bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dam water conservation equation index using AHP and cluster analysis methods: a study on selected dams in Java
Authors: Hermawan D , Limantara L M
Published: March 2024

This research, which was conducted on 12 selected existing dams, focuses on the application of the Analytical Hierarchy Process method for determining the “Dam Conservation Equation Index” based on three main issues for water conservation: namely, dam contribution to reservoir water quality (DO, pH, TDS), groundwater (DO, TDS, pH) and local climate (min temperature, max temperature, precipitation). It is a new approach to indexing existing dams’ effect on water conservation. The result from the AHP method shows correlations between dams and water condition, with groundwater being affected, shown by a 70% effect on the priority scale, followed by local climate and reservoir water quality with approximately 20% and 10%, respectively. There is also the effect of ‘unknown parameters’ affected by dams, albeit not significantly. Meanwhile, the results from cluster analysis are: there are three clusters of dams in the research areas: cluster 1 (Cipancuh and Delingan dam), cluster 2 (Cacaban, Wadas Lintang, Sermo, Pondok, Lahor, Sampean Baru and Wonorejo dam) and cluster 3 (Darma, Malahayu). Cluster 1 and 3 are dams with the lowest water quality in the research area.
Storm water management model to evaluate urban inundation in Lowokwaru and Blimbing sub-catchments in the city of Malang
Authors: Asmaranto R , Fidari J S , Sari R R , Pramesti M Y
Published: March 2024

In the city of Malang, which is a highland area, there are still floods, including Blimbing and Lowokwaru sub-districts. One of the causal factors is the change of undeveloped areas becoming relatively large built-up areas in the Upper Brantas sub-watershed, from initially 20.5% in 2000 to 69.6% 20 years later. This change also impacts the transformation of irrigation canals that once irrigated rice fields, causing them to shift their function into drainage channels that carry runoff water toward natural channels (natural drainage). Consequently, the existing canal conditions cannot accommodate the runoff water. The research employed an approach that involved analyzing floodwater management models using the Storm Water Management Model (SWMM 5.1) and surveying existing canal data. The analysis results revealed that, within the studied areas of Blimbing Village and the Blimbing Catchment Area, 10 out of the existing 170 drainage channels were incapable of handling the discharge associated with rainfall intensities designed for return periods of 5 years (112.48 mm/day) and ten years (117.09 mm/day). In the Lowokwaru Catchment Area, it was evident that 18 out of the 216 existing canals experienced overflow events with designed flood discharge for 5-year and 10-year periods.
Engineering characteristics and classification based on JSCE in portal zones of Tunnel A, Yogyakarta - Bawen toll road, Magelang District, Central Java Province
Authors: Tamado D , Indrawan I G B , Aldiamar F
Published: March 2024

The Yogyakarta - Bawen Twin Tunnels emerge as an environmentally conscious solution for Toll Road Phase 5 (STA 6+300 to STA 27+640), addressing the ecological impact of open-cut excavation, which demands a staggering 1,209,056 m3. Open-cut excavation not only incurs substantial operational costs, encompassing disposal and treatment, but also poses threats like groundwater loss and erosion-induced landslides. The twin tunnels mitigate these concerns by limiting excavation volume to a mere 1/8, averting substantial costs and ecological damage. Challenges persist, particularly in the portal zones of Tunnel A, characterized by a shallow overburden and exposure to weathering. The Japan Society of Civil Engineers (JSCE) Method proves instrumental in assessing ground quality in these zones, considering factors such as competence, unit weight, unconfined compressive strength, depth of cover, elastic wave velocity, boring core condition, and geological characteristics. The analysis reveals a ground quality classification of E for the portal zone in Tunnel A, emphasizing the necessity for a meticulous design approach that incorporates analytical methodologies alongside empirical considerations. Notably, the unconfined compressive strength ranges from 32.89 to 472.88 kPa, and the elastic wave velocity spans 402 to 2000 meters/sec, reinforcing the imperative for a comprehensive and analytically informed design for excavation and support systems.
The impact of climate change on student psychological distress
Authors: Qinanthi Qinanthi , Yuliyanti Mela , Putri Nadya , Gayuh Putri Aji Titis , Puji Astuti Septin , Hastuti Rina
Published: March 2024

Indonesia is now experiencing abnormal severe hot weather, where El-Nino causes the increasing temperature to be above the average. Although El Nino is a common phenomenon that occurs naturally, climate change factors exacerbate the adverse impact of El Nino on human life. Many studies have presented empirical evidence on how climate change significantly affects individuals’ mental health, distress, burnout, and other related psychological wellbeing. However, little attention has been paid to the relationship between students’ psychological wellbeing and climate change, especially in Indonesia. This research aims to understand how environmental aspects can harm students’ psychological wellbeing, by measuring the correlation between climate change, mental health, and psychological distress. The variables that will be observed in this research are climate change exposure, pro-environmental behaviour, psychological distress, and positive mental health. Using the online survey method, the respondents of this research will be undergraduate students from many different universities in Indonesia. This research is expected to present the negative impact of climate change on positive mental health and psychological distress, which is moderated by environmental awareness.
Comparative analysis of early growth phase performance in F3 crossbred Indonesian chickens
Authors: Firdaus C R , Saraswati Y V , Maharani D , Erwanto Y , Guntoro B , Wibowo M H , Sasongko H
Published: March 2024

