bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physical characteristics of ginger tuber based on harvesting age and varieties
Authors: Utami D A , Yusraini E , Ridwansyah  , Lubis Z
Published: July 2022

This research was aimed to determine the physical characteristics of ginger tubers based on harvesting age and different varieties of ginger. The ginger used in this study got the age eight months, nine months, ten months, and 11 months. The varieties used are Elephant ginger, Emprit ginger, and Red ginger. This study used a randomized block design consisting of 2 factors (harvesting age and varieties). Based on the results of the research, it was found that the higher of ginger harvesting age, the smaller the size of ginger. This phenomenon happened because when ginger had high harvesting age, the chemical content of the ginger would increase, and it would be more solidify.
The analysis of technical and pro-analyst glycerine (C3H8O3) using in enzymatic glycerolises reaction of refined bleached deodorized palm oil (RBDPO)
Authors: Zakwan Z , Lubis Z , Julianti E
Published: July 2022

The emulsion products have been known widely in the world. This has attracted the attention of various industries and researchers to produce emulsifiers in an environmentally friendly manner. The enzymatic glycerolises catalysed by lipase was one way to produce monoglycerides from triglycerides and glycerine as reactants. The use of technical types of glycerine, that obtained from palm oil was more cost efficient and environment friendly than pro-analyst glycerine. However, it was not much known about how they differ in producing monoglycerides. The point of this study was to analyse the differences of glycerine type in enzymatic glycerolises reaction. This study used an experimental method using two treatment groups, namely technical and pro-analyst glycerine, each consisting of four samples. Enzymatic glycerolises reaction using lipase enzyme Thermomyces lanuginose Immobilized (TLIM) 5% w/w. The reactants were RBDPO, as triglyceride and glycerine with a mole/mole ratio. The reaction was performed at temperature 55°C within 8 hours using a water bath shaker with an agitation speed of 200 rpm. Monoglyceride levels were analysed using Gas Chromatography (GC) method. The results of the different test (t-test) showed that the p- value was > alpha 0.05, this means that H0 accepted.
Water content, pH value and free fatty acid of virgin coconut oil emulsion drink with the addition of andaliman based on sustainable local resources
Authors: Friscka W I , Nurminah M
Published: July 2022

This research was conducted to determine characteristics of virgin coconut oil emulsion drink with the addition of andaliman to increase body resistance during the pandemic. The research used completely randomized design with two factors, the addition of comparison virgin coconut oil and andaliman filtrate (V) : (25%:75%, 35%:65%, 45%:55%) and gum arabic (G) (3%, 5%, 7%). The resulting emulsion drink was analyzed for water content, pH, and free fatty acids. The final result of the study showed that the higher the concentration of virgin coconut oil, the higher the water content and free fatty acids, so that it has good quality for body health.
In vitro antioxidant and antibacterial evaluations of propolis from South Kalimantan, Indonesia
Authors: Nisa K , Damayanti E , Sunardi  , Byasih N , Norhasanah
Published: July 2022

Propolis, a complex substance of resinous, is produced by honeybees. Propolis contains a number of flavonoid compounds endowed with antimicrobial and antioxidant capabilities. The main chemical constituents and physicochemical properties of propolis are depended on many factors including geographic origin. This study was undertaken to evaluate antibacterial, antibiofilm, and antioxidant activities of propolis collected from Kalimantan, Indonesia. The phytochemical properties of propolis were identified by total phenolic contents, total flavonoid contents, and FTIR analysis. Propolis was extracted using 96% ethanol, 70% ethanol, and n-hexane solvents. Moreover, the bioactivity capacity of propolis extracts were observed through antioxidant and antibacterial activities. The results showed that propolis extracts exhibited varying degrees of phenolic content, flavonoid contents, antibacterial, and antiradical scavenging properties. The highest value of total flavonoid content was obtained on 96% ethanol propolis extract as well as its remarkable antibacterial and antiradical scavenging activities.
Dynamics of nutrition peat soil due the biochar of oil palm empty bunches application and nitrogen and kalium
Authors: Azis A , Rauf A , Hanum H , Agus F
Published: July 2022

Constrain of the peatland development is the low nutrient content that is required by plant. This research aims to evaluate the dynamics of nutrients in peat soil due to the application of OP-EFB biochar as well as nitrogen and potassium fertilization. The research design using Randomized Complete Design (CRD) with three factors and three replicates. First factor consists of 0.0; 7.5; and 15.0 t/ha biochar. Second factor consists of 0; 30; and 60 kg/ha nitrogen. The third factor consist of 0; 225; 450 kg/ha kalium. The results showed that the leached N nutrients decreased significantly in line with increasing biochar dose, on the contrary the leaching of P, K, and Mg nutrients increased significantly with increasing dose of biochar, N fertilizer and K fertilizer. The leached N, P, K, and Mg nutrients had the same pattern, i.e. fewer and fewer nutrients were leached in line with the increasing time (intensity) of washing. Nutrient concentrations of N, P, K, and Mg were leached following the K>N>Mg>P series for all treatments.
Diversity of flora at understorey level in Pondok Buluh education and training forest, Simalungun regency, North Sumatra province
Authors: Manurung H , Hasibuan M
Published: July 2022

