bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Increasing oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) production by the application of humic substance and zeolite as carrier
Authors: Suwardi  , Pratiwi D F , Suryaningtyas D T
Published: January 2020

Oil palm is considered as the flagship plantation crop in Indonesia in terms of developed area and its contribution to national GDP. It can grow well enough even on marginal lands such as in acid sulfate soils, acid soils, and peat soils given high annual rainfall and good site management, particularly in terms of controlled soil water regimes. However, many oil palm plantations in the country, especially those developed and managed by rural farmers, still suffer from relatively low production yields. This can be attributed to poor soil quality, which are characterized mainly by low pH, CEC, and organic C values. Thus, in order to increase oil palm production, soil amendment practices, such as fertilization, are required. Humic substances are complex organic compounds that can improve the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soils and stimulate plant growth. However, they are generally applied in the field in small quantities, in liquid form. As such, humic substances in the soil can be leached quickly, hence, a carrying and binding medium is needed to hold them longer and release them back slowly. Zeolite, which is a highly porous and adsorbent material and has a high cation exchange capacity (CEC), can serve this function. Thus, this study aimed to increase oil palm production by using humic substance with zeolite as carrier. Twelve treatment combinations, consisting of 4 doses of humic substance (HS): 0 L/ha (H0), 5 L/ha (H1), 10 L/ha (H2), and 15 L/ha (H3); and 3 doses of carrier zeolite: 0 kg of zeolite/L HS (Z0), 10 kg of zeolite/L HS (Z1), and 20 kg of zeolite/L HS (Z2). Each treatment was applied to oil palm trees aged 6 years in Block 26, Compartment 1 of PT Perkebunan Nusantara (PTPN) VIII in Cimulang, Bogor. The results showed that the application of humic substance could increase gross fresh fruit bunch (FFB) weight. The application of 10 L of humic substance with 20 kg zeolite/L HS (H2Z2) produced FFB that can yield 32 tons/ha/year, or a 30% increment, compared to Control. In summary, the best treatment combination in this study was 10 L/ha HS with 20 kg zeolite carrier for every liter HS.
Acceleration and improvement of productivity by inorganic and organic fertilizer application for six-year-old mature palm oil
Authors: Sudradjat  , Ummah A S , Surahman M
Published: January 2020

The objectives of this research are to study the effect of single fertilizer package, compound NPK fertilizer package, organic fertilizer package, and micro fertilizer package on growth (morphology and physiology), and productivity for six-year-old oil palm. The research was conducted from April 2018 to March 2019 at IPB-Cargill Oil Palm Teaching Farm, Jonggol, Bogor, West Java. The research was designed in Randomized Complete Group with three repetitions. There are eleven treatments: control (P0), 3 kg urea + 2 kg SP-36 + 3 kg KCl + 50 g Borat + 50 g CuSO4.5H2O (P1), 6 kg urea + 4 kg SP-36 + 6 kg KCl + 50 g Borat + 50 g CuSO4.5H2O (P2), 9 kg urea + 6 kg SP-36 + 9 kg KCl + 50 g Borat + 50 g CuSO4.5H2O (P3), 4 kg + 50 g Borat + 50 g CuSO4. 5H2O (P4), 8 kg NPK + 50 g Borat + 50 g CuSO4.5H2O (P5), 12 kg NPK + 50 g Borat + 50 g CuSO4.5H2O (P6), 6 kg urea + 4 kg SP-36 + 6 kg KCl (P7), 8 kg NPK (P8), 6 kg urea + 4 kg SP-36 + 6 kg KCl + 100 kg organic fertilizer (P9), dan 6 kg urea + 4 kg SP-36 + 6 kg KCl + 200 kg organic fertilizer (P10) per plant per year. Data were analyzed with analysis variance, if there was a significant treatment effect, the further analysis using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT). The result showed that inorganic fertilizer and organic fertilizer package significantly increased stem girth but did not significantly affect other morphologal variables. The treatments of inorganic fertilizer and organic fertilizer package significantly increased effect of variable productivity (production number of bunches, number and weight of fresh fruit bunches (FFB) and productivity). The increased productivity with organic fertilizer package 6,0 kg urea + 4,0 kg SP-36 + 6,0 kg KCl + 100 kg organic fertilizer per plan per year (P9) is the higher effect (265.59%) compared to control.
Incidence and severity of mottle disease in black pepper plants (piper nigrum) in Sukamulya Research Station, Sukabumi Regency, West Java
Authors: Miftakhurohmah  , Hidayat S H , Mutaqin K H , Soekarno B P W , Wahyuno D
Published: January 2020

Mottle disease, caused by viral infection is one of the main disease in black pepper plants. Piper yellow mottle virus (PYMoV) and Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) are recorded as the causal agent of mottle disease in several countries. Research was conducted at the Sukamulya Research Station, Sukabumi Regency, West Java, to observe disease incidence and identify the associated virus. Field observation and sampling was carried out on 50 black pepper plants, aged around 3-4 years. Virus detection was performed by PCR and reverse transcription (RT)-PCR using a primer pair that amplified the ORF III of PYMoV (AIB 104/AIB 105), and CMV coat protein (AIB 1/AIB 2), followed by sequencing and analysis of nucleotide sequences. Incidence and severity of mottle disease in Sukamulya reached 100% and 32.50%, respectively. Specific DNA target were successfully amplified, i.e. 400 bp and 650 bp for PYMoV and CMV, respectively. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that PYMoV isolate from Sukamulya is closely related with PYMoV isolates from India (DQ83623); while CMV isolate from Sukamulya is closely related with CMV isolates from Indonesian bananas (AB069971), and it is belonged to subgroup 1B, as did CMV from black pepper in India (AY545924).
Acceleration adaption for integrated sugarcane cultivation technology through field laboratory practices
Authors: Cholid M , Machfud M
Published: January 2020