Body mass and ratio of feed conversion (FCR) are crucial factors for assessing production potential in local chickens. This study utilized a total of 116 F3 crossbred chickens resulting from the mating of Indonesian local chicken breeds, including Kampung Unggul Balitbangtan, Murung Panggang, Merawang Bangka, and Merawang Sembawa. The chickens were divided into six crossbred groups: BS1 (n = 19), BS2 (n = 19), BS3 (n = 20), BS4 (n = 19), BS5 (n = 20), and BS6 (n = 19), all managed under uniform conditions. Measurements of body mass and feed consumption during the pre-starter phase were taken at weeks 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 using a digital scale. Data from this study were subjected to ANOVA analysis, followed by a Duncan multiple range test The findings showed notable variations in body mass and FCR among all BS chicken groups (P < 0.05). Notably, BS5 exhibited the highest performance in both body mass and FCR analyses, achieving 392.50 ± 42.76g at week 4, and an overall FCR of 2.01 ± 0.80.
Theoretical substantiation of water inflow into the mined-out space of quarries mining hard-rock building materials
Authors: Cherniaiev Oleksii , Anisimov Oleh , Saik Pavlo , Akimov Oleksandr
Published: March 2024

This paper covers topical issues of groundwater and surface water inflow depending on the quarry field spatial dimensions, which leads to an increase in the costs of dewatering and drainage. The spatial dimensions of a quarry field are one of the key indicators in determining the appropriate depth of mining the deposits of hard-rock building materials. The theoretical research is performed using the following methods: statistical and analytical research method for analyzing the hydrological characteristics of non-metallic deposits and their parameters; graphic-analytical method for determining the area of the quarry walls from which water flows due to groundwater and atmospheric precipitation; technical-economic method for assessing the patterns of changes in costs for dewatering the quarry depth; and method of options for selecting the type of water drainage equipment. As a result, patterns have been obtained that characterize the change in the normative inflow of atmospheric precipitation depending on the quarry field area and the change in the unit costs for dewatering depending on the type of the studied quarry field. The practical significance of the conducted research is to use the obtained results of developed design solutions, tested and implemented in the scientific-technical (project) documentation for the mining conditions of Sofiivskyi, Mykytivskyi, Boleslavchykskyi, Chaplinskyi, and Lyubimivskyi fields of non-metallic hard-rock minerals.
Research of geospatial variability of quality indicators of Zlobychi alluvial ilmenite deposit
Authors: Krivoruchko Andrii , Remezova Olena , Levytskyi Volodymyr , Skyba Galyna , Kolodii Maryna
Published: March 2024

The paper assesses the geospatial variability of quality indicators of the Zlobychi alluvial ilmenite deposit of the Irsha group of deposits. The variability of quality indicators was also studied. Based on the use of statistical methods, the dependencies between individual quality indicators were established. A close correlation between the ilmenite content and the thickness of the formation, the thickness of the sole and the thickness of the peat, and an average correlation between the thickness of the formation and the thickness of the sole were found. The main result of the research is the construction of complex placer models, which are used to clarify the structure and conditions of the deposit formation, and to identify conditioned and unproductive areas. The correlation between the distribution of ilmenite and the value of the thickness of the ventilation crust was established. The data for determining the optimal development directions are presented and the zones of mineralization are identified.
Determination of rational technological schemes for the completion of open-pits taking into account land reclamation
Authors: Cherep Andrii
Published: March 2024

The analysis of objects of landscape disturbances under opencast mining is carried out. The arrangements for reclamation of residual mines and earth’s surface relief formation at the opencasts of the Pokrovskyi mining and processing enterprise are determined. The basic approaches for final extraction of opencasts in order to mining method are investigated. Reclamation processes during final open-pit mining are justified, taking into account the development of mineral reserves at the ends of the open-pit.
Macroscopic Bell state between a millimeter-sized spin system and a superconducting qubit
Authors: Xu Da , Gu Xu-Ke , Weng Yuan-Chao , Li He-Kang , Wang Yi-Pu , Zhu Shi-Yao , You J Q
Published: March 2024

Entanglement is a fundamental property in quantum mechanics that systems share inseparable quantum correlation regardless of their mutual distances. Owing to the fundamental significance and versatile applications, the generation of quantum entanglement between macroscopic systems has been a focus of current research. Here we report on the deterministic generation and tomography of the macroscopically entangled Bell state in a hybrid quantum system containing a millimeter-sized spin system (

∼

1
×

10

19

atoms) and a micrometer-sized superconducting qubit. The deterministic generation is realized by coupling the macroscopic spin system and the qubit via a microwave cavity. Also, we develop a joint tomography approach to confirming the deterministic generation of the Bell state, which gives a generation fidelity of

0.90
±
0.01

. Our work makes the macroscopic spin system the largest system (in the sense of atom number) capable of generating the maximally entangled quantum state.
Experimental investigations on sustainable mortar containing recycled seashell powder as cement partial replacement
Authors: Ahmed Saddam M , Chávez-Delgado Manuel , Avudaiappan Siva
Published: March 2024

