bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
E-bike with photovoltaic panels for battery charging
Authors: Janiga P , Bendik J , Cenky M , Celeda M , Gasparovsky D , Novak T , Raditschova J
Published: March 2023

The experience in many cities shows that bicycles are one of the best vehicles of transportation in cities. They are ecological, require a small space, are not noisy, and contribute to the mental and physical health of the residents. The aim of the paper is to combine the idea of bicycle transport in cities, the potential of e-bikes, and innovative photovoltaic panels as a source of energy. In the created prototype, electric bicycle charging was tested using lightweight and flexible photovoltaic panels located on the bicycle frame. According to calculations and test results, this solution is sufficient for the normal operation of an e-bike under urban conditions. The results show that the e-bike with photovoltaic panels is a vehicle of transportation that uses only a renewable resource and is sufficient to move the normally required distances.
Design and development of mobile application based on proactive elements of safety culture framework for the oil and gas industry: a conceptual framework
Authors: Rahim H , Che Dom N
Published: March 2023

The integration process of the safety programme with technological development must adapt to the present level of the local safety culture in the working industry, which may change over time. Thus, this conceptual framework aims to design, develop, and evaluate a mobile application based on proactive elements of safety culture derived from research theories and factors identified in previous studies in the oil and gas industry. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) will be utilised to review the relevant articles published within the last decade on safety culture in the oil and gas industry. The findings will be analysed using the Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) to elucidate the general safety culture elements. The main reference in determining the influencing factors will be the reciprocal safety culture model. The significance of this study is reflected in the integration of utilising technology and effective safety culture components. The findings could be applied to catalyse an organisation’s efforts to improve the safety culture and delivery system.
Investigating causative factors and selecting optimal machine learning algorithms for landslide susceptibility assessment in Lom Kao area, northern Thailand
Authors: Poemsiritaweechoke G , Pondthai P
Published: March 2023

A landslide susceptibility map (LSM) is essential to determine the probability of landslide occurrence. The preparation of the susceptibility map is necessary to have reliable causative factors and an appropriately trained model. This study proposes a statistical feature selection of 18 landslide causative factors and a comparison of 15 machine learning algorithms’ performance to determine the optimal susceptibility model. To ensure that the factors are independent, the study uses statistical approaches, namely Pearson Correlation Coefficient and multicollinearity analysis. Based on the feature (causative factors) selection analysis results, the curvature factor was removed since it shows a high correlation with the plan and profile curvatures. Multicollinearity among all inferred factors has not been indicated. Moreover, the model fitting results show that the extra trees achieve the highest average accuracy score (ACC), with a value of 0.9859, followed by random forest (ACC = 0.9857), multi-layer perceptron (ACC = 0.9780), and decision tree (ACC = 0.9700).
Effect of recycled crushed bricks as additive in pavement material
Authors: Ismail N N , Ahmad J , Shaffie E , Wan Azahar W N A , Basri N K , Asri M A M
Published: March 2023

Recycling waste materials has gained its own demand and popularity especially in solving disposal problems, hence creating opportunity for researcher to study the advantage of using recycling materials in their products. This paper studied on the impact of indirect tensile strength(ITS) tests on the characterization of bituminous mixes. It focuses on the Marshall Mix design process to determine the optimum binder content in asphalt mixtures of Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) with recycled crushed bricks (RCB). Samples were prepared with grading the natural aggregates and RCB according to the AC14 grading limit. At 160°C, the samples were blended with 4-6% bitumen content of grade 60/70 until uniformly mixed. Next, another 18 samples were prepared in accordance with Marshall optimization to analyse the performance of sample by conducting both dry and wet ITS test. 20% and 30% of RCB were added to replace fine aggregates of 1.18 mm to pan sieve. The result shows that the dry method gives a better result of ITS with 20% to 30% of replacement of fine aggregates with RCB. The average maximum load that can be load to the sample was 13.185 kN of load for dry sample whereas the wet sample with 11.23 kN of load.
Mycelium running of Volvariella volvacea on palm oil empty fruit bunch fibre following different substrate and mycelium treatment
Authors: Amir N F , Mohd Aris A , Mohamad A , Umor N A , Abdullah S , Mohd Yusof F Z
Published: March 2023

Leading the palm oil industry, Malaysia strives to become the powerhouse of palm oil producers. However, it is crucial that the industry does not influence the environment negatively in any way. Thus, reusing and repurposing palm oil residues in mushroom farming is one of the potential solutions for agricultural waste management. In this study, the objective of this study is to determine the mycelial performance of V. volvacea in palm oil empty fruit bunch (EFB) fibre as substrate and to evaluate the mycelial growth performance of V. volvacea in two different substrate treatment. The substrate treatment involved the non-treated EFB fibres (N substrate) and EFB fibres treated with 10% Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3) (T substrate), and mycelium treatment involved in gamma-irradiated mycelium (G sample) and non-irradiated mycelium (NG sample). Results shows that mycelium inoculated on treated EFB fibres exhibited a higher growth rate compared to non-treated EFB fibres. The full colonization days of mycelial run-on substrate using treated substrate was found reduced from 15 days to 9 days, as compared to the non-treated substrate. However, gamma irradiated mycelium was found giving no significant changes to the rate of mycelial run. In conclusion, substrate treated with CaCO3, increased the growth of mycelium. In future, it is suggested to measure the effect of irradiation using different gamma irradiation exposure.
Computational fluid dynamics study of Y3+-doped Ba(Ce,Zr)O3 based single channel proton ceramic fuel cell
Authors: Malik L A , Missnan M I , Hassan O H , Jani A M M , Rahman H A , Luengchavanon M , Osman N
Published: March 2023