The use of superior varieties must involve cultivation aspects. The use of superior varieties supported by good cultivation techniques will provide higher sugarcane yields and productivity compared to conventional cultivation systems. Problems in sugarcane cultivation by farmers were identified and then those are used for assembling the suitable cultivation technology. The acceleration activity was carried out in Sukobendu village, Mantup District, Lamongan Regency, in January - December 2015 using an area of around 10 ha. The 10 ha land consists of 9 ha of farmer’s land, with providing qualified sugar cane seeds, while 1 ha is used for Field Laboratory media. In field laboratory plot, cultivation technique applied consted of budchip seeds, introduction of double planting systems, addition of organic fertilizers, optimal plant maintenance and proper leaf detrashing. The use of bud chip seeds resulted in a highest sugarcane production and farmers’ income. Implementation of integrated sugarcane cultivation technology in field laboratory could be an inspiration for the farmers to adopt the cultivation technology. These include unloading ratoon, the use of early mature and drought resistant varieties, bud chip seeds, double planting system, addition of organic fertilizer, and an optimal plant maintenance.
C synthetic gene of CryIAb-CryIAc fusion to generate resistant sugarcane to shoot or stem borer
Authors: Koerniati S , Sukmadjaja D , Samudra I M
Published: January 2020

The sugar yield lost caused by borer is about 10% or equal to 1000 kg of sugar/ha. There is no resistance trait to stem or shoot borer available in sugarcane germplasm. Genetic engineering by expressing of the Cry1Ab-Cry1Ac gene fusion is efforts to develop resistant variety to borer. A synthetic gene which consists of Rubisco gene promoter, chloroplast specific transit peptide (CTP) and the Cry1Ab-Cry1Ac was designed and assembled for a total size of 4019bp. It was inserted into pU3775CE plasmid cloning, and then into pCAMBIA5300_Ubi-tNOS plasmid vector at HindIII and KpnI sites, producing of pCAMBIA5300_RbcS::Cry1Ab- Cry1Ac. This plasmid was transforming into Agrobacterium tumefaciens and then transformed into Bulu Lawang (BL) sugarcane calli. Research aims were to identify lines produced from plant transformation molecularly and to evaluate their resistances against shoot borer. Methods applied were a DNA isolation and PCR using KAPA 2G ready mix and CryIAc-316F and CryIAc-316R primers, and plant bioassay with larva instar 1. Research progresses were 30 lines had been identified and proved containing of the cryIAc gene. Preliminary results of bioassay showed that there was variation among 10 BL Cry lines on shoots (from healthy to wilt and dry) and also on shoot borer conditions.
Food crops farming under Sunan candlenut (Reutealis trisperma (Blanco) Airy Shaw) stand at Pati and Asembagus
Authors: Santoso B , Cholid M , Soemarno
Published: January 2020

The main obstacle in developing Sunan candlenut plants is slow productive age (fruiting in the 5-6th year). By integrating food crops as intercrops between candlenut plants, farmers are expected to still be able to obtain income from intercropping before the candlenut plants produce. In addition, intercropping can optimize nutrient utilization from soil and fertilization, and increase soil fertility by using intercrop residual biomass. The selection of intercropping plants was adjusted to the interests of farmers by utilizing the space between the stands of candlenut trees. In the selection of food crops must be considered factors of climate suitability, altitude, soil type, cultivated soil layer thickness, and rain characteristics. This research was aimed to evaluate the farming income of intercropping candlenut with mung beans, sesame, peanut and maize. The research was conducted in Asembagus and Muktiharjo, where mung bean and sesame were planted in Asembagus, and peanuts and maize planted in Muktiharjo as intercropped plants. The results of farm analysis of each intercropping plant, namely: mung beans, sesame, peanut and maize each of them gave a profit per hectare of 11,380,000 IDR, 4,510,000 IDR, 24.375,000 IDR, and 6.080,000 IDR respectively.
Acceleration of productive age through candlenut [Reutealis trisperma (blanco) airy shaw] grafting method
Authors: Cholid M , Santoso B
Published: January 2020

The main constraints in toxic candlenut [Reutealis trisperma (Blanco) Airy Shaw] cultivation is late harvest time initiation, naturally begin to fruit at the age of 5-6 years after planting, so the crop management research is directed to more quickly harvest time (less than 5 years) through grafting. The study was carried out to determine grafting technique supporting high compatibility by studying aspects of scion sources and method of grafting, on grafting success and morphological performance during early process of graft formation and seedling stage, further plant growth. The treatment design used was Randomized Block Design (RBD) with four replications, consisting of five grafting treatments: 1) KS1/KS1 cleft grafting, 2) KS1/KS2 cleft grafting, 3) KS1/KS1 whip grafting, 4) KS1/KS2 whip grafting, and 5) KS1 plants from seed (ungrafted plant). The best grafting technique was treatment combination of scion of KS2 and top cleft or V-shaped grafting. Observation of 3 years old showed that the productive age of grafted plants faster than ungrafted plants. The highest percentage of flowering plants could be seen in the KS1/KS1 cleft grafting followed by KS1/KS1 whip grafting, KS1/KS2 cleft grafting and KS1/KS2 whip grafting. Whereas in plants that come from seeds had not entered the reproductive phase.
Developing of Indonesian colored cotton varieties to support sustainable traditional woven fabric industry
Authors: Hidayat T R S , Nurindah  , Sunarto D A
Published: January 2020