Indonesia is one of the countries with the highest biodiversity in the world. Forests are very diverse flora habitats. One of them is the diversity of understorey plants found in the Pondok Buluh Education and Training Forest Simalungun, North Smatra. The purpose of this study was to determine the diversity of understorey vegetation species found in the Pondok Buluh Education and Training Forest. This research method is by means of analysis of understorey vegetation with a size of 2x2 m with a total of 45 plots. There are 30 species of understorey found in the Pondok Buluh Education and Training Forest which consists of 13 families, namely Araceae with 12 species (40,00%), Arecaceae comprised 4 species (13.33%), Zingiberaceae 3 species (10.00%), Poaceae 2 species (6.67%), and Asteraceae 1 species (3.33%). Based on the use of understorey plants, 12 species (40%) are included in ornamental plant species, 12 species (40%) were included in medicinal plants, 3 species (10%) are included in handicrafts, 1 species (3.3) %) is included in the species of vegetable pesticide 1 species (3.3%) is included in the animal feed plant and 2 species (6.66%) utilization has not been identified.
Diversity flora in urban forest Stabat, Banyumas Village, Stabat District, Langkat Regency, North Sumatra
Authors: Ulfa M , Fernando M R , Pranoto S H , Zulkifli
Published: July 2022

Urban forests are part of urban green open spaces that are planted to provide direct or indirect advantages such as security, comfort, welfare, and the beauty of urban areas. The study’s objectives were to (1) assess the variety of flora species in the Stabat City Forest and (2) determine the structure of the composition of the species that compose the urban forest. The vegetation analysis approach was used in this study to determine the composition of the forest stand structure in Stabat City. From the results of research in from the results of the study that there are 14 species of trees in the city forest of Stabat which are included in 10 families, namely Meliaceae (14.28%), Moraceae (14.28%), Fabaceae (14.28%) and Myrtaceae (14.28%). The highest IVI value at the seedling, sapling, pole and tree were Oroxylum indicum (44.07%), Swietenia mahagoni (108.90%), Swietenia mahagoni (148%) and Switenia mahagony (76.71%) respectively. Swietenia mahagoni found as the species with the highest IVI value at sapling, pole and tree stage. Meaning that this species dominates the growth level.
Socio-economic, demographic, and environmental determinants of under-five mortality in Indonesia: insights from a national survey
Authors: Prasetyoputra P , Prasojo A P S , Sitohang M Y , Rahadian A S , Ghani M W
Published: July 2022

Despite great improvements in childhood mortality in the past several decades, many Indonesian children did not surpass their fifth birthday. This paper investigates the social and environmental determinants of under-five (U-5) mortality in Indonesia. By utilising the most recent Indonesia Demographic and Health Survey (IDHS) in 2017, we fitted survival regression models to the data. We observed that maternal smoking (aHR = 2.15, 95% CI = 1.15–4.03), maternal age (aHR = 2.48, 95% CI = 1.43–4.30), and maternal employment status (aHR = 1.68, 95% CI = 1.34–2.11) correspond to shorter lives of U-5 children. Conversely, we found that higher maternal education (aHR = 0.50, 95% CI = 0.29–0.87) corresponds to better child survival. Improved household sanitation also negatively associated with child mortality, albeit statistically insignificant at 5% (aHR = 0.78, 95% CI = 0.60–1.01). These associations hold after we take into account proximate and biological correlates. These findings corroborate extant literature that living environment (not only socio-economic and demographic factors) plays a prominent role in determining child survival. Hence, increasing access to and reducing the rural-urban gap related to improved sanitation facilities and curtailing smoking prevalence are paramount in further curbing child mortality.
Assessment of macro litter in Deli River Medan during pandemic COVID-19
Authors: Hasibuan N H , Salsabila R , Perdana Z , Khair H , Husin A , Suryati I , Nurfahasdi M , Patumona S
Published: July 2022

This study identifies and quantifies floating macro litter and macro plastic from Deli River Medan during pandemic Covid-19. Macro litter transport consists of floating items at surface, suspended in water column and transport over on riverbed. Litter was collected from 5 location along 11.6 km using static trawls with a height of 150 cm and width of 300 cm with a square mesh size of 0.5 cm. Sampling was done in July, and during selection, 40 cm of net’s height was constantly submerged for one hour. This study found that macro litter was 19.26 kg/h with 65.2% as anthropogenic waste, 34.3% as macro plastic, 0.3% as metal, and 0.15% as medical waste. The composition of macro plastic has various variants, namely food containers, plastic bags, food packaging, sanitary packaging, and mineral water packaging with percentages of 10.21%, 67.89%, 8.35%, 4.36%, and 9.18%. The macro plastic abundance was obtained at 2,476 x 10-4 kg/m3. This study showed a significant increase in plastic consumption during the pandemic, especially plastic bags because it is dominated in all locations.
Analysis of correlation between vegetation cover density and urban index in Surakarta to support urban area sustainability
Authors: Harahap M M , Poedjirahajoe E , Santosa S H M B , Wirabuana P Y A P
Published: July 2022