Creating sustainable mortar containing recycled seashells is an innovative approach that can contribute to environmental conservation and reduce waste. The use of seashells as a partial replacement for traditional raw materials in mortar can have several benefits, including conservation of natural resources, waste reduction, and improved material properties. The current study uses Marsh Clam seashells after crushing the cleaned seashells into powder. Heated ( up to 600C°) and unheated seashells were considered in the experimental investigation. In both batches, a seashell powder (heated and unheated) was replaced with OPC cement in proportions of 6, 9 and 12% in the mixing process. XRD, SEM, EDS and mechanical tests were employed to determine the crystal structure and to provide a comprehensive understanding of the physical, chemical, and structural characteristics of the substance. The study concluded that the calcium carbonate (CaCO3) that is nature chemical form of seashells was turned to calcium oxide (CaO) during the heating process and the resulted product was highly reactive with water, improved microstructural properties of the concrete. It also promotes better particle packing, reduce porosity, and create a denser, more uniform concrete matrix and enhancing the overall performance of the material.
Taming travel time fluctuations through adaptive stop pooling
Authors: Lotze Charlotte , Marszal Philip , Schröder Malte , Timme Marc
Published: March 2024

Ride sharing services combine trips of multiple users in the same vehicle and may provide more sustainable transport than private cars. As mobility demand varies during the day, the travel times experienced by passengers may substantially vary as well, making the service quality unreliable. We show through model simulations that such travel time fluctuations may be drastically reduced by stop pooling. Having users walk to meet at joint locations for pick-up or drop-off allows buses to travel more direct routes by avoiding frequent door-to-door detours, especially during high demand. We in particular propose adaptive stop pooling by adjusting the maximum walking distance to the temporally and spatially varying demand. The results highlight that adaptive stop pooling may substantially reduce travel time fluctuations while even improving the average travel time of ride sharing services, especially for high demand. Such quality improvements may in turn increase the acceptance and adoption of ride sharing services.
Analysis and Benchmarking of feature reduction for classification under computational constraints
Authors: Subasi Omer , Ghosh Sayan , Manzano Joseph , Palmer Bruce , Marquez Andrés
Published: March 2024

Machine learning is most often expensive in terms of computational and memory costs due to training with large volumes of data. Current computational limitations of many computing systems motivate us to investigate practical approaches, such as feature selection and reduction, to reduce the time and memory costs while not sacrificing the accuracy of classification algorithms. In this work, we carefully review, analyze, and identify the feature reduction methods that have low costs/overheads in terms of time and memory. Then, we evaluate the identified reduction methods in terms of their impact on the accuracy, precision, time, and memory costs of traditional classification algorithms. Specifically, we focus on the least resource intensive feature reduction methods that are available in Scikit-Learn library. Since our goal is to identify the best performing low-cost reduction methods, we do not consider complex expensive reduction algorithms in this study. In our evaluation, we find that at quadratic-scale feature reduction, the classification algorithms achieve the best trade-off among competitive performance metrics. Results show that the overall training times are reduced 61%, the model sizes are reduced 6×, and accuracy scores increase 25% compared to the baselines on average with quadratic scale reduction.
Comparative analysis of models in predicting the effects of SNPs on TF-DNA binding using large-scale in vitro and in vivo data
Authors: Han Dongmei , Li Yurun , Wang Linxiao , Liang Xuan , Miao Yuanyuan , Li Wenran , Wang Sijia , Wang Zhen
Published: March 2024

Non-coding variants associated with complex traits can alter the motifs of transcription factor (TF)–deoxyribonucleic acid binding. Although many computational models have been developed to predict the effects of non-coding variants on TF binding, their predictive power lacks systematic evaluation. Here we have evaluated 14 different models built on position weight matrices (PWMs), support vector machines, ordinary least squares and deep neural networks (DNNs), using large-scale in vitro (i.e. SNP-SELEX) and in vivo (i.e. allele-specific binding, ASB) TF binding data. Our results show that the accuracy of each model in predicting SNP effects in vitro significantly exceeds that achieved in vivo. For in vitro variant impact prediction, kmer/gkm-based machine learning methods (deltaSVM_HT-SELEX, QBiC-Pred) trained on in vitro datasets exhibit the best performance. For in vivo ASB variant prediction, DNN-based multitask models (DeepSEA, Sei, Enformer) trained on the ChIP-seq dataset exhibit relatively superior performance. Among the PWM-based methods, tRap demonstrates better performance in both in vitro and in vivo evaluations. In addition, we find that TF classes such as basic leucine zipper factors could be predicted more accurately, whereas those such as C2H2 zinc finger factors are predicted less accurately, aligning with the evolutionary conservation of these TF classes. We also underscore the significance of non-sequence factors such as cis-regulatory element type, TF expression, interactions and post-translational modifications in influencing the in vivo predictive performance of TFs. Our research provides valuable insights into selecting prioritization methods for non-coding variants and further optimizing such models.
DMAF-Net: deformable multi-scale adaptive fusion network for dental structure detection with panoramic radiographs
Authors: Li Wei , Wang Yuanjun , Liu Yu
Published: March 2024

Objectives

Panoramic radiography is one of the most commonly used diagnostic modalities in dentistry. Automatic recognition of panoramic radiography helps dentists in decision support. In order to improve the accuracy of the detection of dental structural problems in panoramic radiographs, we have improved the You Only Look Once (YOLO) network and verified the feasibility of this new method in aiding the detection of dental problems.