There are four color groups of cotton fiber, namely white, brown, green and blue. The most cultivated colored-cottons are brown and green cotton fiber. The program for assembling colored-cotton varieties, especially brown color in Indonesia began in 2006. Crossing activities used three Indonesian National Cotton superior varieties, namely Kanesia 7, Kanesia 8 and Kanesia 9 as female founder and three cotton accessions with brown fiber cotton characters 73814, Multiple Dominant and RLBL as male founder. From crosses followed by selection based on desired character, tests of selected lines and multi-location tests of expected lines, we obtained 3 brown-cotton-fiber varieties with 3 color gradations: Bronesia 1 (light brown), Bronesia 2 (light brown), and Bronesia 3 (dark brown). The potential production of the three varieties are 909 kg, 859 kg, 1,010 kg fiber/ha, respectively. The quality of Bronesian cotton fiber is generally lower compared to the new superior varieties of white fiber cotton (Kanesia 16-Kanesia 23) for fiber length and strength. Cotton fibers of Bronesian varieties are classified as short fibers (23.2-25.7 mm), so that manual and conventional spinning techniques will produce yarn suitable for traditional weaving, especially for woven fabrics with brown based colors.
Evaluation and selection of Jatropha genotypes for biofuel
Authors: Heliyanto B. , Purwati R.D , Hartati R.S. , Sudarmo H. , Hasnam  , Djufry F.
Published: January 2020

Jatropha curcas L., a monoecious perennial shrub, has received attention nationwide during the past two decades. In 2006, the Indonesian government has decided to option for Jatropha and palm oils for in country biofuel production. To support the program, development of high yielding jatropha varieties is necessary. This paper reviews the latest Jatropha improvement program in Indonesia. From 2005 to 2006, germplasm collection was mobilized to various provinces in Jawa, Sumatera, Sulawesi and Nusa Tenggara islands and successfully collected a sizeable amount of jatropha germplasm which serves as a base population for selection. By applying a simple recurrent breeding selection based on fruit count per year, a significant improvement has been achieved. Seed yield productivity increased more than six-fold, from 0.36-ton dry seed per ha in the initial population (IP-0) to 2.4-ton seed yield per hectare in the third cycle of selection (IP-3). To improve further the seed yield per hectare, jatropha hybrid varieties was developed involving superior provenances. Hybrid variety named Jatropha Energy Terbarukan (JET) variety-2, was released in 2017 with seed yield potential of 2.6 ton per hectare. The potential use of this high yielding genotypes for biofuel is discussed.
Recent condition of clove death syndrome disease in Indonesia: epidemiology and causal agents
Authors: Widodo  , Supriyanto  , Prasetyo G D , Wiyono S , Triwidodo H
Published: January 2020

The aim of this study was to determine symptoms and causal agents associated with clove death syndrome, and factors related to disease severity. This research was carried out through field observations on the severity of the disease, associated symptoms, and interviews with farmers regarding the cultivation techniques carried out. The results of the study were presented quantitatively with cross tabulations for the three research location districts, and 1 location, including Trenggalek District, complemented with correspondence analysis using the Chi square test. From surveys in three districts, Trenggalek, Semarang and Tegal, the highest probability of symptoms associated with clove death syndrome was stem borer + canker, stem canker, and stem borer + canker, respectively. Based on the results of the correspondence analysis in Trenggalek District using the chi square test (χ2: p <0.1), some factors, i.e. plant age, cropping patterns, doses of animal manure, Phospate (P) fertilzer dosage, weed conditions in the field, and frequency of weed control showed an association with the severity of the clove death syndrome. Further experimental research is needed to ensure that these factors are related to the severity of the disease syndrome.
Study of levels water salinity on the growth of varieties of shallots (Allium ascalonicum L) in Alfisols
Authors: Syamsiyah J , Rahayu  , Herawati A , Binafsihi W
Published: January 2020

The phenomenon of global warming and the depletion of the ozone layer due to the increase in greenhouse gas emissions has an effect on rising sea levels due to the melting of ice in the polar of the earth, potential pairs of saline water occur on land. This event could threaten the continuity of shallot cultivation on the northern coast of Java Island. Salinity causes disruption of germination and growth of shallots, as well as physiological disorders. This study aimed to determine the tolerance level of salinity, the effect of salinity on the nutrient’s uptake and productivity of shallots on Alfisols. This study used a completely randomized design (CRD) with 2 factors, (1) the level of salinity (0, 1, 2 and 3 dS m-1) and shallot varieties (Purbalingga and Brebes). The salinity increased 1 to 3 dS m-1 tends to decresae N, P, K uptake, the yields of Shallot and exchangeable-Ca. The soil pH, electrical conductivity and exchangeable-Na were increased with increasing salinity of water irigation.
A study on tribological behavior of Al-4%Mg incorporated with MoS2
Authors: Senthil Kumar S , Sudhakara Pandian R , Pitchipoo P
Published: January 2020