The population of Surakarta has increased, putting pressure on vegetation and increasing demand for land availability. The population reached 500,173 people in 2010. The population trend is increasing every year so that the need for land as a place to live and living facilities also increases. This study aims to analyze the relationship between canopy density and the urban index in a 5 year period (2010 – 2015). The method used in assessing the density of the vegetation canopy is the calculation of the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and the urban index. The calculation of the two index values uses Landsat 8 OLI satellite image data in 2015. The results show that the value of canopy density is inversely proportional to the value of urban index. The higher value of canopy density in Surakarta is followed by the lower value of urban index. The relationship between both is very close, marked by very high correlation and determination coefficient values, namely -0.98 and 0.97. Research on canopy density and urban index on a regular basis is expected to be part of the process of monitoring and evaluating urban area development and as input for local governments in the decision-making process.
The effect of vitamin C and zinc supplementation on performance and physiology of joper at various density of cages
Authors: Aisyah S , Tafsin M
Published: July 2022

Vitamin C and zinc have an important role in the environment and the sustainability of chicken production. The purpose of this study was to determine the response of vitamin C and zinc supplementation to the performance and physiology of joper at various density of cage. A total of 324 experimental (unsex) chicken were used in this study. The experimental design used a complete randomized design of factorial pattern consisting of 2 factors, factor A was vitamin C and zink supplementation and factor B was cage of density, each treatment was repeated 3 times. The data were analyze by analysis of variance and continued with Dunan’s test if there was a significant effect of 0.05% level. The results showed that vitamin C and zinc supplementation had no significant effect (P>0.05) on ration consumption, body weight gain, ration conversion, rectal temperature and respiratory frequency. The parameter of densities the cage had a significant effect (P<0.05). Conclusions that vitamin C and zinc supplementation had no significant effect on the performance and physiology of joper and there was interaction on rectal temperature when vitamin C and zinc supplementation and density of cage were applied together.
Performance and nutrient digestibility of kacang goats fed with fermented sago waste
Authors: Setiawan D , Jayanegara A , Nahrowi  , Kumalasari N R
Published: July 2022

The aim of this research was to evaluate the effects of feeding fermented sago waste on production performance and nutrient digesbility of male kacang goats. The study employed a randomized block design, with 4 dietary treatments, i.e, of Field Grass (FG), Fermented Sago Waste (FSW) and Concentrate. The treatments were: T0 = 60% FG + 0% FSW + concentrate, T1 = 45% FG + 15% FSW + concentrate, T2 = 30% FG + 30% FSW + concentrate, and T3 = 15% FG + 45% FSW + concentrate. Each treatment consisted of three groups, so that the number of experimental units were 12 kacang goats which were grouped according to body weight between 18-23 kg. The results showed that dietary inclusion of FSW to substitute FG increased (P<0.05) feed intake, ADG, feed efficiency, dry matter digestibility (DMD) and organic matter digestibility (OMD) of kacang goats. However, the inclusion at T1 and T2 decreased (P<0.05) the R/C ratio in comparison to control group. The T3 treatment produced the highest ADG, DMD and OMD values. In conclusion, FSW is able to replace FG and therefore potential to be used as a forage source for ruminants in West Kalimantan.
Sulfur-doped graphitic carbon nitride nanosheets as a sensitive fluorescent probe for detecting environmental and intracellular Ag+
Authors: Zheng Lingling , Yan Yangyang , Wang Ning , Li Mingli , Shuang Shaomin , Bian Wei , Choi Martin M F
Published: July 2022

Silver is widely used in medical materials, photography, electronics and other industries as a precious metal. The large-scale industrial production of silver-containing products and liquid waste emissions aggravate the environmental pollution. Silver ion is one of the most toxic metal ions, causing pollution to the environment and damage to public health. Therefore, the efficient and sensitive detection of Ag+ in the water environment is extremely important. Sulfur-doped carbon nitride nanosheets (SCN Ns) were prepared by melamine and thiourea via high-temperature calcination. The morphology, chemical composition and surface functional groups of the SCN Ns were characterized by SEM, TEM, XRD, XPS, and FT-IR. The fluorescence of SCN Ns was gradually quenched as the Ag+ concentration increased. The detection limit for Ag+ was as low as 0.28 nM. The quenching mechanism mainly is attributed to static quenching. In this paper, SCN Ns were used as the fluorescent probe for detecting Ag+. SCN Ns have successfully detected Ag+ in different environmental aqueous samples and cells. Finally, SCN Ns were further applied to the visual quantitative detection of intracellular Ag+.
Patterning of organic semiconductor crystal arrays via microchannel-assisted inkjet printing for organic field-effect transistors
Authors: Fang Xiaochen , Tan Yuan , Deng Wei , Ren Xiaobin , Liu Xinyue , Shi Yandi , Zhang Xiujuan
Published: July 2022

Inkjet printing technique provides a low-cost way for large-area construction of the patterned organic semiconductors toward integrated organic electronics. However, because of a lack of control over the wetting and dewetting dynamics of organic inks, inkjet-printed organic semiconductor crystals (OSCCs) are frequently plagued by the ‘coffee ring’ effect and uncontrollable growth process, leading to an uneven crystal morphology and disordered orientation. Here, we report a universal microchannel-assisted inkjet printing (MA-IJP) method for patterning of OSCC arrays with ordered crystallographic orientation. The micro-sized channel template not only provides a unidirectional capillary force to guide the wetting process of organic inks, but also confines the evaporation-induced dewetting behavior, enabling the long-range ordered growth of OSCCs. The patterned 2,7-dioctyl[1]benzothieno[3,2-b][1]benzothiophene (C8-BTBT) crystals present one-dimensional structures with a pure (010) crystallographic orientation. The 7 × 7 discrete organic field-effect transistor array made from the patterned C8-BTBT crystals exhibits a high average mobility up to 3.23 cm2 V−1 s−1 with a maximum mobility of 5.36 cm2 V−1 s−1. Given the good generality of the patterning process and high quality of the obtained OSCC crystal array, it is anticipated that our MA-IJP approach will constitute a major step toward integrated electronic and optoelectronic devices.
A state-of-the-art review of the hybrid wind-wave energy converter
Authors: Dong Xiaochen , Li Yanni , Li Demin , Cao Feifei , Jiang Xiaoqiang , Shi Hongda
Published: July 2022