Methods

We propose a Deformable Multi-scale Adaptive Fusion Net (DMAF-Net) to detect 5 types of dental situations (impacted teeth, missing teeth, implants, crown restorations, and root canal-treated teeth) in panoramic radiography by improving the YOLO network. In DMAF-Net, we propose different modules to enhance the feature extraction capability of the network as well as to acquire high-level features at different scales, while using adaptively spatial feature fusion to solve the problem of scale mismatches of different feature layers, which effectively improves the detection performance. In order to evaluate the detection performance of the models, we compare the experimental results of different models in the test set and select the optimal results of the models by calculating the average of different metrics in each category as the evaluation criteria.

Results

About 1474 panoramic radiographs were divided into training, validation, and test sets in the ratio of 7:2:1. In the test set, the average precision and recall of DMAF-Net are 92.7% and 87.6%, respectively; the mean Average Precision (mAP0.5 and mAP[0.5:0.95]) are 91.8% and 63.7%, respectively.

Conclusions

The proposed DMAF-Net model improves existing deep learning models and achieves automatic detection of tooth structure problems in panoramic radiographs. This new method has great potential for new computer-aided diagnostic, teaching, and clinical applications in the future.
Association of anxiety and recurrent cardiovascular events: investigating different aspects of anxiety
Authors: Leissner Philip , Held Claes , Humphries Sophia , Rondung Elisabet , Olsson Erik M G
Published: March 2024

Aims

While elevated levels of anxiety are associated with worse prognosis of cardiovascular disease (CVD), this association may vary between different aspects of anxiety. The aim of this study was to analyse self-reported behavioural, physiological, affective, and cognitive aspects of anxiety and their relation to the risk of recurrent CV events.

Methods and results

This prospective cohort study utilized data from the U-CARE Heart trial. Participants (N = 935, post myocardial infarction) answered the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS: Anxiety subscale) and the Cardiac Anxiety Questionnaire (CAQ: Fear, Avoidance & Attention subscales). HADS Anxiety reflected physiological aspects, CAQ Fear reflected cognitive and affective aspects, CAQ Avoidance reflected behavioural aspects, and CAQ Attention reflected cognitive aspects of anxiety. Cox regression was used to estimate the risk between anxiety and recurrent major adverse cardiac event (MACE). During the follow-up period (mean 2.9 years), 124 individuals (13%) experienced a specified MACE endpoint. HADS Anxiety and CAQ Total were both associated with increased risk of MACE [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.52, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.15–2.02 and HR = 1.30, 95% CI: 1.04–1.64, respectively]. Among the CAQ subscales, there was support for an association between Avoidance and risk of MACE (HR = 1.37, 95% CI 1.15–1.64), but not for Attention and Fear.

Conclusion

The results support that anxiety is associated with an increased risk of recurrent MACE in post-myocardial infarction patients. The association between anxiety and risk was strong for the aspects of anxiety relating to behaviour and physiology, while the support for an association with cognitive and affective aspects was lacking.
The double life of trichomes: understanding their dual role in herbivory and herbicide resistance
Authors: Johnson Nia M , Baucom Regina S
Published: March 2024

Understanding the evolutionary forces that maintain phenotypic variation in ecologically relevant traits has long been one of the central goals of evolutionary ecology. While the maintenance of variation in plant defense is most often hypothesized to be due to trait trade-offs or spatiotemporal variation in herbivore abundance, the role that heterogeneous selective agents may play on the maintenance of variation in plant defense is less examined. Trichomes are hair-like appendages on plant surfaces that can defend against multiple damaging agents such as pathogens, herbivores, and UV radiation. It is currently unknown however if conflicting selection from such heterogeneous agents of damage may act to maintain the variation observed in trichome traits. Here, we assess whether trichomes serve as an herbicide resistance trait and how it coincides with the conventionally studied defensive strategy of herbivory resistance. In a series of experiments, we exposed the annual invasive velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti) to glyphosate (active ingredient in “Roundup”) to investigate whether trichome traits (type and density) are linked to herbicide resistance and to test whether herbicide influences selection on plant trichomes. We found that an increased proportion of branched trichomes positively impacted herbicide resistance and chewing herbivory resistance. We also found evidence that glyphosate imposes positive selection on branched trichomes in velvetleaf. Overall, our results indicate that branched trichomes can contribute to both herbicide and herbivory resistance, serving a concordant rather than conflicting role to reduce plant injury. Our findings further suggest that novel anthropogenic agents of selection can alter the composition of plant defense traits, potentially impacting trait-mediated interactions among external stressors.
(Z, Z, Z)-3,6,9-Nonadecadiene, a potential inhibitor of sex pheromone of Grey Tea Geometrid (Lepidoptera: Geometridae): electroantennogram test, wind tunnel, and in silico study
Authors: Lu Hao , Wu Qimeng , Yang Yun-Qiu , Li Qian-Kun , Huang Yan-Zhang , Li Yuan-Chuan , Wan Xiao-chun , Guo Feng
Published: March 2024