Theoretical studies using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modeling have been established in the field of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) and oxygen ion solid oxide fuel cells (O2-SOFCs). However, its implementation in the proton ceramic fuel cell (PCFC) development is still in progress and very limited literature can be found. Thus, in this simulation study, ANSYS 2022 CFD software has been employed to predict hydrogen mass fraction distribution and power density of a single-channel PCFC operating in 100 % hydrogen fuel. This simulation utilized input data based on previously published experimental works. The mass fraction of H2 was 0.0 at the cathode area indicating that the electrolyte layer is fully dense and no leakage of H2 from the anode area into the cathode area. The maximum power density in 100 % H2 was 0.34 W/cm2 at 800° C. This is in agreement with the power density produced by the in-house fabricated button cell with the configuration of NiO-BCZY|BCZY|LSCF (BCZY=BaCe0.54Zr0.36Y0.1O2.95, LSCF=La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3-δ.) that showed a maximum power density of 0.33W/cm2 in 100 % H2. This analysis will contribute to insight information on the relationship between fuel mass fraction distribution and fuel cell performance for future improvements in the field of PCFC.
Upflow-outflow Zone Identification Based on Geochemistry Indicator and Fault Fracture Density Correlation Analysis in Mt. Gede Geothermal Case, West Java
Authors: Nayoan Arthur Gemas Pradhana , Pranatikta Krishna Agra , Anil  , Hendrasto Fajar , Yuniasih Sholikhatun
Published: March 2023

Upflow and outflow zones in a geothermal field are very important to identifying. These two zones are very useful in running a geothermal project such as simply in determining the drill point. Mt. Gede-Pangrango is one of the interesting geothermal fields in West Java province and is still included in the category the geothermal fieldwork (WKP) has not been further investigated which is the current research area especially on Mt. Gede. The method used to identify upflow-outflow zones is to correlate fault fracture density (FFD) analysis and geochemistry indicators with the early hypothesis that the geothermal upflow zone in the Mt. Gede is most likely located in the crater area to the volcanic body. Based on the FFD analysis, areas with high density of structural lineaments with a value of >2 km/km2 tend to have a southwest-northeast pattern that describes the direction of geothermal fluid flow due to the presence of a permeable zone (fracture) from the crater area of Mt. Gede (upflow zone) towards the foot of the mountain (outflow zone) the Cipanas area, which is also supported by the presence of the bicarbonate hot spring manifestation in the area. Then based on the geochemistry indicator (HCO3/SO4, Na/K, CO2 /H2S, and Isotope 18O), it can be seen that the upflow area is in the area of the volcanic peak to the body of the volcano and the outflow is at the foot of the volcano (Cipanas Area). From these two analyzes, it can be seen that the FFD and geochemical indicators are very well correlated in identifying the upflow and outflow zones of Mt. Gede and answered the early hypothesis that the upflow area tends to be in the volcanic crater area to the volcanic body of Mt. Gede.
Identification of Geological Structure Based on Gravity Method in Tangkuban Parahu Volcano, Bandung, Indonesia
Authors: Nurhasan  , Rizqia Muhammad Nadhif , Hidayat  , Setiawan Ahmad , Gumelar Fajar , Fitriani Dini , Sutarno Doddy , Mustopa Enjang Jaenal , Srigutomo Wahyu , Rusdiana Randi
Published: March 2023

Tangkuban Parahu Volcano, located in Cikahuripan, Lembang, West Bandung Regency, West Java, Indonesia, has a geothermal potential. However, this potential is accompanied by geohazard risks, one of which is a volcanic eruption that can interfere with the development of geothermal potential. On February 12, 2022, there was a gust of volcanic gas from Ratu Crater, indicating an increase in volcanic activity after an eruption in 2019. Based on the geological map of Tangkuban Parahu/Sunda Volcano Complex, it is estimated that there is a fault structure in a northwest-southeast direction, where if a volcanic eruption occurs, it will cause greater deformation because it cuts through Ratu Crater. Further studies with geophysical methods are needed to estimate the fault structure. The study of the subsurface geological structure of Tangkuban Parahu Volcano was carried out using the gravity method by studying variations in the gravitational field on the earth’s surface to determine differences in rock density. The Complete Bouguer Anomaly (CBA) value from the gravity method at Tangkuban Parahu Volcano shows 68 – 73 mGal, and residual anomaly values ranged from -0.95 to 0.67 mGal. The negative residual anomaly value between -0.95 to 0 mGal shows the weak zone due to volcanism in the crater. On the other hand, high residual anomaly values ranging from 0 to 0.67 mGal are interpreted as the influence of Lava 1 Tangkuban Parahu (Tl1). Analysis using First Horizontal Derivative (FHD) and Second Vertical Derivative (SVD) shows a fault structure trending Northwest – Southeast, which can be a way out of the accumulation of high-pressure water vapor due to volcanic activity.
Non-Destructive Evaluation of Oil Palm Fresh Fruit Bunch Quality Using Thermal Vision
Authors: Cherie D , Fatmawati N , Makky M
Published: March 2023