This investigation studies the dry sliding wear behavior of Al-4Mg matrix composites reinforced with different wt% of molybdenum disulfide (2, 4 & 6 wt%) produced using powder metallurgy route. The processed powders are initially characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) equipped with Energy Dispersive x-ray Spectroscopy (EDS). To authenticate the decisive distribution of the reinforcement particles with the matrix material, SEM analysis has been employed. The wear test is conducted on a pin-on-disc machine based on L27 orthogonal array with three control factors (three level) sliding velocity (0.5, 2.0, 3.5 m s−1), applied load (5, 15, 25 N) and sliding distance (500, 750, 1000 m) to inspect the responses namely wear loss and coefficient of friction. Moreover, the worn surface and wear debris analysis of the composite pin surface have been examined through SEM to identify the wear mechanism. It has been identified that the development of lubricant layer is diminished by increasing the wt% of MoS2 particulates and the wear loss is diminished. Likewise, diminutive debris have attained in the worn surface of Al-Mg-6 wt% MoS2 composite material, since effectual solid lubricant properties have been exposed. Higher plastic deformation is attained at amplified load and it affects the pin surface and thus, Coefficient of Friction (COF) is augmented.
Annealing and plasma treatment effect on structural, morphological and topographical properties of evaporated β-In2S3 films
Authors: Rasool S , Saritha K , Reddy K T Ramakrishna , Tivanov M S , Gremenok V F , Zimin S P , Pipkova A S , Mazaletskiy L A , Amirov I I
Published: January 2020

Indium sulfide (In2S3) is a wide bandgap semiconductor, which is widely used as a window/buffer layer in thin film solar cell applications. In2S3 thin films were deposited using thermal evaporation technique and were annealed in sulfur ambient at 200 °C and 250 °C. Further, these films were treated in inductively coupled argon plasma sputtering with an average argon ion energy of 75 eV for 30 s. The paper presents the effect of Ar-plasma treatment on structure, elemental composition, morphology and topography of In2S3 films and the results were reported. Further, the optimized In2S3 layers were continued for plasma etching process with an average argon ion energy of 25 eV to study the effect of plasma etching duration on the growth of metallic indium nanoparticles over the film surface and the results were discussed in detail.
Learning How to Tell, Learning How to Ask: Reciprocity and Storytelling as a Community Process
Authors: De Fina Anna , Paternostro Giuseppe , Amoruso Marcello
Published: January 2020

In this article, we discuss the discursive processes that surround storytelling of traumatic experiences in the case of minor asylum seekers involved in the recent migration flow to Italian ports. We argue that in order to understand not only how traumatic experiences are told but also how they are overcome, it is necessary to focus on the reciprocal relationships and impact of the members of the communities in which migrants are received. Such approach shifts the focus from the content of stories toward the protagonists of their tellings and from asylum seekers as ‘subjects’ to asylum seekers as members of communities to which they and others contribute. The article is based on narrative data collected through an ongoing project with teachers, researchers, and minor asylum seekers involved in a school of Italian Language for Foreigners in Palermo.
Practice Effects and Test–Retest Reliability of the Continuous Performance Test, Identical Pairs Version in Patients with Schizophrenia over Four Serial Assessments
Authors: Chen Kuan-Wei , Lin Gong-Hong , Chen Nan-Cheng , Wang Ji-Kuan , Hsieh Ching-Lin
Published: January 2020

Objective

The purposes of this study were to examine the practice effects and test–retest reliability of the Continuous Performance Test, Identical Pairs version (CPT-IP) over four serial assessments in patients with schizophrenia.

Method

Fifty-six patients with schizophrenia were assessed with the CPT-IP four times, once per week. The CPT-IP contains four indices: “2-digit score,” “3-digit score,” “4-digit score,” and “total score.”

Results

The four indices showed trivial-to-small practice effects (Cohen’s d = −0.13–0.24), good-to-excellent test–retest reliability (ICC = 0.62–0.88), and unacceptable random measurement error (MDC% = 33.8%–110.8%).

Conclusions

The total score had the best reliability among the four indices. Although practice effects of the four indices all appeared cumulative, all four CPT-IP indices reached a plateau after the second assessment. These results indicate that clinicians should interpret the change scores of the CPT-IP conservatively and use the total-score index in their routine repeated assessments.
AlpsNMR: an R package for signal processing of fully untargeted NMR-based metabolomics
Authors: Madrid-Gambin Francisco , Oller-Moreno Sergio , Fernandez Luis , Bartova Simona , Giner Maria Pilar , Joyce Christopher , Ferraro Francesco , Montoliu Ivan , Moco Sofia , Marco Santiago
Published: January 2020

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-based metabolomics is widely used to obtain metabolic fingerprints of biological systems. While targeted workflows require previous knowledge of metabolites, prior to statistical analysis, untargeted approaches remain a challenge. Computational tools dealing with fully untargeted NMR-based metabolomics are still scarce or not user-friendly. Therefore, we developed AlpsNMR (Automated spectraL Processing System for NMR), an R package that provides automated and efficient signal processing for untargeted NMR metabolomics. AlpsNMR includes spectra loading, metadata handling, automated outlier detection, spectra alignment and peak-picking, integration and normalization. The resulting output can be used for further statistical analysis. AlpsNMR proved effective in detecting metabolite changes in a test case. The tool allows less experienced users to easily implement this workflow from spectra to a ready-to-use dataset in their routines.