Sex pheromone analogs have high structural similarity to sex pheromone components. They also play a role in studying many agricultural pests. In our study, (Z, Z, Z)-3,6,9-nonadecadiene (Z3Z6Z9-19:Hy) was successfully synthesized, which is an analogue to 1 of 2 sex pheromone components of Ectropis grisescens Warren (Z, Z, Z)-3,6,9-octadecatriene (Z3Z6Z9-18:Hy), and it showed potential inhibition in experiments. In the electroantennogram test, Z3Z6Z9-19:Hy showed a dose-dependent response, and only measured half the response of Z3Z9-6,7-epo-18:Hy. However, the compound significantly reduced positive response of E. grisescens males by up to 70% in the Y-tube olfactometer. Furthermore, in the wind tunnel, it significantly inhibited all types of behavioral responses. The percentage of moths contacting the pheromone odor source was reduced even at the lowest dose tested. In silico study afterward, molecular docking results showed affinity between Z3Z6Z9-19:Hy and sensory neuron membrane protein 1. Our study revealed the potential of Z3Z6Z9-19:Hy as a sex pheromone inhibitor, which would provide new tools for monitoring and mating disruption of E. grisescens.
Development of a core outcome set for treatment studies for provoked vestibulodynia
Authors: Bohm-Starke Nina , Pukall Caroline , Österberg Marie , Ahlberg Maria , Jonsson Ann Kristine , Tranæus Sofia , Kempe Susanna , Hellberg Christel
Published: March 2024

Background

There is an inconsistency in treatment outcomes used in clinical trials for provoked vestibulodynia (PVD), which makes it impossible to compare the effects of different interventions.

Aim

In this study, we completed the first step in creating a core outcome set (COS), defining what outcomes should be measured in clinical trials for PVD.

Methods

Identification of outcomes used in studies was done by extracting data from clinical trials in a recently published systematic review and via review of clinical trials for PVD registered on ClinicalTrials.gov. The COS process consisted of 2 rounds of Delphi surveys and a consensus meeting, during which the final COS was decided through a modified nominal group technique.

Outcomes

Consensus on what outcomes to include in a COS for PVD.

Results

Forty scientific articles and 92 study protocols were reviewed for outcomes. Of those, 36 articles and 25 protocols were eligible, resulting in 402 outcomes, which were then categorized into 63 unique outcomes. Participants consisted of patients, relatives/partners of patients, health care professionals, and researchers. Out of 463 who registered for participation, 319 and 213 responded to the first and second surveys, respectively. The consensus meeting consisted of 18 members and resulted in 6 outcomes for the COS to be measured in all treatment trials regardless of intervention: insertional pain (nonsexual), insertional pain (sexual), provoked vulvar pain by pressure/contact, pain-related interference on one’s life, pain interference on sexual life, and sexual function.

Clinical Implications

Critical outcomes to be measured in clinical trials will allow for accurate comparison of outcomes across treatment interventions and provide solid treatment recommendations.

Strengths and Limitations

The major strengths of the study are the adherence to methodological recommendations and the intentional focus on aspects of diversity of participating stakeholders (eg, status such as patients with lived experience and researchers, inclusiveness with respect to sexual identity), the latter of which will allow for broader application and relevance of the COS. Among the limitations of the study are the low rate of participants outside North America and Europe and the lower response rate (about 50%) for the second Delphi survey.

Conclusion

In this international project, patients, health care professionals, and researchers have decided what critical outcomes are to be used in future clinical trials for PVD. Before the COS can be fully implemented, there is also a need to decide on how and preferably when the outcomes should be measured.
The impact of sire breed on feedlot performance and carcass characteristics of beef × Holstein steers
Authors: Basiel Bailey L , Campbell Jonathan A , Dechow Chad D , Felix Tara L
Published: March 2024

Dairy herds are mating a portion of cows to beef cattle semen to create a value-added calf. Objectives of this study were to compare the feedlot performance and carcass characteristics of beef × Holstein steers by breed when sires represented bulls with commercially available semen. Three groups of single-born, male calves (n = 262) born to Holstein dams on 10 Pennsylvania dairies were sourced during 3 yr. Steers were sired by seven beef breeds: Angus, Charolais, Limousin, Hereford, Red Angus, Simmental, and Wagyu. Steers were picked up within a week of age and raised at two preweaned calf facilities until weaning (8 ± 1 wk of age) under similar health and management protocols. Steers were then transported to a commercial calf growing facility where they were managed as a single group until 10 ± 2 mo of age when they were moved to be finished at the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture’s Livestock Evaluation Center feedlot. Groups of steers were selected for slaughter based on body weight. Carcass characteristics were evaluated by trained personnel and a three-rib section of the longissimus muscle (LM) was collected from each carcass for Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF) evaluation and intramuscular fat determination. Steers sired by all sire breeds except for Limousin had greater average daily gain (ADG; 1.62 to 1.76 kg/d) than Wagyu × Holstein steers (1.39 kg/d; P < 0.05). Angus-sired steers had an 8.6% greater ADG than Red Angus-sired steers (P < 0.05). Angus, Charolais (1.73 kg/d), and Simmental-sired steers (1.68 kg/d) also had greater ADG than Limousin-sired steers (1.55 kg/d; P < 0.05). Wagyu × Holstein steers spent 5 to 26 more days on feed (P < 0.05) than Limousin × Holstein, Simmental × Holstein, Angus × Holstein, and Charolais × Holstein steers. Angus and Charolais-sired steers were also on feed for 19 and 21 d fewer, respectively, than Limousin-sired steers (P < 0.05). Red Angus-sired steers had greater marbling scores than Simmental and Limousin-sired steers and Angus and Charolais-sired steers had greater marbling scores than Limousin-sired steers (P < 0.05). Angus, Limousin, and Hereford-sired steers produced the most tender LM as evaluated by WBSF; Angus-sired carcasses (3.82 kg) were more tender than Charolais (4.30 kg) and Simmental-sired carcasses (4.51 kg; P < 0.05). Limousin and Hereford-sired steers (3.70 and 3.83 kg, respectively) also had more tender steaks than Simmental-sired steers.
Scutellaria barbata D.Don extract regulates Ezrin-mediated triple negative breast cancer progress via suppressing the RhoA /ROCK1 signaling
Authors: Niu Junjie , Hu Jinyang , Wang Zhu
Published: March 2024

Background

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) lacks effective therapeutic targets. Scutellaria barbata D.Don (SB) has been revealed to have anti-breast cancer (BC) effect, but the effect of SB extract in TNBC is still unclear. Herein, this research delves into the underlying mechanism.