Oil palm (Elaeis Guineensis Jacq) is the main product of Indonesian agro-industry. It supports the country's economy. After harvest, the Fresh Fruits Bunch (FFB) should immediately be processed to extract the oil. Delayed will reduce the oil quality significantly. Nonetheless, due to poor road-conditions, the FFB often delivered to the palm mills beyond the acceptable time. To reduce the decrease of the fruit freshness, generally cold storage was applied. In this study, the FFB immediately freeze after harvest. Fruits stored at −20 °C, upon delivered to the mills. On arrival, acclimatization process was perform to restore fruit temperature before processing. A pseudo-color thermal vision used to monitor the fruits surface temperature continuously. Various fruits maturities observed in this study were: 120, 140, 160, 180, and 200 days after antheses (DAA). Temperature calibration was done by manually measured the fruit's surface using a thermometer. Models developed to correlate the actual surface temperature of fruits with pseudo-color displayed by the thermal-vision. Results showed the model of thermal vision correctly measured fruits temperature with R2 of 0.979, 0.973, 0.976, 0.976, and, 0.973 for stored fruits harvested at 120, 140, 160, 180, and 200 DAA respectively. The color of images on the camera can be used to observe the temperature of the fruits. The highest correlation obtained with redness index (R2 of 0.7677-0.8037), and the lowest is bluish index (R2 of 0.1101-0.561). FFB harvested at 180 DAA has the strongest correlation (R2) of temperature when observed by thermal-vision.
Influence of MXene, graphene nanoplatelet and multi-walled carbon nanotube on mechanical properties, swelling and flammability behaviour of hybrid sisal/glass fibre reinforced epoxy laminate composites
Authors: Bodduru Kamesh , Singh Lavish Kumar , Kassa Mesfin Kebede , Maddamsetty Amrita , Arumugam Ananda Babu
Published: March 2023

The research work aims to utilize one of the cheapest and most abundantly available natural fibre, sisal fibre, to fabricate a hybrid nanocomposite possessing high performance efficiency. Glass fibre (GFC), sisal fibre (SFC) and hybrid glass/sisal fibre reinforced epoxy laminate composites (HFC) were prepared and subsequently, three of the most promising nano-fillers, MXene (HFCMXN), Graphene nanoplatelet (HFCGNP) and Multi-walled carbon nanotube (HFCCNT), were added into the hybrid composite. The fabricated composites were comprehensively assessed and analysed for their mechanical properties, swelling and flammability behaviour. It was observed that the glass fibre reinforced composite had lowest void content (6.3%) and glass/sisal fibre reinforced laminate had the highest void content (17.2%). The addition of nano-fillers did not further enhance the void content owing to the relatively uniform dispersion of the nanoparticle, which was particularly ensured during the whole fabrication process. The incorporation of nano-fillers led to a significant enhancement in the mechanical properties; tensile and flexural strength being highest for composites containing two dimensional nano-fillers. The GFC exhibited minimum weight gain (2.25%) and least swelling thickness (1.66%) upon soaking. Among hybrid composites, nano-filler reinforced composites had relatively less weight gain post in comparison to the hybrid composite without any nano-filler. HFCGNP had a weight gain of 6.69%, as opposed to 8.51% observed in case of HFC. The nano-fillers acted as an effective water barrier that reduced the tendency of water absorption. Furthermore, upon flammability test it was found that the burning rate decreased in order of GFC, HFC, HFCCNT, HFCMXN, HFCGNP and SFC. The addition of nano-fillers led to a decrease in the burning rate owing to the promising flame retardant properties of graphene which suppressed flame propagation and helped in extinguishing the flame.
Improvement in the PBF-LB/M processing of the Al-Si-Cu-Mg composition through the use of pre-alloyed powder
Authors: Martucci A , Gobber F , Aversa A , Manfredi D , Fino P , Lombardi M
Published: March 2023

Among the many additive manufacturing technologies for metals, Powder Bed Fusion-Laser Beam (PBF-LB\M) stands out for its capacity to produce complex-shaped functional parts. However, the PBF-LB\M materials portfolio is still limited and the research into new high-performance Al-based alloys is ongoing. The improved properties with the addition of 4 wt% Cu to the AlSi10Mg alloy have been previously investigated in the literature through the in situ alloying approach in which the starting powders of Cu and AlSi10Mg are mechanically mixed and directly processed. However, inhomogeneities of alloying elements were found in samples produced with mixed AlSi10Mg+4Cu powders. To overcome this detrimental problem, the use of pre-alloyed AlSI10Cu4Mg powder obtained via gas atomisation process could be a powerful solution. With the aim of demonstrating the beneficial effects of pre-alloyed AlSi10Cu4Mg powders in laser-powder interaction, preliminary SEM investigations were conducted on cross-sectioned SSTs and bulk samples after optimising the process parameters. The deeper microstructural investigations conducted on pre-alloyed AlSi10Cu4Mg samples revealed a higher homogeneity of alloying elements, a smaller cell size of the Al-Si-Cu network (0.5 versus 0.8 μm) and a slightly smaller mean diameter of equiaxial grains compared to the mixed AlSi10Mg+4Cu ones (6.01 versus 7.34 μm). In addition, looking closer at the supersaturation level and the precipitation behaviour in pre-alloyed AlSi10Cu4Mg composition, a high solid solution level, a massive presence of Al2Cu in the cell network and only a few finely dispersed Al2Cu precipitates within the cells were found. Exploring the benefits of these microstructural features on mechanical properties, an increase in performance of about 18% in micro-hardness tests and more than 10% in tensile and compressive tests were found in the AlSi10Cu4Mg system with respect to the mixed AlSi10Mg+4Cu system. All the thorough investigations proved how using pre-alloyed powders is an important advantage in the PBF-LB/M production of complex Al-based systems.
Molecular dynamics study on the structural properties and phase transformation of Cu-Au nanoparticles
Authors: Cui Haowei , Meng Kun
Published: March 2023