The urgent demand for energy structural reform and the limitations of single energy development have promoted the combination of wind energy and wave energy. A hybrid energy system means that two or more energy devices share the same foundation. It reduces the levelized cost of energy and improves competitiveness through infrastructure sharing and increased power output. This paper starts with the development of the joint resources of wind and wave energies, then introduces the foundation forms of the hybrid system. It reviews the latest concepts and devices proposed with the integration of wind energy and wave energy, according to the foundation forms, and makes a preliminary assessment of the synergies of the hybrid system. The existing study methods of the hybrid systems are summarized. In view of the challenges faced by the development of hybrid energy systems, several suggestions are put forward accordingly. This paper provides a comprehensive guideline for the future development of the hybrid wind-wave energy converter system.
Chemical and structural identification of material defects in superconducting quantum circuits
Authors: de Graaf S E , Un S , Shard A G , Lindström T
Published: July 2022

Quantum circuits show unprecedented sensitivity to external fluctuations compared to their classical counterparts, and it can take as little as a single atomic defect somewhere in a mm-sized area to completely spoil device performance. For improved device coherence it is thus essential to find ways to reduce the number of defects, thereby lowering the hardware threshold for achieving fault-tolerant large-scale error-corrected quantum computing. Given the evasive nature of these defects, the materials science required to understand them is at present in uncharted territories, and new techniques must be developed to bridge existing capabilities from materials science with the needs identified by the superconducting quantum circuit community. In this paper, we give an overview of methods for characterising the chemical and structural properties of defects in materials relevant for superconducting quantum circuits. We cover recent developments from in-operation techniques, where quantum circuits are used as probes of the defects themselves, toin situanalysis techniques and well-establishedex situmaterials analysis techniques. The latter is now increasingly explored by the quantum circuits community to correlate specific material properties with qubit performance. We highlight specific techniques which, given further development, look especially promising and will contribute towards a future toolbox of material analysis techniques for quantum.
The Clinical Utility of Extended High-Risk HPV Genotyping in Women With ASC-US Cytology
Authors: Jiang Wei , Austin R Marshall , Zhang Huina , He Yanmei , Xu Lian , Wu Xiuli , Kuang Wei , Tong Lingling , Li Lei , Zhao Chengquan
Published: July 2022

Objectives

Extended testing for high-risk human papillomavirus genotypes (hrHPVGTs) is increasingly investigated for risk stratification in cervical cancer screening.

Methods

Age and hrHPVGT results from 16,993 women with atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US) cytology between November 2015 and August 2021 were studied and correlated with available histopathologic findings within 6 months.

Results

High-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV)–positive rate was 66.9% in women with ASC-US cytology, and the most prevalent genotypes were HPV 52 (20.9%), 16 (15.7%), and 58 (12.8%). Single hrHPV genotypes and multiple HPV genotypes were detected in 77.2% and 22.8% of women with hrHPV-positive results. Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or more (CIN2+) severe lesions were identified in 19.5% of women with hrHPV-positive ASC-US. The greatest risk for CIN2+ was found in single genotype infections with HPV 16 (33.1%), followed by women with multiple genotype infections, including HPV 16 (32.7%), 82 (30.8%), and 31 (30.0%). hrHPVGT testing for genotypes 16, 31, 35, 45, 82, 58, 33, 52, and 18 was identified in 91.9% (965/1,050) of CIN2+ cases, with 88.9% sensitivity, 43.2% specificity, positive predictive value of 23.9%, and negative predictive value of 95.1%.

Conclusions

Extended hrHPV genotyping for women with ASC-US cytology could identify those hrHPV genotypes (HPV 16, 31, 35, 45, 82, 58, 33, 52, 18) associated with higher risk of CIN2+ and allows for refined risk stratification of women being screened.
Home Blood Pressure Compared With Office Blood Pressure in Relation to Dysglycemia
Authors: af Geijerstam Peder , Engvall Jan , Östgren Carl Johan , Nyström Fredrik H , Rådholm Karin
Published: July 2022

Background

Masked hypertension is more common in individuals with type 2 diabetes than in individuals with normoglycemia. We aimed to explore if there is a discrepancy between office blood pressure (office BP) and home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM) in relation to HbA1c as well as glycemic status in 5,029 middle-aged individuals.

Methods

HBPM was measured in a subsample of 5,029 participants in The Swedish CardioPulmonary BioImage Study (SCAPIS), a population-based cohort of 50–64 years old participants. Both office BP and HBPM were obtained after 5 minutes’ rest using the semiautomatic Omron M10-IT oscillometric device. White coat effect was calculated by subtracting systolic HBPM from systolic office BP. Participants were classified according to glycemic status: Normoglycemia, prediabetes, or diabetes based on fasting glucose, HbA1c value, and self-reported diabetes diagnosis.