Availability and implementation

The AlpsNMR R package and tutorial is freely available to download from http://github.com/sipss/AlpsNMR under the MIT license.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Frailty to predict unplanned hospitalization, stroke, bleeding, and death in atrial fibrillation
Authors: Gugganig Rebecca , Aeschbacher Stefanie , Leong Darryl P , Meyre Pascal , Blum Steffen , Coslovsky Michael , Beer Jürg H , Moschovitis Giorgio , Müller Dominic , Anker Daniela , Rodondi Nicolas , Stempfel Samuel , Mueller Christian , Meyer-Zürn Christine , Kühne Michael , Conen David , Osswald Stefan ,   for the Swiss-AF Investigators
Published: January 2020

Aims

Atrial fibrillation (AF) and frailty are common, and the prevalence is expected to rise further. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of frailty and the ability of a frailty index (FI) to predict unplanned hospitalizations, stroke, bleeding, and death in patients with AF.

Methods and results

Patients with known AF were enrolled in a prospective cohort study in Switzerland. Information on medical history, lifestyle factors, and clinical measurements were obtained. The primary outcome was unplanned hospitalization; secondary outcomes were all-cause mortality, bleeding, and stroke. The FI was measured using a cumulative deficit approach, constructed according to previously published criteria and divided into three groups (non-frail, pre-frail, and frail). The association between frailty and outcomes was assessed using multivariable-adjusted Cox regression models. Of the 2369 included patients, prevalence of pre-frailty and frailty was 60.7% and 10.6%, respectively. Pre-frailty and frailty were associated with a higher risk of unplanned hospitalizations [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 1.82, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.49–2.22; P < 0.001; and aHR 3.59, 95% CI 2.78–4.63, P < 0.001], all-cause mortality (aHR 5.07, 95% CI 2.43–10.59; P < 0.001; and aHR 16.72, 95% CI 7.75–36.05; P < 0.001), and bleeding (aHR 1.53, 95% CI 1.11–2.13; P = 0.01; and aHR 2.46, 95% CI 1.61–3.77; P < 0.001). Frailty, but not pre-frailty, was associated with a higher risk of stroke (aHR 3.29, 95% CI 1.2–8.39; P = 0.01).

Conclusion

Over two-thirds of patients with AF are pre-frail or frail. These patients have a high risk for unplanned hospitalizations and other adverse events. These findings emphasize the need to carefully evaluate these patients. However, whether screening for pre-frailty and frailty and targeted prevention strategies improve outcomes needs to be shown in future studies.

Clinical trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov identifier number: NCT02105844.
Training curriculum for European thoracic surgeons: a joint initiative of the European Society of Thoracic Surgeons and the European Respiratory Society
Authors: Massard Gilbert , Tabin Nathalie , Konge Lars , Frick Anna Elisabeth , Batirel Hasan , Brunelli Alessandro , Elia Stefano , Huertgen Martin , Molins Laureano , Papagiannopoulos Kostas , Subotic Dragan , van Schil Paul , Varela Gonzalo , van Raemdonck Dirk
Published: January 2020

Because of the differing definitions of the margins of thoracic surgery as a specialty and the variability in the training curricula among European countries, the European Society of Thoracic Surgeons formed a task force to elaborate a consensual proposal. The first step comprised creating a harmonized syllabus that was completed and published in 2018. This publication presents a proposal for a curriculum upon which the task force and the external expert reviewers have agreed. The curriculum was developed by the task force: each module and item describe the expected level of knowledge, skills and attitudes to be attained by the participants; learning opportunities, assessment tools and minimal clinical exposures have been defined as well. Competence in terms of non-technical skills has been defined for each module according to the CanMEDS (http://www.royalcollege.ca/rcsite/canmeds/canmeds-framework-e) glossary. The different modules were subsequently submitted to an internal and an external review process and re-edited accordingly before final validation. The authors hope that this document will serve as a roadmap for both thoracic surgical trainees and mentors. It should further guide continuous professional development. However, evolving scientific and technological advances are expected to modify the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and disorders in the future and hence will mandate periodical revisions of the document.
Toll-like receptor 3 mediates ischaemia/reperfusion injury after cardiac transplantation
Authors: Gollmann-Tepeköylü Can , Graber Michael , Pölzl Leo , Nägele Felix , Moling Rafael , Esser Hannah , Summerer Bianca , Mellitzer Vanessa , Ebner Susanne , Hirsch Jakob , Schäfer Georg , Hackl Hubert , Cardini Benno , Oberhuber Rupert , Primavesi Florian , Öfner Dietmar , Bonaros Nikolaos , Troppmair Jakob , Grimm Michael , Schneeberger Stefan , Holfeld Johannes , Resch Thomas
Published: January 2020

OBJECTIVES

Ischaemia and subsequent reperfusion during heart transplantation inevitably result in donor organ injury. Toll-like receptor (TLR)-3 is a pattern recognition receptor activated by viral and endogenous RNA released by injured cells. We hypothesized that ischaemia/reperfusion injury (IRI) leads to RNA release with subsequent TLR3 activation in transplanted hearts.