Methods

SB was extracted by solvent extraction, and the main components were identified using an Agilent 6,520 HPLC-Chip/Q-TOF (Chip/Q-TOF) MS system. In vitro cell experiments were conducted. The effects of SB extract alone, SB extract plus EGF, GSK alone, GSK plus Ezrin overexpression, or SB extract plus Ezrin overexpression on cell viability, invasion, migration, and apoptosis were examined by cell function experiments. The apoptosis- and RhoA/ROCK1 pathway-related protein levels were analyzed by western blot assay.

Results

Mass spectrometry analysis exhibited that SB extract mainly contains long-chain fatty acids and ursolic acid. SB extract mitigated TNBC cell biological phenotypes, apoptosis- and RhoA/ROCK1 pathway-related marker expressions, which were reversed by EGF. The further results found that GSK obviously weakens TNBC cell biological behaviors, apoptosis- and RhoA/ROCK1 signaling-related protein levels, while oe-Ezrin treatment reverses the effect of GSK on TNBC cells. Moreover, SB extract regulated Ezrin-mediated function of TNBC cells by impeding the RhoA/ROCK1 pathway.

Conclusion

Our findings demonstrated that SB extract regulated Ezrin-mediated proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis of TNBC cells via suppressing the RhoA /ROCK1 signaling. Our results offer the experimental foundation for further investigation of the anti-cancer role of SB in TNBC cells.

Highlights
Genetic Diversity Analysis of Anisogramma anomala in the Pacific Northwest and New Jersey
Authors: Tobia Janine , Muehlbauer Megan , Honig Josh A. , Pscheidt Jay W. , Hillman Bradley I. , Molnar Thomas J.
Published: March 2024

Anisogramma anomala, a biotrophic ascomycete, causes eastern filbert blight (EFB) of hazelnuts (Corylus spp.). EFB is endemic in eastern North America, preventing the commercial production of European hazelnut (C. avellana L.). In contrast, the historic absence of A. anomala in the Pacific Northwest (PNW) supported the development of a robust hazelnut industry. Circa 1960, A. anomala was inadvertently introduced into southwestern Washington, causing orchard devastation. Distribution of the pathogen in the PNW has been hypothesized to be the result of a single-point introduction. This study aimed to investigate the single-point introduction hypothesis of A. anomala by comparing the genetic diversity of A. anomala samples from the PNW and New Jersey (NJ). Specimens from the main PNW production region (n = 60) and an area within the pathogen’s native range, NJ (n = 151), were genotyped using 15 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. The following were used to assess genetic diversity and population structure: allelic summary statistics, discriminant analysis of principal components, network median-joining tree, analysis of multilocus genotypes, and allelic population diversity analysis. Analyses separated the samples into one cluster containing all the PNW isolates, and five clusters of NJ isolates. The PNW samples were nearly genetically uniform, and the NJ isolates were diverse. These findings support the hypothesis that A. anomala in the PNW was derived from a single-point introduction and corroborate previous studies that have shown A. anomala is very diverse in NJ. This indicates that maintaining restrictions on the movement of Corylus into the PNW is important to prevent the introduction of new populations of A. anomala, thus protecting the PNW hazelnut industry.
Identification and Molecular Characterization of Dahlia Common Mosaic Virus from Silphium spp., a New Natural Host of the Virus
Authors: Zhai Ying , Gnanasekaran Prabu , Iftikhar Romana , Turner Kathryn , Van Tassel David , Cassetta Eric , Lubin Terra , Pappu Hanu R.
Published: March 2024

Dahlia common mosaic virus (DCMV) was previously reported to infect only dahlias ( Dahlia variabilis). However, DCMV was identified for the first time in association with Silphium spp. The complete genome of DCMV was cloned and sequenced from naturally occurring symptomatic silphium plants grown in Kansas. The two DCMV silphium isolates sequenced showed over 98% sequence identity with those reported from dahlia ( D. variabilis). The D. variabilis endogenous pararetroviral sequence (DvEPRS) was also detected in all 19 silphium samples tested in this study, suggesting that DvEPRS may exist as an integrated sequence in the silphium genome as well. Our findings indicate that the host range of DCMV appears to include other plant species besides dahlia.

[Formula: see text] Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license .
Efficacy and Safety of PrabotulinumtoxinA in Subjects With Benign Masseteric Hypertrophy: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Multicenter, Phase 3 Trial and Open-Label Extension Study
Authors: Seok Joon , Koh Young Gue , Hong Jun Ki , Yun So Hye , Kim Da Hye , Son Hyung Seok , Choi Sun Young , Yoo Kwang Ho , Lee Yang Won , Kim Beom Joon
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND

Despite the widespread use of botulinum toxin (BTX) injection for the treatment of masseter muscle hypertrophy (MMH), there is no standard treatment option.