Results

Of the included 5,025 participants, 947 (18.8%) had sustained hypertension, 907 (18.0%) reported taking antihypertensive treatment, and 370 (7.4%) had diabetes mellitus. Both systolic office BP and HBPM increased according to worsened glycemic status (P for trend 0.002 and 0.002, respectively). Masked hypertension was more prevalent in participants with dysglycemia compared with normoglycemia (P = 0.036). The systolic white coat effect was reversely associated with HbA1c (P = 0.012).

Conclusions

The systolic white coat effect was reversely associated with HbA1c, and the prevalence of masked hypertension increased with dysglycemia.
Impact of post-hepatectomy liver failure on morbidity and short- and long-term survival after major hepatectomy
Authors: Baumgartner Ruth , Gilg Stefan , Björnsson Bergthor , Hasselgren Kristina , Ghorbani Poya , Sauter Christina , Stål Per , Sandstöm Per , Sparrelid Ernesto , Engstrand Jennie
Published: July 2022

Background

Post-hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) is one of the most serious postoperative complications after hepatectomy. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of the International Study Group of Liver Surgery (ISGLS) definition of PHLF on morbidity and short- and long-term survival after major hepatectomy.

Methods

This was a retrospective review of all patients who underwent major hepatectomy (three or more liver segments) for various liver tumours between 2010 and 2018 at two Swedish tertiary centres for hepatopancreatobiliary surgery. Descriptive statistics, regression models, and survival analyses were used.

Results

A total of 799 patients underwent major hepatectomy, of which 218 patients (27 per cent) developed ISGLS-defined PHLF, including 115 patients (14 per cent) with ISGLS grade A, 76 patients (10 per cent) with grade B, and 27 patients (3 per cent) with grade C. The presence of cirrhosis, perihilar cholangiocarcinoma, and gallbladder cancer, right-sided hemihepatectomy and trisectionectomy all significantly increased the risk of clinically relevant PHLF (grades B and C). Clinically relevant PHLF increased the risk of 90-day mortality and was associated with impaired long-term survival. ISGLS grade A had more major postoperative complications compared with no PHLF but failed to be an independent predictor of both 90-day mortality and long-term survival. The impact of PHLF grade B/C on long-term survival was no longer present in patients surviving the first 90 days after surgery.

Conclusions

The presently used ISGLS definition for PHLF should be reconsidered regarding mortality as only PHLF grade B/C was associated with a negative impact on short-term survival; however, even ISGLS grade A had clinical implications.
Facilitating assets-based development in rural communities through service-learning
Authors: Guarino Antonella , Barbieri Irene , Compare Christian , Albanesi Cinzia
Published: July 2022

By integrating a learning experience with community organizations, service-learning (SL) can be considered a tool to facilitate rural communities’ development, acting as a resource mobilizer. This study presents a participatory process based on the assets-based approach for community development approach. Six local organizations and 16 university students in three Italian rural communities were engaged to assess local resources and co-construct rural SL (RSL) projects. A two-phase rural participative process was developed and evaluated using qualitative instruments, such as focus groups and students’ reflexive journals. Results indicated that rural communities uncovered a set of material and intangible inner assets to develop. Indeed, they identified internal (and potentially external) resources that could effectively bring some insights to rural challenges. Moreover, community members experienced new paths through SL to count on their internal assets through effective collaboration with university students. The collaboration between students (and university) and community organizations delivered new local and rural development opportunities while supporting the partnership for RSL. Students experienced themselves as potential agents of change, enhancing their psychosocial resources and competencies, and strengthening rural development. The result’s implications involve the development of rural policies, including effective participation of rural communities (and organizations) and regarding different dimensions of development, like economic or psychosocial development.
Multivariate analyses of skull morphology inform the taxonomy and evolution of geomyoid rodents
Authors: Noftz Lily A , Calede Jonathan J M
Published: July 2022

Morphological analyses are critical to quantify phenotypic variation, identify taxa, inform phylogenetic relationships, and shed light on evolutionary patterns. This work is particularly important in groups that display great morphological disparity. Such is the case in geomyoid rodents, a group that includes 2 of the most species-rich families of rodents in North America: the Geomyidae (pocket gophers) and the Heteromyidae (kangaroo rats, pocket mice, and their relatives). We assessed variation in skull morphology (including both shape and size) among geomyoids to test the hypothesis that there are statistically significant differences in skull measurements at the family, genus, and species levels. Our sample includes 886 specimens representing all geomyoid genera and 39 species. We used the geometric mean to compare size across taxa. We used 14 measurements of the cranium and lower jaw normalized for size to compare shape among and within taxa. Our results show that skull measurements enable the distinction of geomyoids at the family, genus, and species levels. There is a larger amount of size variation within Geomyidae than within Heteromyidae. Our phylomorphospace analysis shows that the skull shape of the common ancestor of all geomyoids was more similar to the common ancestor of heteromyids than that of geomyids. Geomyid skulls display negative allometry whereas heteromyid skulls display positive allometry. Within heteromyids, dipodomyines, and non-dipodomyines show significantly different allometric patterns. Future analyses including fossils will be necessary to test our evolutionary hypotheses.
ProBioQuest: a database and semantic analysis engine for literature, clinical trials and patents related to probiotics
Authors: Chan Po Lam , Lauw Susana , Ma Ka Lee , Kei Nelson , Ma Ka Leong , Wong Yiu On , Lam Ho Yan , Ting Yee Yung , Yau Tsz Kwan , Nong Wenyan , Huang Dandan , Xie Yichun , Cheung Peter Chi Keung , Kwan Hoi Shan
Published: July 2022