METHODS

Human endothelial cells were subjected to IRI and treated with TLR3 agonist polyinosinic–polycytidylic acid or a TLR3/double-stranded RNA complex inhibitor. TLR3 activation was analysed using reporter cells. Gene expression profiles were evaluated via next-generation sequencing. Neutrophil adhesion was assessed in vitro. Syngeneic heart transplantation of wild-type or Tlr3−/− mice was performed following 9 h of cold ischaemia. Hearts were analysed for inflammatory gene expression, cardiac damage, apoptosis and infiltrating leucocytes.

RESULTS

IRI resulted in RNA release with subsequent activation of TLR3. Treatment with a TLR3 inhibitor abrogated the inflammatory response upon IRI. In parallel, TLR3 stimulation caused activation of the inflammasome. Endothelial IRI resulted in TLR3-dependent adhesion of neutrophils. Tlr3−/− animals showed reduced intragraft and splenic messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression of proinflammatory cytokines, resulting in decreased myocardial damage, apoptosis and infiltrating cells. Tlr3 deficiency protected from cardiac damage, apoptosis and leucocyte infiltration after cardiac transplantation.

CONCLUSIONS

We uncover the release of RNA by injured cells with subsequent activation of TLR3 as a crucial pathomechanism of IRI. Our data indicate that TLR3 represents a novel target in the prevention of IRI in solid organ transplantation.
Body site-specific microbiota reflect sex and age-class among wild spotted hyenas
Authors: Rojas Connie A , Holekamp Kay E , Winters Andrew D , Theis Kevin R
Published: January 2020

Host-associated microbial communities, henceforth ‘microbiota’, can affect the physiology and behavior of their hosts. In mammals, host ecological, social and environmental variables are associated with variation in microbial communities. Within individuals in a given mammalian species, the microbiota also partitions by body site. Here, we build on this work and sequence the bacterial 16S rRNA gene to profile the microbiota at six distinct body sites (ear, nasal and oral cavities, prepuce, rectum and anal scent gland) in a population of wild spotted hyenas (Crocuta crocuta), which are highly social, large African carnivores. We inquired whether microbiota at these body sites vary with host sex or social rank among juvenile hyenas, and whether they differ between juvenile females and adult females. We found that the scent gland microbiota differed between juvenile males and juvenile females, whereas the prepuce and rectal microbiota differed between adult females and juvenile females. Social rank, however, was not a significant predictor of microbiota profiles. Additionally, the microbiota varied considerably among the six sampled body sites and exhibited strong specificity among individual hyenas. Thus, our findings suggest that site-specific niche selection is a primary driver of microbiota structure in mammals, but endogenous host factors may also be influential.
Prevalence and antimicrobial resistance of Listeria species and molecular characterization of Listeria monocytogenes isolated from retail ready-to-eat foods
Authors: Arslan Seza , Özdemir Fatma
Published: January 2020

A wide variety of foods can be contaminated with Listeria species, especially L. monocytogenes. Ready-to-eat (RTE) foods are predominantly associated with human listeriosis caused by L. monocytogenes. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the presence of Listeria species in RTE foods and to characterize L. monocytogenes isolates by means of detection of virulence markers, serotypes and genetic relatedness. Of the 300 RTE food samples, 59 (19.7%) were positive for Listeria species: L. innocua (13.3%), L. monocytogenes (5%), L. welshimerii (2.3%), L. grayi subsp. murrayi (1.3%), L. grayi (1%), L. ivanovii (1%) and L. ivanovi subsp. londoniensis (0.3%). All L. monocytogenes isolates identified were positive for the actA, iap, inlA, inlB, inlC, inlJ, plcA and prfA virulence genes and biofilm. The isolates were serotyped as 1/2c (33.3%), 4b (26.7%), 1/2a (26.7%), 1/2b (6.7%) and 3c (6.7%) by the multiplex-PCR and agglutination methods. PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism with AluI and MluCI resulted in three and two profiles, respectively. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis differentiated the L. monocytogenes isolates into 15 ApaI and 12 AscI patterns. Antimicrobial resistance of all Listeria isolates was determined by the disk diffusion method. Most L. monocytogenes isolates were sensitive to antimicrobials used in the treatment of listeriosis. This study shows the presence of potential pathogenic and antimicrobial-resistant L. monocytogenes in RTE foods that may lead to consumer health risks.
2. Funding
Authors: Sendall Jane , Hodgson Roiya
Published: January 2020

This chapter discusses the changes made to public funding in family cases since The Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 (LASPO), implemented in April 2013. This includes the evidence of domestic violence required to obtain public funding in family cases. The chapter outlines the availability of public funding for family law proceedings; the levels of funding available to the client; the tests to determine whether a client is eligible for public funding; and the recovery of public funding through the statutory charge. It also considers how a person who is not eligible for public funding may fund proceedings.
14. Procedure for Financial Orders
Authors: Sendall Jane , Hodgson Roiya
Published: January 2020

This chapter discusses the procedure for financial orders, which includes how to make an application for financial orders, the first appointment, financial dispute resolution hearing, and the final hearing. It covers the drafting required during financial proceedings such as Form E, statement of issues, the chronology, and the questionnaire. It covers funding options available to clients seeking financial orders, the protection of assets forming part of proceedings for financial orders, the preaction protocol, and the role of consent orders in proceedings for financial orders. It also explains costs orders in relation to financial proceedings, setting aside a financial order and appeals.
23. Cohabitation and Finance
Authors: Sendall Jane , Hodgson Roiya
Published: January 2020

