum. The loss of QGIT positivity during pregnancy was explained by decreased interferon gamma (IFNγ) production in response to TB antigen and/or mitogen. At delivery, LTBI was identified by QGIT in 205 women and by TST in 113 women. Corresponding numbers postpartum were 229 and 122 women. QGIT and TST kappa agreement coefficients were 0.4 and 0.5, respectively. Among QGIT-positive women antepartum or at delivery, 34 (12%) reverted to QGIT-negative after IPT. There were no differences between women who initiated IPT antepartum or postpartum.

Conclusions

Decreased IFNγ responses in pregnancy reduced QGIT positivity, suggesting that this test cannot reliably rule out LTBI during pregnancy. TST was less affected by pregnancy, but had lower positivity compared to QGIT at all time points. IPT was associated with loss of QGIT positivity, the potential clinical consequences of which need to be investigated.
Relationship Between Serum Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Nucleic Acid and Organ Damage in Coronavirus 2019 Patients: A Cohort Study
Authors: Xu Dan , Zhou Fuling , Sun Wenbo , Chen Liangjun , Lan Lan , Li Huan , Xiao Feng , Li Ying , Kolachalama Vijaya B , Li Yirong , Wang Xinghuan , Xu Haibo
Published: July 2020

Background

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has spread worldwide and has the ability to damage multiple organs. However, information on serum SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid (RNAemia) in patients affected by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is limited.

Methods

Patients who were admitted to Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 were tested for SARS-COV-2 RNA in serum from 28 January 2020 to 9 February 2020. Demographic data, laboratory and radiological findings, comorbidities, and outcomes data were collected and analyzed.

Results

Eighty-five patients were included in the analysis. The viral load of throat swabs was significantly higher than of serum samples. The highest detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in serum samples was between 11 and 15 days after symptom onset. Analysis to compare patients with and without RNAemia provided evidence that computed tomography and some laboratory biomarkers (total protein, blood urea nitrogen, lactate dehydrogenase, hypersensitive troponin I, and D-dimer) were abnormal and that the extent of these abnormalities was generally higher in patients with RNAemia than in patients without RNAemia. Organ damage (respiratory failure, cardiac damage, renal damage, and coagulopathy) was more common in patients with RNAemia than in patients without RNAemia. Patients with vs without RNAemia had shorter durations from serum testing SARS-CoV-2 RNA. The mortality rate was higher among patients with vs without RNAemia.

Conclusions

In this study, we provide evidence to support that SARS-CoV-2 may have an important role in multiple organ damage. Our evidence suggests that RNAemia has a significant association with higher risk of in-hospital mortality.
Adult zebrafish ventricular electrical gradients as tissue mechanisms of ECG patterns under baseline vs. oxidative stress
Authors: Zhao Yali , James Nicholas A , Beshay Ashraf R , Chang Eileen E , Lin Andrew , Bashar Faiza , Wassily Abram , Nguyen Binh , Nguyen Thao P
Published: July 2020

Aims

In mammalian ventricles, electrical gradients establish electrical heterogeneities as essential tissue mechanisms to optimize mechanical efficiency and safeguard electrical stability. Electrical gradients shape mammalian electrocardiographic patterns; disturbance of electrical gradients is proarrhythmic. The zebrafish heart is a popular surrogate model for human cardiac electrophysiology thanks to its remarkable recapitulation of human electrocardiogram and ventricular action potential features. Yet, zebrafish ventricular electrical gradients are largely unexplored. The goal of this study is to define the zebrafish ventricular electrical gradients that shape the QRS complex and T wave patterns at baseline and under oxidative stress.

Methods and results

We performed in vivo electrocardiography and ex vivo voltage-sensitive fluorescent epicardial and transmural optical mapping of adult zebrafish hearts at baseline and during acute H2O2 exposure. At baseline, apicobasal activation and basoapical repolarization gradients accounted for the polarity concordance between the QRS complex and T wave. During H2O2 exposure, differential regional impairment of activation and repolarization at the apex and base disrupted prior to baseline electrical gradients, resulting in either reversal or loss of polarity concordance between the QRS complex and T wave. KN-93, a specific calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II inhibitor (CaMKII), protected zebrafish hearts from H2O2 disruption of electrical gradients. The protection was complete if administered prior to oxidative stress exposure.