The use of probiotics to improve health via the modulation of gut microbiota has gained wide attention. The growing volume of investigations of probiotic microorganisms and commercialized probiotic products has created the need for a database to organize the health-promoting functions driven by probiotics reported in academic articles, clinical trials and patents. We constructed ProBioQuest to collect up-to-date literature related to probiotics from PubMed.gov, ClinicalTrials.gov and PatentsView. More than 2.8 million articles have been collected. Automated information technology-assisted procedures enabled us to collect the data continuously, providing the most up-to-date information. Statistical functions and semantic analyses are provided on the website as an advanced search engine, which contributes to the semantic tool of this database for information search and analyses. The semantic analytical output provides categorized search results and functions to enhance further analysis. A keyword bank is included which can display multiple tables of contents. Users can select keywords from different displayed categories to achieve easily filtered searches. Additional information on the searched items can be browsed via the link-out function. ProBioQuest is not only useful to scientists and health professionals but also to dietary supplement manufacturers and the general public. In this paper, the method we used to build this database-web system is described. Applications of ProBioQuest for several literature-based analyses of probiotics are included as examples of the various uses of this search engine. ProBioQuest can be accessed free of charge at http://kwanlab.bio.cuhk.edu.hk/PBQ/.

Database URL

http://kwanlab.bio.cuhk.edu.hk/PBQ/
Evaluation of telephone triage among chest pain patients in out-of-hours primary care in the Netherlands (TRACE)
Authors: Manten Amy , Rietveld Remco P , de Clercq Lukas , van Hulst Inge , Lucassen Wim A M , Moll van Charante Eric P , Harskamp Ralf E
Published: July 2022

Background

Telephone triage is fully integrated in Dutch out-of-hours primary care (OOH-PC). Patients presenting with chest pain are initially assessed according to a standardized protocol (“Netherlands Triage Standard” [NTS]). Nevertheless, little is known about its (diagnostic) performance, nor on the impact of subsequent clinical judgements made by triage assistants and general practitioners (GPs).

Objective

To evaluate the performance of the current NTS chest pain protocol.

Methods

Observational, retrospective cohort study of adult patients with chest pain who contacted a regional OOH-PC facility in the Netherlands, in 2017. The clinical outcome measure involved the occurrence of a “major event,” which is a composite of all-cause mortality and urgent cardiovascular and noncardiovascular conditions, occurring ≤6 weeks of initial contact. We assessed the performance using diagnostic and discriminatory properties.

Results

In total, 1,803 patients were included, median age was 54.0 and 57.5% were female. Major events occurred in 16.2% of patients with complete follow-up, including 99 (6.7%) cases of acute coronary syndrome and 22 (1.5%) fatal events. NTS urgency assessment showed moderate discriminatory abilities for predicting major events (c-statistic 0.66). Overall, NTS performance showed a sensitivity and specificity of 83.0% and 42.4% with a 17.0% underestimated major event rate. Triage assistants’ revisions hardly improved urgency allocation. Further consideration of the clinical course following OOH-PC contact did generate a more pronounced improvement with a sensitivity of 89.4% and specificity of 61.9%.

Conclusion

Performance of telephone triage of chest pain appears moderate at best, with acceptable safety yet limited efficiency, even after including further work-up by GPs.
Nonsmooth data error estimates of the L1 scheme for subdiffusion equations with positive-type memory term
Authors: Mahata Shantiram , Kumar Sinha Rajen
Published: July 2022

This paper considers fully discrete finite element approximations to subdiffusion equations with memory in a bounded convex polygonal domain. We first derive some regularity results for the solution with respect to both smooth and nonsmooth initial data in various Sobolev norms. These regularity estimates cover the cases when $u_0\in L^2(\varOmega )$ and the source function is Hölder continuous in time. The spatially discrete scheme is developed using piecewise linear and continuous finite elements, and optimal-order error bounds for both homogeneous and nonhomogeneous problems are established. The temporal discretization based on the L1 scheme is considered and analyzed. We prove optimal error estimates in time for both homogeneous and nonhomogeneous problems. Finally, numerical results are provided to support our theoretical analysis.
Interpatient variability in the pharmacokinetics of remdesivir and its main metabolite GS-441524 in treated COVID-19 subjects
Authors: Tempestilli Massimo , Ascoli Bartoli Tommaso , Benvenuto Domenico , Stazi Giulia Valeria , Marchioni Luisa , Nicastri Emanuele , Agrati Chiara
Published: July 2022

Background

Remdesivir is the first antiviral drug against SARS-CoV-2 approved for use in COVID-19 patients.

Objectives

To study the pharmacokinetic inter-individual variability of remdesivir and its main metabolite GS-441524 in a real-world setting of COVID-19 inpatients and to identify possible associations with different demographic/biochemical variables.