The electroreduction of CO2 to carbon-containing products carries considerable significance. Cu-Au alloys have been considered as potential bimetallic catalysts recently. However, the current theoretical study of obtaining Cu-Au alloys that could enhance the catalytic activity is insufficiently thorough. Herein, the structural properties and phase transition rules of Cu-Au nanoparticles are investigated utilizing molecular dynamics. The results indicate that the percentage of disordered atoms in Cu-Au nanoparticles decreases and the melting temperature increases with the growth of particle size. Moreover, the coordination number decreases with increasing radial distance. Cu-Au nanoparticles are coexisting in crystalline and amorphous states during melting. The structural properties of Cu-Au catalysts could be regulated by the phase transition rules, which provided a theoretical basis for the modification of surface activity.
Bridging with surgically placed microaxial left ventricular assist devices: a high-volume centre experience
Authors: Gill George , Rowe Georgina , Chen Qiudong , Malas Jad , Thomas Jason , Peiris Achille , Cole Robert , Chikwe Joanna , Megna Dominick , Emerson Dominic
Published: March 2023

OBJECTIVES

The Impella 5.0 and 5.5 have largely superseded non-ambulatory temporary mechanical support devices; yet, clinical outcomes are predominantly limited to small series: this study presents the experience of a high-volume centre.

METHODS

An institutional clinical registry was used to identify all patients with cardiogenic shock who underwent Impella 5.0 or 5.5 implantation from January 2014 to March 2022. The primary outcome was survival to device explantation.

RESULTS

The study cohort comprised 221 patients, including 146 (66.1%) Impella 5.0 and 75 (33.9%) Impella 5.5 patients. The primary aetiology was non-ischaemic cardiomyopathy (50.7%, n = 112), ischaemic cardiomyopathy (23.1%, n = 51) and acute myocardial infarction (26.2%, n = 58). Patients were prospectively classified according to strategy as bridge to transplant (47.5%, n = 105), bridge to durable device (13.6%, n = 30) or bridge to recovery (38.9%, n = 86). Patients were predominantly Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support profile 1 or 2 (95.0%, n = 210). The median bridging duration was 14 (range 0–137) days. Device exchange, Ischaemic stroke and ipsilateral arm ischaemia occurred in 8.1% (n = 18), 2.7% (n = 6) and 1.8% (n = 4) of patients, respectively. Compared to the 75 most recent Impella 5.0 patients, Impella 5.5 patients (n = 75) had lower rates of device exchange (4.0%, n = 3 vs 13.3%, n = 10, P = 0.04). Overall, 70.1% (n = 155) of patients survived to Impella explantation.

CONCLUSIONS

The Impella 5.0 and 5.5 provide safe and effective temporary mechanical support in appropriately selected patients with cardiogenic shock. The newer device generation may have a lower requirement for device exchange as compared to its predecessor.
Radiotherapy in aggressive or dopamine agonists resistant prolactinomas; is it still worthwhile?
Authors: Niculescu Dan Alexandru , Gheorghiu Monica Livia , Poiana Catalina
Published: March 2023

Radiotherapy, conventional or radiosurgery, has been used to control prolactin secretion and tumour growth in prolactinomas both as part of multimodal therapy or rarely as primary treatment. However, considering the radiotherapy side effects, notably hypopituitarism, as opposed to the high efficacy and low toxicity of dopamine agonists (DA) treatment and neurosurgery, radiotherapy is recommended mostly for patients with aggressive or high-risk prolactinomas or in those resistant or intolerant to medical therapy, usually after surgical failure. We provide an overview of the published literature on the efficacy and toxicity of radiotherapy (conventional fractionated or radiosurgery), in aggressive, high-risk, or DA resistant prolactinomas. Radiotherapy has shown a good efficacy and a reasonable toxicity profile in prolactinomas where other treatment modalities failed. In aggressive and high-risk prolactinomas, the cumulative percentage for tumour control (reduction plus stable) ranged from 68% to 100%. Most studies reported global hormonal control rates over 50%. In resistant prolactinomas, the global secretion control rate (on, but also off DA) ranged from 28% to 89%–100%; in most studies over 80%. The 5-year rate of hypopituitarism was around 12%–25%. To date there are no controlled study on the use of radiotherapy as a prophylactic treatment in patients with clinical, radiological or pathological markers of aggressiveness. In conclusion, our review supports the use of radiotherapy in patients with growing, clinically aggressive or truly DA resistant prolactinomas. In patients with high-risk or invasive prolactinomas or in those harboring pathological markers of aggressiveness, the prophylactic use of radiotherapy should be individualized.
An exponential increase in QTL detection with an increased sample size
Authors: Chitre Apurva S , Polesskaya Oksana , Munro Daniel , Cheng Riyan , Mohammadi Pejman , Holl Katie , Gao Jianjun , Bimschleger Hannah , Martinez Angel Garcia , George Anthony M , Gileta Alexander F , Han Wenyan , Horvath Aidan , Hughson Alesa , Ishiwari Keita , King Christopher P , Lamparelli Alexander , Versaggi Cassandra L , Martin Connor D , St. Pierre Celine L , Tripi Jordan A , Richards Jerry B , Wang Tengfei , Chen Hao , Flagel Shelly B , Meyer Paul , Robinson Terry E , Solberg Woods Leah C , Palmer Abraham A
Published: March 2023