Conclusions

Despite remarkable apparent similarities, zebrafish and human ventricular electrocardiographic patterns are mirror images supported by opposite electrical gradients. Like mammalian ventricles, zebrafish ventricles are also susceptible to H2O2 proarrhythmic perturbation via CaMKII activation. Our findings suggest that the adult zebrafish heart may constitute a clinically relevant model to investigate ventricular arrhythmias induced by oxidative stress. However, the fundamental ventricular activation and repolarization differences between the two species that we demonstrated in this study highlight the potential limitations when extrapolating results from zebrafish experiments to human cardiac electrophysiology, arrhythmias, and drug toxicities.
Perception of pain in Class II malocclusion children treated with cervical headgear: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Antonarakis Gregory S , Ameur Sofian , Giannopoulou Catherine , Kiliaridis Stavros
Published: July 2020

Objectives

The aims of this study were: 1. to evaluate the experience of pain perceived by children during separator placement and headgear wear; 2. to find possible associations between the perceived intensity of pain and the levels of Substance P (SP) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) in the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) during these procedures; 3. to identify other factors, such as previous pain experience, which could be associated to the patients’ perceived discomfort or pain during treatment.

Trial design

Nine-month parallel-group randomized controlled trial.

Methods

Forty Class II malocclusion children (8–12 years) were included, half of which received a cervical headgear while the other half did not receive any treatment during the study period. Baseline pain data were recorded including previous experience to general and dental pain, Corah’s Dental Anxiety Scale, and baseline pain using a visual analogue scale (VAS). Elastic separators were placed in children for 1 week, followed by molar band and cervical headgear placement. Children were seen at various time points throughout the 9-month period where at each appointment, a VAS assessment of pain as well as GCF sampling was carried out to quantify the levels of SP and IL-1β. Multiple regression analysis was performed to ascertain the influence of factors including sex, age, time, headgear wear, and baseline pain data on pain severity.

Results

Pain severity and SP and IL-1β levels in the GCF follow a similar pattern, with peaks being observed 1 day after orthodontic elastic separator placement. Pain was more severe after the placement of orthodontic separators than following cervical headgear wear. With regard to pain predictors, pain is more severe in older children, those with a worse previous general pain experience, and those with higher levels of IL-1β, particularly after elastic separator placement.

Conclusions

Orthodontic pain and discomfort following orthodontic separator placement and cervical headgear wear depends on factors including age, previous pain experience, and the level of IL-1β in the GCF.
Improved stand structure characterization from nested plot designs in the Spanish National Forest Inventory
Authors: Moreno-Fernández Daniel , Cañellas Isabel , Alberdi Iciar , Montes Fernando
Published: July 2020

National forest inventories, in which trees are often mapped within the plots, provide a tool for the quantification of large-scale forest structure since they cover all forest areas. Many National Forest Inventories follow a nested design in order to reduce the sampling effort for smaller trees. We propose and test a methodology that allows the spatial pattern of trees, species mingling and size differentiation to be characterized using the nearest neighbour indices and second-order moment functions from nested plot data. The nearest neighbour indices and second-order moment functions for the actual distribution are compared with simulations of the appropriate null model: spatial randomness for spatial pattern characterization or spatial independence for species mingling and size differentiation. The proposed method consists of constraining the null model to fit the nested plot design. For the purposes of the study, we simulated 120 plots and used 26 real plots located in pure and mixed stands in Central Spain, for which a complete census with detailed information about trees was available. The nested design used in the Spanish National Forest Inventory (SNFI) plots was simulated to test the performance, taking the complete census as reference. Despite of the limited accuracy for some structural measures, the proposed method based on nested design data performed better for most of the nearest neighbour indices and second-order moment functions than the strategy currently used in the SNFI for structure assessment in a subsample of SNFI plots, consisting of mapping the 20 trees closest to the plot centre. Nearest neighbour indices provided greater accuracy for species mingling assessment than second-order moment functions, whereas the opposite occurred when describing spatial pattern and size differentiation. The methodology proposed provides the first insight into the characterization of forest structure in nested designs although more evaluations are required for different forest types.