Methods

Inpatients affected by SARS-CoV-2 infections, undergoing standard-dose remdesivir treatment, were prospectively enrolled. Blood samples were collected on day 4, immediately after (C0) and at 1 h (C1) and 24 h (C24) after infusion. Remdesivir and GS-441524 concentrations were measured using a validated UHPLC-MS/MS method and the AUC0–24 was calculated. At baseline, COVID-19 severity (ICU or no ICU), sex, age, BMI and renal and liver functions were assessed. Transaminases and estimated glomerular filtration rate (e-GFR) were also evaluated during treatment. Linear regression, logistic regression and multiple linear regression tests were used for statistical comparisons of pharmacokinetic parameters and variables.

Results

Eighty-five patients were included. The mean (CV%) values of remdesivir were: C0 2091 (99.1%) ng/mL, C1 139.7 (272.4%) ng/mL and AUC0–24 2791 (175.7%) ng·h/mL. The mean (CV%) values of GS-441524 were: C0 90.2 (49.5%) ng/mL, C1 104.9 (46.6%) ng/mL, C24 58.4 (66.9) ng/mL and AUC0–24 1976 (52.6%) ng·h/mL. The multiple regression analysis showed that age (P < 0.05) and e-GFR (P < 0.01) were independent predictors of GS-441524 plasma exposure.

Conclusions

Our results showed a high interpatient variability of remdesivir and GS-441524 likely due to both age and renal function in COVID-19 inpatients. Further research is required to understand whether the pharmacokinetics of remdesivir and its metabolites may influence drug-related efficacy or toxic effect.
Perceived Barriers to Professional Equality Among Women in Gastroenterology
Authors: Jones Emma , Sharma Sowmya , Heisler Courtney , Rohatinsky Noelle , Novak Kerri , Leung Yvette , Fowler Sharyle , Kaczur Melanie , Jones Jennifer
Published: July 2022

Although significant progress relating to professional equality among men and women in medicine has been made over the past few decades, evidence derived from the medical literature suggests that inequity persists with respect to income, attainment of leadership positions, and professional advancement. These inequities have been observed to be more pronounced in gastroenterology. Literature relating to gender-specific barriers to professional equity in gastroenterology is limited. This qualitative study explored perceived barriers to professional equality among women in gastroenterology in Canada through focus groups using a World Café Approach. Several perceived barriers to professional equality were identified. Identification of barriers to professional equality is an important first step to creating meaningful interventions that address the root causes of gender-related inequity in gastroenterology.
Dysregulated Protein Phosphorylation in a Mouse Model of FTLD-Tau
Authors: Ferrer Isidro , Andrés-Benito Pol , Ausín Karina , Cartas-Cejudo Paz , Lachén-Montes Mercedes , del Rio José Antonio , Fernández-Irigoyen Joaquín , Santamaría Enrique
Published: July 2022

The neocortex of P301S mice, used as a model of fronto-temporal lobar degeneration linked to tau mutation (FTLD-tau), and wild-type mice, both aged 9 months, were analyzed with conventional label-free phosphoproteomics and SWATH-MS (sequential window acquisition of all theoretical fragment ion spectra mass spectrometry) to assess the (phospho)proteomes. The total number of identified dysregulated phosphoproteins was 328 corresponding to 524 phosphorylation sites. The majority of dysregulated phosphoproteins, most of them hyperphosphorylated, were proteins of the membranes, synapses, membrane trafficking, membrane vesicles linked to endo- and exocytosis, cytoplasmic vesicles, and cytoskeleton. Another group was composed of kinases. In contrast, proteins linked to DNA, RNA metabolism, RNA splicing, and protein synthesis were hypophosphorylated. Other pathways modulating energy metabolism, cell signaling, Golgi apparatus, carbohydrates, and lipids are also targets of dysregulated protein phosphorylation in P301S mice. The present results, together with accompanying immunohistochemical and Western-blotting studies, show widespread abnormal phosphorylation of proteins, in addition to protein tau, in P301S mice. These observations point to dysregulated protein phosphorylation as a relevant contributory pathogenic component of tauopathies.
Preexisting Heterotypic Ligand-blocking Antibody Does Not Protect Against Genogroup II Norovirus Episodes in Young Children
Authors: Becker-Dreps Sylvia , Brewer-Jensen Paul D , González Fredman , Reyes Yaoska , Mallory Michael L , Gutiérrez Lester , Vielot Nadja A , Diez-Valcarce Marta , Vinjé Jan , Baric Ralph S , Lindesmith Lisa C , Bucardo Filemon
Published: July 2022

A birth cohort design was used to understand whether heterotypic ligand-blocking norovirus antibodies provide cross-protection within the GII genogroup. We found that almost one-half of children who experienced a norovirus GII episode had preexisting antibodies heterotypic to the infecting genotype; therefore, these antibodies did not provide cross-protection.
Breadth and Dynamics of Human Norovirus-Specific Antibodies in the First Year of Life
Authors: Vielot Nadja A , Brinkman Amanda , DeMaso Christina , Vilchez Samuel , Lindesmith Lisa C , Bucardo Filemon , Reyes Yaoska , Baric Ralph S , Ryan Elizabeth P , Braun Ralph , Becker-Dreps Sylvia
Published: July 2022

We measured antibody binding to diverse norovirus virus-like particles over 12 months in 16 children. All had maternal antibodies at 2 months, with estimated lowest levels at 5 months of age. Antibody increases after 3 months suggested natural infections. This information could guide the timing of future norovirus vaccines.
Large colonic lipoma as a lead point for intussusception in an adult
Authors: Amirhom Emad , Dondapati Manasa , Horton Nisha , Pescovitz Alison R
Published: July 2022