Power analyses are often used to determine the number of animals required for a genome-wide association study (GWAS). These analyses are typically intended to estimate the sample size needed for at least 1 locus to exceed a genome-wide significance threshold. A related question that is less commonly considered is the number of significant loci that will be discovered with a given sample size. We used simulations based on a real data set that consisted of 3,173 male and female adult N/NIH heterogeneous stock rats to explore the relationship between sample size and the number of significant loci discovered. Our simulations examined the number of loci identified in subsamples of the full data set. The subsampling analysis was conducted for 4 traits with low (0.15 ± 0.03), medium (0.31 ± 0.03 and 0.36 ± 0.03), and high (0.46 ± 0.03) SNP-based heritabilities. For each trait, we subsampled the data 100 times at different sample sizes (500, 1,000, 1,500, 2,000, and 2,500). We observed an exponential increase in the number of significant loci with larger sample sizes. Our results are consistent with similar observations in human GWAS and imply that future rodent GWAS should use sample sizes that are significantly larger than those needed to obtain a single significant result.
Stranding collections indicate broad-scale connectivity across the range of a pelagic marine predator, the Atlantic white-sided dolphin (Lagenorhynchus acutus)
Authors: Gose M-A , Humble E , Brownlow A , Mikkelsen B , Loftus C , Wall D , Rogan E , ten Doeschate M , Davison N , Ogden R
Published: March 2023

Understanding the extent of population genetic connectivity in highly mobile marine species is vital for delineating management units. However, obtaining samples for generating genetic data is challenging for species inhabiting inaccessible pelagic waters. As a result, management strategies do not always align with underlying population biology. Marine strandings provide an accessible and cost-effective sample source for research on elusive cetaceans and can be used collaboratively among stranding networks to generate ecosystem-wide population genetic assessments. Here, we used samples collected from strandings and free-ranging individuals across the North Atlantic to investigate population structure, genetic diversity, and individual relatedness in the Atlantic white-sided dolphin (AWSD; Lagenorhynchus acutus), a widely distributed marine predator. Mitochondrial DNA sequences and nuclear DNA single-nucleotide polymorphisms showed a complete lack of population differentiation across the species’ range, implying an unusual pattern of strong connectivity. No differences in genetic diversity among geographic regions and weak within-group relatedness further support the existence of species-wide panmixia in AWSD. This study emphasises the value of long-term stranding collections for cetacean research and has important implications for AWSD conservation management.
Cow’s milk alternatives for children with cow’s milk allergy and beyond
Authors: Williams Brock A , Erdle Stephanie C , Cochrane Kelsey M , Wingate Kirstin , Hildebrand Kyla J
Published: March 2023

Cow’s milk allergy (CMA) is one of the most common food allergies in the first years of life, with worldwide prevalence estimated to range from 2% to 5%. While the majority of children with CMA will eventually develop tolerance to cow’s milk proteins (it is estimated that >75% of children with CMA develop tolerance to cow’s milk proteins by the age of 3 years, and >90% develop tolerance by the age of 6 years), the selection of an appropriate cow’s milk (CM) alternative for those with CMA is vital to ensure adequate growth and development during childhood. The increasing number of CM alternative products on the commercial market with markedly different nutritional content and micronutrient fortification adds a layer of complexity that can be challenging for both families and clinicians to navigate. This article aims to provide guidance and clarity to Canadian paediatricians and primary care clinicians on recommending the most appropriate, safe, and nutritionally optimal CM alternatives for individuals with CMA, and beyond.
Inhibition of invasive plant Mikania micrantha rapid growth by host-specific rust (Puccinia spegazzinii)
Authors: Zhang Guangzhong , Wang Chenjiaozi , Ren Xinghai , Li Zaiyuan , Liu Conghui , Qiao Xi , Shen Shicai , Zhang Fudou , Wan Fanghao , Liu Bo , Qian Wanqiang
Published: March 2023

Mikania micrantha Kunth is a fast-growing global invasive weed species that causes severe damage to natural ecosystems and very large economic losses of forest and crop production. Although Puccinia spegazzinii can effectively inhibit the growth of M. micrantha and is used as a biological control strain in many countries, the mechanism of inhibiting the growth of M. micrantha is not clear. Here, we used a combination of phenotypic, enzyme activity, transcriptomic, and metabolomic approaches to study the response of M. micrantha after infection by P. spegazzinii. In the early stages of rust infection, jasmonic acid (JA), jasmonoyl-isoleucine (JA-Ile), and salicylic acid (SA) levels in infected leaves were significantly lower than those in uninfected leaves. In teliospore initial and developed stages of P. spegazzinii, JA and JA-Ile levels substantially increased by more than 6 times, which resulted in a significant decrease in the accumulation of defense hormone SA in infected leaves of M. micrantha. The contents of plant growth-promoting hormones were significantly reduced in the infected plants as a result of substantial downregulation of the expression of key genes related to hormone biosynthesis. Furthermore, rust infection led to high levels of reactive oxygen species in chloroplasts and the destruction of chlorophyll structure, which also led to decreased photosynthetic gene expression, net photosynthetic rate, activity of Rubisco, and levels of important organic acids in the Calvin cycle. We hypothesized that after P. spegazzinii infection, JA or JA-Ile accumulation not only inhibited SA levels to promote rust infection and development, but also impeded the rapid growth of M. micrantha by affecting plant growth hormones, carbon, and nitrogen metabolic pathways.
Two Novel Bursaphelenchus xylophilus Kunitz Effector Proteins Using Different Infection and Survival Strategies to Suppress Immunity in Pine
Authors: Wen Tong-Yue , Wu Xiao-Qin , Ye Jian-Ren , Qiu Yi-Jun , Rui Lin , Zhang Yan
Published: March 2023