Cohabiting couples do not have any intrinsic legal rights by simply cohabiting. The ‘common law wife/husband’ does not exist in law, despite many believing that it does. This chapter discusses the legal position of cohabitants and financial remedies. This includes the Law Commission Proposals in order to try and allow cohabitants to gain some financial relief in certain circumstances. The legal remedies available to separating cohabitants including establishing legal title and a beneficial interest, is outlined. This also includes resulting and constructive trusts. Finally, the position of cohabitants in relation to the family home and Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act is discussed.
24. Introduction to the Children Act 1989
Authors: Sendall Jane , Hodgson Roiya
Published: January 2020

This chapter examines the Children Act 1989 (CA 1989) and the main principles upon which Children Act proceedings are conducted. It discusses the content of the ‘welfare principle’ and the ‘welfare checklist’ under CA 1989, including the presump-tion of parental involvement. It outlines each part of the welfare checklist, including the wishes and feelings of the child, the likely effect on the child of a change of circumstances, and the child’s age, sex background, and any relevant characteristics. It examines each part in detail, using case-law where relevant. This chapter also explains the principles of ‘no order’ and ‘no delay’.
26. Private Children Law
Authors: Sendall Jane , Hodgson Roiya
Published: January 2020

Private children law concerns disputes between family members about children. It deals with whom a child shall live, with whom they should have contact, and what steps a parent can take in their exercise of parental responsibility. The Children Act 1989 and the Children and Families Act 2014 have orders that the court can make to help to resolve these disputes. This chapter examines the orders available in private children proceedings, who can apply for them, and the individual considerations of each order. These include child arrangements orders, residence orders, contact orders, specific issues orders, prohibited steps orders, and special guardianship orders.
29. Children in Local Authority Care
Authors: Sendall Jane , Hodgson Roiya
Published: January 2020

This chapter examines the role of local authorities in protecting the child from harm and the orders available under the Children Act 1989, which are used in cases of alleged harm to children. It explains the nature of public child law proceedings and goes into detail to discuss the definition of the ‘threshold criteria’—the standard that the court uses to decide whether an order should be made. It also discusses the investigations which can be carried out by the local authority in relation to a child and parental contact with children in care, and compares a care order and a supervision order.
34. Protection under the Family Law Act 1996: Occupation Orders
Authors: Sendall Jane , Hodgson Roiya
Published: January 2020

The Family Law Act 1996 allows a court to make occupation orders to regulate the occupation of the family home. This chapter discusses the effect of occupation orders in that the general aim is to regulate the occupation of the family home. The tests for each order, duration, and which order to choose for the client are outlined under each section. What the court can order is also explained as well as ancillary orders and transfer of tenancies. A flowchart is provided in order to help work out which order to apply for, depending on the circumstances of the case.
Enzyme replacement therapy in mice lacking arylsulfatase B targets bone-remodeling cells, but not chondrocytes
Authors: Hendrickx Gretl , Danyukova Tatyana , Baranowsky Anke , Rolvien Tim , Angermann Alexandra , Schweizer Michaela , Keller Johannes , Schröder Jörg , Meyer-Schwesinger Catherine , Muschol Nicole , Paganini Chiara , Rossi Antonio , Amling Michael , Pohl Sandra , Schinke Thorsten
Published: January 2020

Mucopolysaccharidosis type VI (MPS-VI), caused by mutational inactivation of the glycosaminoglycan-degrading enzyme arylsulfatase B (Arsb), is a lysosomal storage disorder primarily affecting the skeleton. We have previously reported that Arsb-deficient mice display high trabecular bone mass and impaired skeletal growth. In the present study, we treated them by weekly injection of recombinant human ARSB (rhARSB) to analyze the impact of enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) on skeletal growth and bone remodeling. We found that all bone-remodeling abnormalities of Arsb-deficient mice were prevented by ERT, whereas chondrocyte defects were not. Likewise, histologic analysis of the surgically removed femoral head from an ERT-treated MPS-VI patient revealed that only chondrocytes were pathologically affected. Remarkably, a side-by-side comparison with other cell types demonstrated that chondrocytes have substantially reduced capacity to endocytose rhARSB, together with low expression of the mannose receptor. We finally took advantage of Arsb-deficient mice to establish quantification of chondroitin sulfation for treatment monitoring. Our data demonstrate that bone-remodeling cell types are accessible to systemically delivered rhARSB, whereas the uptake into chondrocytes is inefficient.
Development of automated annotation software for human embryo morphokinetics
Authors: Feyeux M , Reignier A , Mocaer M , Lammers J , Meistermann D , Barrière P , Paul-Gilloteaux P , David L , Fréour T
Published: January 2020

STUDY QUESTION

Is it possible to develop an automated annotation tool for human embryo development in time-lapse devices based on image analysis?

SUMMARY ANSWER

We developed and validated an automated software for the annotation of human embryo morphokinetic parameters, having a good concordance with expert manual annotation on 701 time-lapse videos.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

Morphokinetic parameters obtained with time-lapse devices are increasingly used for the assessment of human embryo quality. However, their annotation is time-consuming and can be slightly operator-dependent, highlighting the need to develop fully automated approaches.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

This monocentric study was conducted on 701 videos originating from 584 couples undergoing IVF with embryo culture in a time-lapse device. The only selection criterion was that the duration of the video must be over 60 h.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

An automated morphokinetic annotation tool was developed based on gray level coefficient of variation and detection of the thickness of the zona pellucida. The detection of cellular events obtained with the automated tool was compared with those obtained manually by trained experts in clinical settings.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

Although some differences were found when embryos were considered individually, we found an overall concordance between automated and manual annotation of human embryo morphokinetics from fertilization to expanded blastocyst stage (r2 = 0.92).