Intussusception is the telescoping of proximal loop of the bowel within distal loop resulting in obliteration of the lumen. Although it frequently occurs with the most common cause of intestinal obstruction in children, it is a rare phenomenon and an uncommon cause of acute intestinal obstruction in adults. Unlike pediatric intussusception, where the cause is idiopathic, adult intussusception is associated with underlying pathology as a lead point. The underlying pathology usually is malignant, but the prognosis is better when there is a benign lead point. The benign lead point intussusceptions are rare and are treated with reduction when there are no signs of ischemia. When there is ischemia or when reduction is not feasible, they are treated with surgical resection. In this report, we describe a rare case of an adult intussusception from a large colonic lipoma in a 79-year-old male, treated successfully with surgical resection.
Army Reserve Participation in Tropic Care 2018: An Innovative Readiness Training to Assess Unit Defense Support of Civil Authorities Response
Authors: Kawakami Chad Keiichi
Published: July 2022

Coronavirus disease 2019 highlighted the Army Reserve as a key partner in Defense Support of Civil Authorities (DSCA). Tropic Care, an Innovative Readiness Training mission, led by the 1984th U.S. Army Hospital, served as a venue to train on unit Mission Essential Task Lists while providing an initial assessment on its DSCA response capability.
Cap-independent translation and a precisely located RNA sequence enable SARS-CoV-2 to control host translation and escape anti-viral response
Authors: Slobodin Boris , Sehrawat Urmila , Lev Anastasia , Hayat Daniel , Zuckerman Binyamin , Fraticelli Davide , Ogran Ariel , Ben-Shmuel Amir , Bar-David Elad , Levy Haim , Ulitsky Igor , Dikstein Rivka
Published: July 2022

Translation of SARS-CoV-2-encoded mRNAs by the host ribosomes is essential for its propagation. Following infection, the early expressed viral protein NSP1 binds the ribosome, represses translation, and induces mRNA degradation, while the host elicits an anti-viral response. The mechanisms enabling viral mRNAs to escape this multifaceted repression remain obscure. Here we show that expression of NSP1 leads to destabilization of multi-exon cellular mRNAs, while intron-less transcripts, such as viral mRNAs and anti-viral interferon genes, remain relatively stable. We identified a conserved and precisely located cap-proximal RNA element devoid of guanosines that confers resistance to NSP1-mediated translation inhibition. Importantly, the primary sequence rather than the secondary structure is critical for protection. We further show that the genomic 5′UTR of SARS-CoV-2 drives cap-independent translation and promotes expression of NSP1 in an eIF4E-independent and Torin1-resistant manner. Upon expression, NSP1 further enhances cap-independent translation. However, the sub-genomic 5′UTRs are highly sensitive to eIF4E availability, rendering viral propagation partially sensitive to Torin1. We conclude that the combined NSP1-mediated degradation of spliced mRNAs and translation inhibition of single-exon genes, along with the unique features present in the viral 5′UTRs, ensure robust expression of viral mRNAs. These features can be exploited as potential therapeutic targets.
Advanced practice physiotherapy in paediatrics: Implementation results
Authors: Drapeau-Zgoralski Véronique , Beauséjour Marie , Painchaud Ariane-Sophie , Sarda Mélanie , Nault Marie-Lyne
Published: July 2022

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate the implementation of an advanced practice physiotherapist (APP) clinic in our paediatric institution and assess APP and orthopaedic surgeon satisfaction.

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study, all patient records from the APP clinic’s second year (March 2017 to March 2018) at CHU Sainte-Justine were reviewed. These were compared with the records of patients seen by orthopaedic surgeons within the gait clinic the year before implementing the clinic. The following data were collected: demographic, professional issuing referral, reason for referral, consultation delay, clinical impression, investigation, and treatment plan. We also documented every subsequent follow-up to rule out any diagnostic change and identify surgical patients. Clinician satisfaction was assessed by the Minnesota Satisfaction and PROBES Questionnaires along with a short electronic survey.

Results

Four hundred and eighteen patients were assessed by APPs and 202 by orthopaedic surgeons. APPs managed patients independently in 92.6% of cases. Nearly 86% of patients were discharged following the initial visit, and 7.4% were referred to a physiotherapist. Only 1% of APP patients eventually required surgery compared with nearly 6% in the orthopaedic group. The mean waiting time for consultation was greater in the APP group (513.7 versus 264 days). However, there was a significant reduction in mean waiting time over the last 3 months surveyed (106.5 days).

Conclusions

The feedback from all clinicians involved was positive, with a greater mean score on the Minnesota Satisfaction and PROBES Questionnaire for APPs. The APP gait clinic appears to be an effective triage clinic.

Level of evidence

III
Genetic testing and screening in children
Authors: Moore Aideen M , Richer Julie
Published: July 2022

Genetic testing has progressed rapidly over the past two decades and is becoming common in paediatrics. This statement provides an overview of recent developments that may impact genetic testing in children. Genetics is a rapidly evolving field, and this statement focuses specifically on expanded newborn screening, next generation sequencing (NGS), incidental findings, direct-to-consumer testing, histocompatibility testing, and genetic testing in a research context.