Pine wilt disease, caused by Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, results in tremendous economic loss in conifer production every year. To disturb the host immune responses, plant pathogens secrete a mass of effector proteins that facilitate the infection process. Although several effectors of B. xylophilus have been identified, detailed mechanisms of their functions remain largely unexplored. Here, we reveal two novel B. xylophilus Kunitz effectors, named BxKU1 and BxKU2, using different infection strategies to suppress immunity in Pinus thunbergii. We found that both BxKU1 and BxKU2 could suppress PsXEG1-triggered cell death and were present in the nucleus and cytoplasm in Nicotiana benthamiana. However, they had different three-dimensional structures and various expression patterns in B. xylophilus infection. In situ hybridization experiments showed that BxKU2 was expressed in the esophageal glands and ovaries, whereas BxKU1 was only expressed in the esophageal glands of females. We further confirmed that the morbidity was significantly decreased in P. thunbergii infected with B. xylophilus when BxKU1 and BxKU2 were silenced. The silenced BxKU2I, but not BxKU1, affected the reproduction and feeding rate of B. xylophilus. Moreover, BxKU1 and BxKU2 targeted to different proteins in P. thunbergii, but they all interacted with thaumatin-like protein 4 (TLP4) according to yeast two-hybrid screening. Collectively, our study showed that B. xylophilus could incorporate two Kunitz effectors in a multilayer strategy to counter immune response in P. thunbergii, which could help us better understand the interaction between plant and B. xylophilus.
Landscape Epidemiology of Potato Blackleg
Authors: Skelsey Peter , Civita Francesco , Humphris Sonia
Published: March 2023

Potato blackleg is a common bacterial disease that causes serious losses in potato ( Solanum tuberosum) production worldwide. Despite this, relatively little is known of the landscape epidemiology of this disease. This study provides the first national-scale analysis of spatial and spatiotemporal patterns of blackleg incidence rates and associated risk factors for disease at the landscape scale. This was achieved through a combination of ArcGIS and interpretable machine learning applied to a longitudinal dataset of naturally infected seed potato crops from across Scotland. We found striking differences in long-term disease outcomes across the country and identified that features (variables) related to the health status and management of mother crops (seed stocks), matching features in daughter crops, and the characteristics of surrounding potato crop distributions were the most important predictors of disease, followed by field, bioclimatic, and soil features. Our approach provides a comprehensive overview of potato blackleg at a national scale, new epidemiological insights, and an accurate model that could serve as the basis of a decision support tool for improved blackleg management.
Colorectal surgery NP fellowship
Authors: McCutcheon Tonna
Published: March 2023

The colorectal surgery advanced practice fellowship was developed for the purpose of providing a successful transition to the colorectal advanced practice specialty and was based on the success of the NP utilization model. The success of the fellowship led to NP practice autonomy, job satisfaction, and retention.
Survey of Buprenorphine Low-dose Regimens Used by Healthcare Institutions
Authors: Hardy Monika , Grable Samantha , Otley Rachel , Pershing Michelle
Published: March 2023

Background

Buprenorphine microdosing (“low-dosing”) allows for initiation of buprenorphine without requiring patients to endure withdrawal. Case studies suggest its favorable utility as an alternative to conventional buprenorphine induction. However, published regimens vary in duration, dosage forms used, and timing of full opioid agonist discontinuation.

Methods

This cross-sectional survey study sought to determine how buprenorphine low-dosing is approached by medical institutions across the United States. The primary end point was characterization of inpatient buprenorphine low-dosing regimens. Situations and types of patients in which low-dosing is used and obstacles to institutional protocol development were also collected. An online survey was disseminated through professional pharmacy organizations and personal contacts. Responses were collected over 4 weeks.

Results

Twenty-three unique protocols were collected from 25 institutions. Most protocols used buccal (8 protocols) or transdermal (8 protocols) buprenorphine as first doses before transitioning to sublingual buprenorphine. The most common starting doses were buprenorphine 20 μg/h transdermal, 150 μg buccal, and 0.5 mg sublingual. Patients unable to tolerate conventional buprenorphine induction or those who potentially used fentanyl nonmedically were most likely to be prescribed low-dosing. The most common obstacle to developing an internal low-dosing protocol was lack of existing consensus guidelines.

Conclusions

Similar to published regimens, internal protocols are variable. Buccal first doses may be used more commonly in practice based on survey results, while transdermal first doses are more commonly reported in publications. More research is needed to determine whether differences in starting formulations impact safety and efficacy of buprenorphine low-dosing in the inpatient setting.
Duration and Quality of Sleep and Risk of Self-reported Hearing Loss: The UK Biobank Study
Authors: Yévenes-Briones Humberto , Caballero Francisco Félix , Estrada-deLeón Daniela B. , Struijk Ellen A. , Mesas Arthur Eumann , Banegas José R. , Rodríguez-Artalejo Fernando , Lopez-García Esther
Published: March 2023

Objective:

The duration and quality of sleep have been associated with multiple health conditions in adults. However, whether sleep duration and quality are associated with hearing loss (HL) is uncertain. The present study investigates the prospective association between duration and quality of sleep and HL.