OBJECTIVE

We report the efficacy and safety for BTX in MMH over a period of 48 weeks.

METHODS

In double-blinded, placebo-controlled phase 3 trials, 180 patients (randomized 1:1) received treatment with placebo (normal saline) or prabotulinumtoxinA (48 units). Masseter muscle thickness (at maximal clenching and resting positions), 3D imaging analysis, and masseter muscle hypertrophy scale grades were analyzed at each time point. After the 24-week CORE study, all patients who met the same criteria of the CORE study at week 24 (n = 114) received only prabotulinumtoxinA, regardless of previous treatment, for an additional 24 weeks (48 weeks in total) for the open-label extension study.

RESULTS

The largest differences in mean and percent changes from baseline in masseter muscle thickness were observed at 12 weeks, and there were significant differences between the 2 groups at all time points (all p < .001). The effect was independent of the number of injections. No serious adverse event was observed.

CONCLUSION

PrabotulinumtoxinA could effectively ameliorate MMH without major complications.
Effectiveness of head-mounted ultrasound display for radial arterial catheterisation in paediatric patients by anaesthesiology trainees
Authors: Kim Jin-Tae , Park Jung-Bin , Kang Pyoyoon , Ji Sang-Hwan , Kim Eun-Hee , Lee Ji-Hyun , Kim Hee-Soo , Jang. Young-Eun
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND

The effectiveness of head mounted real-time ultrasound displays (hereafter referred to as ‘smart glasses’) in improving hand-eye coordination in less experienced individuals, such as trainees in anaesthesia, is unclear.

OBJECTIVES

To compare the first-attempt success rate of smart glasses-assisted ultrasound-guided paediatric radial artery catheterisation with conventional ultrasound guided catheterisation performed by anaesthesiology trainees.

DESIGN

Prospective randomised controlled trial

SETTINGS

Tertiary university hospital from September 2021 to February 2023.

PATIENTS

One hundred and twenty-two paediatric patients (age <7 years, weight ≥3 kg) who required radial artery cannulation during general anaesthesia.

INTERVENTIONS

The participants were randomly assigned to either the ultrasound screen group (control) or the smart glasses group prior to radial artery catheterisation.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome was the first attempt success rate. Secondary outcomes included the number of attempts, use of transfixion technique, overall complication rate, and clinical anaesthesiology (CA) year of the operators.

RESULTS

A total of 119 paediatric patients were included in the analysis. The smart glasses group exhibited higher first-attempt success rate than did the control group (89.8% [53/59] vs. 71.7% [43/60]; P = 0.023; odds ratio (OR) 3.49; (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.27–9.6). The overall number of attempts [median, 1; interquartile range (IQR), 1–1; range, 1–3 vs. median, 1; IQR, 1–2; range, 1–4; P 
= 0.006], use of transfixion technique (12/59 [20.3%] vs. 28/60 [46.7%]; P = 0.002), and overall complication rate (6.8% [4/59] vs. 30.0% [18/60]; P = 0.002) were lower in the smart glasses group than in the control group. However, among paediatric anaesthesiology fellows (CA 5 years), the first- (89.3% [25/28] vs. 80.8% [21/26]; P = 0.619) and second-attempt success rates (96.4% [27/28] vs. 80.8% [21/26]; P = 0.163) did not differ between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Smart glasses-assisted ultrasound guided radial artery catheterisation improved the first attempt success rate among anaesthesiology trainees, reducing the number of attempts and overall complication rates in small paediatric patients. Smart glasses were more effective for anaesthesia residents (CA 2–4 years) but were not effective for paediatric anaesthesiology fellows (CA 5 years).

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05030649; registered 1 September 2021; principal investigator, Prof. Jin-Tae Kim) (https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05030649).
Rapid in vivo evaluation system for cholestasis-related genes in mice with humanized bile acid profiles
Authors: Wakasa Kihiro , Tamura Ryutaro , Osaka Shuhei , Takei Hajime , Asai Akihiro , Nittono Hiroshi , Kusuhara Hiroyuki , Hayashi Hisamitsu
Published: March 2024

Background:

Pediatric cholestatic liver diseases (Ped-CLD) comprise many ultrarare disorders with a genetic basis. Pharmacologic therapy for severe cases of Ped-CLD has not been established. Species differences in bile acid (BA) metabolism between humans and rodents contribute to the lack of phenocopy of patients with Ped-CLD in rodents and hinder the development of therapeutic strategies. We aimed to establish an efficientin vivosystem to understand BA-related pathogenesis, such as Ped-CLD.

Methods:

We generated mice that express spCas9 specifically in the liver (L-Cas9Tg/Tg[liver-specific Cas9Tg/Tg] mice) and designed recombinant adeno-associated virus serotype 8 encoding small-guide RNA (AAV8 sgRNA) targetingAbcc2,Abcb11, andCyp2c70. In humans,ABCC2andABCB11deficiencies cause constitutional hyperbilirubinemia and most severe Ped-CLD, respectively.Cyp2c70encodes an enzyme responsible for the rodent-specific BA profile. Six-week-old L-Cas9Tg/Tgmice were injected with this AAV8 sgRNA and subjected to biochemical and histological analysis.