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

These results should undergo multicentric external evaluation in order to test the overall performance of the annotation tool. Getting access to the export of 3D videos would enhance the quality of the correlation with the same algorithm and its extension to the 3D regions of interest. A technical limitation of our work lies within the duration of the video. The more embryo stages the video contains, the more information the script has to identify them correctly.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

Our system paves the way for high-throughput analysis of multicentric morphokinetic databases, providing new insights into the clinical value of morphokinetics as a predictor of embryo quality and implantation.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)

This study was partly funded by Finox-Gedeon Richter Forward Grant 2016 and NeXT (ANR-16-IDEX-0007). We have no conflict of interests to declare.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

N/A
Long-term follow-up of Bentall procedure using the Perimount bioprosthesis and the Valsalva graft
Authors: Chirichilli Ilaria , Irace Francesco Giosuè , D’Aleo Salvatore , Folino Giulio , Weltert Luca Paolo , Scaffa Raffaele , Nardella Saverio , De Paulis Ruggero
Published: January 2020

OBJECTIVES

Bentall procedure is the gold standard for aortic root pathologies when valve repair is not feasible. The development of durable bioprosthetic valves and improved vascular conduits allowed the implementation of bioprosthetic composite grafts; hereby, we performed a retrospective analysis of long-term follow-up of Bentall procedure using the Valsalva graft and the Perimount Magna Ease prosthesis.

METHODS

From June 2000 to March 2019, 309 patients received an aortic root and valve replacement with a bioprosthetic composite graft. The mean age was 69 ± 6.9 years, and the majority were men (88%); most of them were affected by aortic stenosis (86%) and the mean aortic root diameter was 48.6 ± 5.5 mm.

RESULTS

Freedom from cardiac death was 76.8% [confidence interval (CI) 32.5–94.0] at 16 years. Freedom from thromboembolism, haemorrhage, structural valve deterioration and infective endocarditis was 98.2% (CI 96.0–98.9), 95.2% (CI 87.1–98.2), 87.5% (CI 63.2–97.1) and 79.6% (CI 45.3–95.6) at 16 years, respectively. Freedom from reoperation was 74.7% (CI 41.9–90.6).

CONCLUSIONS

These data indicate that, in experienced centres, the Bentall procedure is a safe and effective intervention. This is the first long-term follow-up that analyses the results after implantation of a composite graft made with the Perimount Magna Ease aortic valve and the Valsalva graft.
Analysis on the monitoring system of energy conservation and comfort in office buildings based on internet of things
Authors: Li Dongmei
Published: January 2020

In order to reduce the cost of central air conditioning, we need to reduce its energy consumption. This paper briefly introduced Internet of Things and the energy-saving and comfort monitoring system of central air conditioning based on the Internet of Things. The system took comfort degree as constraint and energy efficiency as objective to control energy saving of central air conditioning. Company X in Guanghan, Sichuan, China, was taken as an example for analysis. The system was compared with the energy-saving control system which took temperature and power as constraints. Compared with before the energy-saving control, the proportion of air conditioning downtime in the working hours of employees increased after the implementation of the two kinds of energy-saving control systems, and the proportion of downtime under the energy-saving control system designed in this study was larger; in addition, after the control of the two kinds of energy-saving systems, the energy efficiency of the air conditioning significantly improved, and the air conditioning under the control of the energy-saving system proposed in this study had more improvement in energy efficiency and higher energy-saving efficiency. The energy-saving control method proposed in this study can effectively reduce the power consumption of the central air conditioning in the office.
Electrophysiological properties of neurons grown on soft polymer scaffolds reveal the potential to develop neuromimetic culture environments
Authors: Evans Michael G , Al-Shakli Arwa , Chari Divya M
Published: January 2020

Tissue engineering methodologies for various physiological systems are seeing a significant trend towards 3D cell culture in or on ‘soft’ polymeric hydrogel materials, widely considered to provide a more biomimetic environment for cell growth versus ‘hard’ materials such as glass or plastic. Progress has been slower with 3D neural cell culture with current studies overwhelmingly reliant on hard substrates. Accordingly, our knowledge of the alterations in electrochemical properties of neurons propagated in soft materials is relatively limited. In this study, primary cortical neurons and glial cells were seeded onto the surface of collagen hydrogels and grown in vitro for 7–8 days. At this time, neurons had formed a complex neurite web interspersed with astrocytes. Neuronal patch clamp recordings revealed voltage-gated Na+ and K+ currents in voltage clamp and action potentials in current clamp. When measured at voltages close to maximum activation, both currents were >1 nA in mean amplitude. When compared to primary cortical neurons cultured on glass coverslips, but otherwise under similar conditions (Evans et al., 2017), the Na+ current from hydrogel neurons was found to be significantly larger although there were no differences in the K+ current amplitude, membrane potential, input resistance or cell capacitance. We speculate that the larger size of the neuronal voltage-dependent Na+ current in the hydrogels is related to the better biomimetic properties of the soft material, being close to values reported for neurons recorded in brain slices. The results highlight the potential benefits offered by neuronal culture on soft and biomimetic polymeric materials for neural tissue engineering studies.