Design:

This longitudinal analysis included 231,650 participants aged 38 to 72 years from the UK Biobank cohort, established in 2006–2010 in the United Kingdom. Duration and sleep complaints (snoring at night, daytime sleepiness, sleeplessness, difficulty getting up in the morning, and eveningness preference) were self-reported. HL was self-reported at baseline and during the follow-up.

Results:

Over a median follow-up of 4.19 (SD: 2.15) years, 6436 participants reported incident HL. In fully adjusted models, in comparison with sleeping between 7 and 8 hours a day, the adjusted hazard ratio (HR) (95% CI) associated with sleeping <7 hours a day was 1.01 (0.95 to 1.07), and for sleeping >8 hours a day was 0.98 (0.88 to 1.08). After adjustment for potential confounders, the HRs (95% confidence interval) of HL associated with having 1, 2, 3, and 4 to 5 vs. 0 sleep complaints were: 1.15 (1.05 to 1.27), 1.16 (1.05 to 1.28), 1.32 (1.19 to 1.47), and 1.49 (1.31 to 1.69), respectively; p for trend: <0.001. An increase in the number of sleep complaints was associated with higher risk of HL among participants with non-optimal sleep duration than among participants with optimal sleep duration.

Conclusion:

In this large population-based study, poor sleep quality was associated with an increased risk of HL; however, sleep duration was not associated with risk.
Do They Have a Choice? Surrogate Decision-Making After Severe Acute Brain Injury*
Authors: Goss Adeline L. , Voumard Rachel Rutz , Engelberg Ruth A. , Curtis J. Randall , Creutzfeldt Claire J.
Published: March 2023

Objectives:

In the early phase of severe acute brain injury (SABI), surrogate decision-makers must make treatment decisions in the face of prognostic uncertainty. Evidence-based strategies to communicate uncertainty and support decision-making are lacking. Our objective was to better understand surrogate experiences and needs during the period of active decision-making in SABI, to inform interventions to support SABI patients and families and improve clinician-surrogate communication.

Design:

We interviewed surrogate decision-makers during patients’ acute hospitalization for SABI, as part of a larger (n = 222) prospective longitudinal cohort study of patients with SABI and their family members. Constructivist grounded theory informed data collection and analysis.

Setting:

One U.S. academic medical center.

Patients:

We iteratively collected and analyzed semistructured interviews with 22 surrogates for 19 patients.

Interventions:

None.

Measurements and Main Results:

Through several rounds of coding, interview notes, reflexive memos, and group discussion, we developed a thematic model describing the relationship between surrogate perspectives on decision-making and surrogate experiences of prognostic uncertainty. Patients ranged from 20 to 79 years of age (mean = 55 years) and had primary diagnoses of stroke (n = 13; 68%), traumatic brain injury (n = 5; 26%), and anoxic brain injury after cardiac arrest (n = 1; 5%). Patients were predominantly male (n = 12; 63%), whereas surrogates were predominantly female (n = 13; 68%). Two distinct perspectives on decision-making emerged: one group of surrogates felt a clear sense of agency around decision-making, whereas the other group reported a more passive role in decision-making, such that they did not even perceive there being a decision to make. Surrogates in both groups identified prognostic uncertainty as the central challenge in SABI, but they managed it differently. Only surrogates who felt they were actively deciding described time-limited trials as helpful.

Conclusions:

In this qualitative study, not all surrogate “decision-makers” viewed themselves as making decisions. Nearly all struggled with prognostic uncertainty. Our findings underline the need for longitudinal prognostic communication strategies in SABI targeted at surrogates’ current perspectives on decision-making.
TRIM25 inhibits HBV replication by promoting HBx degradation and the RIG-I-mediated pgRNA recognition
Authors: Song Hongxiao , Xiao Qingfei , Xu Fengchao , Wei Qi , Wang Fei , Tan Guangyun
Published: March 2023

Background:

The hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccine has been efficiently used for decades. However, hepatocellular carcinoma caused by HBV is still prevalent globally. We previously reported that interferon (IFN)-induced tripartite motif-containing 25 (TRIM25) inhibited HBV replication by increasing the IFN expression, and this study aimed to further clarify the anti-HBV mechanism of TRIM25.

Methods:

The TRIM25-mediated degradation of hepatitis B virus X (HBx) protein was determined by detecting the expression of HBx in TRIM25-overexpressed or knocked-out HepG2 or HepG2-NTCP cells via Western blotting. Co-immunoprecipitation was performed to confirm the interaction between TRIM25 and HBx, and colocalization of TRIM25 and HBx was identified via immunofluorescence; HBV e-antigen and HBV surface antigen were qualified by using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit from Kehua Biotech. TRIM25 mRNA, pregenomic RNA (pgRNA), and HBV DNA were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I) and pgRNA interaction was verified by RNA-binding protein immunoprecipitation assay.

Results:

We found that TRIM25 promoted HBx degradation, and confirmed that TRIM25 could enhance the K90-site ubiquitination of HBx as well as promote HBx degradation by the proteasome pathway. Interestingly, apart from the Really Interesting New Gene (RING) domain, the SPRY domain of TRIM25 was also indispensable for HBx degradation. In addition, we found that the expression of TRIM25 increased the recognition of HBV pgRNA by interacting with RIG-I, which further increased the IFN production, and SPRY, but not the RING domain is critical in this process.