Results:

Fourteen days after the injection with AAV8 sgRNA targetingAbcc2, L-Cas9Tg/Tgmice exhibited jaundice and phenocopied patients withABCC2deficiency. L-Cas9Tg/Tgmice injected with AAV8 sgRNA targetingAbcb11showed hepatomegaly and cholestasis without histological evidence of liver injury. Compared toAbcb11alone, simultaneous injection of AAV8 sgRNA forAbcb11andCyp2c70humanized the BA profile and caused higher transaminase levels and parenchymal necrosis, resembling phenotypes withABCB11deficiency.

Conclusions:

This study provides proof of concept for efficientin vivoassessment of cholestasis-related genes in humanized bile acid profiles. Our platform offers a more time- and cost-effective alternative to conventional genetically engineered mice, increasing our understanding of BA-related pathogenesis such as Ped-CLD and expanding the potential for translational research.
Supermicrosurgical lymphovenous anastomosis
Authors: Lin Chih-Hsun , Yamamoto Takumi
Published: March 2024

Lymphedema impairs patients’ function and quality of life. Currently, supermicrosurgical lymphovenous anastomosis (LVA) is regarded as a significant and effective treatment for lymphedema. This article aims to review recent literature on this procedure, serving as a reference for future research and surgical advancements. Evolving since the last century, LVA has emerged as a pivotal domain within modern microsurgery. It plays a crucial role in treating lymphatic disorders. Recent literature discusses clinical imaging, surgical techniques, postoperative care, and efficacy. Combining advanced tools, precise imaging, and surgical skills, LVA provides a safer and more effective treatment option for lymphedema patients, significantly enhancing their quality of life. This procedure also presents new challenges and opportunities in the realm of microsurgery.
Rectal Sparing Approach after preoperative Radio- and/or Chemo-therapy (ReSARCh): a prospective, multicenter, observational study
Authors: Spolverato Gaya , Bao Quoc Riccardo , Delrio Paolo , Guerrieri Mario , Ortenzi Monica , Cillara Nicola , Restivo Angelo , Deidda Simona , Spinelli Antonino , Romano Carmela , Bianco Francesco , Sarzo Giacomo , Morpurgo Emilio , Belluco Claudio , Palazzari Elisa , Chiloiro Giuditta , Meldolesi Elisa , Coco Claudio , Pafundi Donato P. , Feleppa Cosimo , Aschele Carlo , Bonomo Michele , Muratore Andrea , Mellano Alfredo , Chiaulon Germana , Crimì Filippo , Maretto Isacco , Perin Alessandro , Urso Emanuele D.L. , Scarpa Marco , Bigon Mariasole , Scognamiglio Federico , Bergamo Francesca , Del Bianco Paola , Gambacorta Maria Antonietta , Rega Daniela , Pucciarelli Salvatore
Published: March 2024

Background:

Rectal-sparing approaches for patients with rectal cancer who achieved a complete or major response following neoadjuvant therapy constitute a paradigm of a potential shift in the management of patients with rectal cancer; however, their role remains controversial. The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of rectal-sparing approaches to preserve the rectum without impairing the outcomes.

Methods:

This prospective, multicenter, observational study investigated the outcomes of patients with clinical stage II–III mid-low rectal adenocarcinoma treated with any neoadjuvant therapy, and either transanal local excision or watch-and-wait approach, based on tumor response (major or complete) and patient/surgeon choice. The primary endpoint of the study was rectum preservation at a minimum follow-up of 2 years. Secondary endpoints were overall, disease-free, local and distant recurrence-free, and stoma-free survival at 3 years.

Results:

Of the 178 patients enrolled in 16 centers, 112 (62.9%) were managed with local excision and 66 (37.1%) with watch-and-wait. At a median (interquartile range) follow-up of 36.1 (30.6–45.6) months, the rectum was preserved in 144 (80.9%) patients. The 3-year rectum-sparing, overall survival, disease-free survival, local recurrence-free survival, and distant recurrence-free survival was 80.6% (95% CI 73.9–85.8), 97.6% (95% CI 93.6–99.1), 90.0% (95% CI 84.3–93.7), 94.7% (95% CI 90.1–97.2), and 94.6% (95% CI 89.9–97.2), respectively. The 3-year stoma-free survival was 95.0% (95% CI 89.5–97.6). The 3-year regrowth-free survival in the watch-and-wait group was 71.8% (95% CI 59.9–81.2).

Conclusions:

In rectal cancer patients with major or complete clinical response after neoadjuvant therapy, the rectum can be preserved in about 80% of cases, without compromising the outcomes.
Updates in the management of postoperative pancreatic fistula
Authors: Nebbia Martina , Capretti Giovanni , Nappo Gennaro , Zerbi Alessandro
Published: March 2024

Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) remains a common and dreaded complication after pancreatic resections and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Over the years, several different strategies have been investigated to prevent and mitigate POPF. However, when a POPF occurs, a consensus on the optimal management strategy of grade B and grade C POPF is still lacking, and the current management strategy is often based on local expertise and driven by patient’s condition. Nevertheless, whereas the incidence of POPF after pancreatic surgery has remained stable, the overall mortality related to this complication has decreased over the years. This reflects an improvement in the management of this complication, which has become increasingly conservative. The aim of this review is to provide an updated evidence-based overview on the management strategies of POPF for surgeons and physicians in the clinical practice.