Conclusions:

The study found that TRIM25 interacted with HBx and promoted HBx-K90-site ubiquitination, which led to HBx degradation. On the other hand, TRIM25 may function as an adaptor, which enhanced the recognition of pgRNA by RIG-I, thereby further promoting IFN production. Our study can contribute to a better understanding of host-virus interaction.
Effect of in-hospital evolocumab therapy on lipoprotein(a) in patients with acute myocardial infarction: a retrospective cohort study and a propensity score matching analysis
Authors: Gao Ge , Zheng Tao , Lan Beidi , Hui Weiying , Chen Shi , Yuan Zuyi , Wu Yue , Chiang John Y. L. , Chen Tao
Published: March 2023

Background and purpose:

Elevated lipoprotein(a) is associated with an increased risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Evolocumab, a proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitor, has been shown to reduce lipoprotein(a). However, the effect of evolocumab on lipoprotein(a) in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is poorly studied. This study aims to investigate the change in lipoprotein(a) under evolocumab therapy in patients with AMI.

Methods:

This retrospective cohort analysis included a total of 467 AMI patients with LDL-C level >2.6 mmol/L upon admission, among whom 132 received in-hospital evolocumab (140 mg every 2 weeks) plus statin (20 mg atorvastatin or 10 mg rosuvastatin per day) and the remaining 335 received statin only. Lipid profiles at 1-month follow-up were compared between the two groups. A propensity score matching analysis was also conducted based on age, sex, and baseline lipoprotein(a) at a 1:1 ratio using a 0.02 caliper.

Results:

At the 1-month follow-up, the lipoprotein(a) level decreased from 27.0 (17.5, 50.6) mg/dL to 20.9 (9.4, 52.5) mg/dL in evolocumab plus statin group, but increased from 24.5 (13.2, 41.1) mg/dL to 27.9 (14.8, 58.6) mg/dL in statin only group. The propensity score matching analysis included 262 patients (131 in each group). In subgroup analysis of the propensity score matching cohort stratified by the baseline lipoprotein(a) at cutoff values of 20 and 50 mg/dL, the absolute change in lipoprotein(a) was −4.9 (−8.5, −1.3), −5.0 (−13.9, 1.9), −0.2 (−9.9, 16.9) mg/dL in three subgroups in evolocumab plus statin group, and 0.9 (−1.7, 5.5), 10.7 (4.6, 21.9), 12.2 (2.9, 35.6) mg/dL in three subgroups in statin only group. In comparison to statin only group, evolocumab plus statin group had lower lipoprotein(a) level at 1 month in all subgroups (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:

In-hospital initiation of evolocumab on a background statin therapy reduced lipoprotein(a) level at 1-month follow-up in patients with AMI. Evolocumab plus statin therapy inhibited the increase in lipoprotein(a) in statin only therapy, regardless of the baseline lipoprotein(a) level.
The association of type and number of high-risk criteria with cancer-specific mortality in prostate cancer patients treated with radical prostatectomy
Authors: Chierigo Francesco , Flammia Rocco Simone , Sorce Gabriele , Hoeh Benedikt , Hohenhorst Lukas , Panunzio Andrea , Tian Zhe , Saad Fred , Graefen Marcus , Gallucci Michele , Briganti Alberto , Montorsi Francesco , Chun Felix K.H. , Shariat Shahrokh F. , Antonelli Alessandro , Guano Giovanni , Mantica Guglielmo , Borghesi Marco , Suardi Nazareno , Terrone Carlo , Karakiewicz Pierre I.
Published: March 2023

Objectives

This study aimed to test the association between of type and number of D'Amico high-risk criteria (DHRCs) with cancer-specific mortality (CSM) in high-risk prostate cancer patients treated with radical prostatectomy.

Materials and methods

In the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database (2004–2016), we identified 31,281 radical prostatectomy patients with at least 1 DHRC, namely, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) >20 ng/mL (hrPSA), biopsy Gleason Grade Group (hrGGG) score of 4 and 5, or clinical tumor stage ≥T3 (hrcT). Multivariable Cox regression models and competing risks regression models (adjusting for other cause mortality) tested the association between DHRCs and 5-year CSM.

Results

Of 31,281 patients, 14,394 (67%) exclusively harbored hrGGG, 3189 (15%) harbored hrPSA, and 1781 (8.2%) harbored hrcT. Only 2132 patients (6.8%) harbored a combination of the 2 DHRCs, and 138 (0.6%) had all 3 DHRCs. Five-year CSM rates ranged from 0.9% to 3.0% when any individual DHRC was present (hrcT, hrPSA, and hrGGG, in that order), 1.6% to 5.9% when 2 DHRCs were present (hrPSA-hrcT, hrcT-hrGGG, and hrPSA-hrGGG, in that order), and 8.1% when all 3 DHRCs were present. Cox regression models and competing risks regression confirmed the independent predictor status of DHRCs for 5-year CSM that was observed in univariable analyses, with hazard ratios from 1.00 to 2.83 for 1 DHRC, 2.35 to 5.88 for combinations of 2 DHRCs, and 7.13 for all 3 DHRCs.

Conclusions

Within individual DHRCs, hrcT and hrPSA exhibited weaker effects than hrGGG did. Moreover, a dose-response effect was identified according to the number of DHRCs. Accordingly, the type and number of DHRCs allow further risk stratification within the high-risk subgroup.