bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Absence of lower genital tract lesions among women of reproductive age infected with Schistosoma mansoni: A cross-sectional study using a colposcope in Western Kenya
Authors: Sang Huldah C. , Mwinzi Pauline N. M. , Odiere Maurice R. , Onkanga Isaac , Rawago Fredrick , Pillay Pavitra , Kjetland Eyrun Floerecke
Published: July 2022

Background

Female genital schistosomiasis (FGS) constitutes four different lesions known to be caused bySchistosoma haematobiumova deposited in the genital tract.Schistosoma mansoniova may also be found in the genital tract. However, it is not known ifS.mansonicauses lower genital tract lesions characteristic of FGS.

Methodology

This study was conducted in 8 villages along the shores of Lake Victoria, western Kenya. Stool and urine samples, collected from women of reproductive age on three consecutive days, were analysed forS.mansoniandS.haematobiuminfection.S.mansonipositive andS.haematobiumnegative willing participants, aged 18–50 years were invited to answer a questionnaire (demographics, symptoms), undergo a gynaecological examination and cytology specimen collection by an FGS expert.

Principal findings

Gynaecologic investigations were conducted in 147S.mansoni-positive women who had a mean infection intensity of 253.3 epg (95% CI: 194.8–311.9 epg). Nearly 90% of them used Lake Victoria as their main water source. None were found to have cervicovaginal grainy sandy patches or rubbery papules. Homogenous yellow patches were found in 12/147 (8.2%) women. Women with homogenous yellow patches were significantly older (47 years) than the rest (34 years, p = 0.001). No association was found between intensity ofS.mansoniinfection and homogenous yellow patches (p = 0.70) or abnormal blood vessels (p = 0.14).S.mansoniinfection intensity was not associated with genital itch, bloody or malodorous vaginal discharge.

Conclusion

S.mansoniinfection was neither associated with lower genital tract lesions nor symptoms typically found in women with FGS.
Efficacy of intra-lesional injections of meglumine antimoniate once a week vs. twice a week in the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by L. tropica in Iran: A randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Javadi Amir , Khamesipour Ali , Ghoorchi Mohammad , Bahrami Mahdieh , Khatami Alireza , Sharifi Iraj , Eskandari Seyed Ebrahim , Fekri Alireza , Aflatoonian Mohamad Reza , Firooz Alireza
Published: July 2022

Treatment of Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is based on using antimoniate derivatives; patients’ compliance for systemic injections is low due to the pain and systemic complications. In this randomized open trial, the efficacy of intra-lesional (IL) injections of meglumine antimoniate (MA) once a week vs. twice a week in the treatment of Anthrpoponothic CL caused by L. tropica was studied. Eligible volunteer patients were selected according to inclusion/exclusion criteria. The included patients were randomly allocated to receive IL-MA injections once a week or twice a week. The primary outcome was set as complete healing of the lesion(s), and defined as complete re-epithelialization and absence of induration in the lesions. A total of 180 parasitologicaly proven CL patients caused by L. tropica were recruited, 90 patients were treated with weekly IL-MA and 90 patients received IL-MA twice a week. The complete cure was 87.9% vs. 89.2% in the group received weekly and twice a week IL-MA injections, respectively (P = 0.808). Patients’ compliance was acceptable and side effects were limited to a few local allergic reactions to MA. Median time to healing was significantly shorter in patients who received IL-MA twice a week (median ± SE) 37±3.8, (CI: 29.6–44.4) days compared to whom received IL-MA once a week 60±2.3, (CI: 55.6–64.5) days (P< 0.001), however the number of injections was higher in group who received IL-MA twice a week (12 vs. 9 injections). In conclusion, the rate of cure in the group of CL patients with IL-MA twice a week was not significantly different from the group who received IL-MA once a week shorten, but the duration of healing was shorter in the group who received IL-MA twice a week while the group received more injections so is recommended to use IL-MA once a week due to the fact the compliance is acceptable with limited side effects.

Clinical Trial Registration: IRCT20081130001475N13; https://en.irct.ir/.
Direct addition of poly-lysine or poly-ethylenimine to the medium: A simple alternative to plate pre-coating
Authors: Faussner Alexander , Deininger Matthias M. , Weber Christian , Steffens Sabine
Published: July 2022

For most cell culture experiments, it is indispensable that the cells are firmly anchored to culture plates, withstanding rinsing steps that can create shear forces and tolerating temperature changes without detaching. For semi-adherent cells such as the common HEK 293 or PC-12 cells, this could so far be obtained by time-consuming plate pre-coating with cationic polymer solutions. We report here, that i) pre-coating with the cheaper poly-ethylenimine (PEI) works as well as the commonly used poly-D-lysine (PDL), but more importantly and novel ii) that simple direct addition of either PEI (1.5 μg/ml) or PDL (2 μg/ml) to the cell culture medium results in strongly anchored HEK 293 cells, indistinguishable from ones seeded on pre-coated plates. Therefore, the replacement of plate pre-coating by direct addition of either PEI or PDL gives comparable excellent results, but is highly labour-, time-, and cost-efficient. Moreover, we could show that addition of PDL or PEI also works similarly well in animal-free culture using human platelet lysate instead of fetal bovine serum. Interestingly, additional experiments showed that strong cell attachment requires only cationic polymers but not fetal bovine serum or human platelet lysate added to the medium.
Preparation of biological monolayers for producing high-resolution scanning electron micrographs
Authors: Mentor Shireen , Cummings Franscious , Fisher David
Published: July 2022

Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) provides a technical platform for nanoscopic mapping of biological structures. Correct preparation of SEM samples can provide an unprecedented understanding of the nexus between cellular morphology and topography. This comparative study critically examines two coating methods for preparing biological samples for scanning electron microscopy, while also providing novel advice on how to prepare in vitro epithelial or endothelial samples for high-resolution scanning-electron microscopy (HR-SEM). Two obstacles often confront the biologist when investigating cellular structures grown under tissue culture conditions, namely., how to prepare and present the biological samples to the HR-SEM microscope without affecting topographical membrane and cellular structural alterations. Firstly, our use of the Millicell cellulose inserts on which to grow our cellular samples in preparation for HR-SEM is both novel and advantageous to comparing the permeability function of cells to their morphological function. Secondly, biological material is often non-conducting, thermally sensitive and fragile and, therefore, needs to be fixed correctly and coated with thin conducting metal to ensure high-resolution detail of samples. Immortalized mouse brain endothelial cells (bEnd5) was used as a basis for describing the preferences in the use of the protocol. We compare two biological sample coating modalities for the visualizing and analysis of texturized, topographical, membranous ultrastructures of brain endothelial cell (BEC) confluent monolayers, namely, carbon and gold:palladium (Au:Pd) sputter coating in preparation for HR-SEM. BEC monolayers sputter-coated with these two modalities produced three-dimensional micrographs which have distinctly different topographical detail from which the nanostructural cellular data can be examined. The two coating methods display differences in the amount of nanoscopic detail that could be resolved in the nanosized membrane cytoarchitecture of BEC monolayers. The micrographical data clearly showed that Au:Pd sputter-coated samples generate descript imagery, providing useful information for profiling membrane nanostructures compared to carbon-coated samples. The recommendations regarding the contrast in two modalities would provide the necessary guidance to biological microscopists in preparing tissue culture samples for HR-SEM.
Phytoplankton bloom stages estimated from chlorophyll pigment proportions suggest delayed summer production in low sea ice years in the northern Bering Sea
Authors: Gaffey Clare B. , Frey Karen E. , Cooper Lee W. , Grebmeier Jacqueline M.
Published: July 2022

Decreased sea ice cover in the northern Bering Sea has altered annual phytoplankton phenology owing to an expansion of open water duration and its impact on ocean stratification. Limitations of satellite remote sensing such as the inability to detect bloom activity throughout the water column, under ice, and in cloudy conditions dictate the need for shipboard based measurements to provide more information on bloom dynamics. In this study, we adapted remote sensing land cover classification techniques to provide a new means to determine bloom stage from shipboard samples. Specifically, we used multiyear satellite time series of chlorophyllato determine whether in-situ blooms were actively growing or mature (i.e., past-peak) at the time of field sampling. Field observations of chlorophyllaand pheophytin (degraded and oxidized chlorophyll products) were used to calculate pheophytin proportions, i.e., (Pheophytin/(Chlorophylla+ Pheophytin)) and empirically determine whether the bloom was growing or mature based on remotely sensed bloom stages. Data collected at 13 north Bering Sea stations each July from 2013–2019 supported a pheophytin proportion of 28% as the best empirical threshold to distinguish a growing vs. mature bloom stage. One outcome was that low vs. high sea ice years resulted in significantly different pheophytin proportions in July; in years with low winter-to-spring ice, more blooms with growing status were observed, compared to later stage, more mature blooms following springs with abundant seasonal sea ice. The detection of growing blooms in July following low ice years suggests that changes in the timing of the spring bloom triggers cascading effects on mid-summer production.
Intergenerational knowledge management in a cutting-edge Israeli industry: Visions and challenges
Authors: Kordova Sigal , Or Orly , Benis Arriel
Published: July 2022

Knowledge management is a multifaceted, complex, end-to-end organizational process dealing with collecting and using data, information, and knowledge generated by a group of individuals. The current study examines the changes required in companies’ quality systems to enhance intergenerational learning and knowledge retention. Our primary objective was to understand the factors that influence the development of an organizational culture encouraging innovation, knowledge sharing, organizational learning, openness, and providing opportunities to create up-to-date knowledge. We collected the viewpoints and needs of industry professionals by using interviews and a survey. Then, we analyzed the factors that influence knowledge management quality and transfer between workforce generations. The professionals’ primary goal is to introduce, integrate, and improve knowledge in their organization. Their second goal is to facilitate knowledge sharing and transfer between workforce generations. Improving transgenerational knowledge sharing and reducing the loss of knowledge are challenges for all industries. A cutting-edge industry such as the defense field deals with sensitive data, and knowledge management is a strategic need in a competitive context. Quality management standards propose guidelines for developing and enhancing the overall knowledge-related processes. However, implementing them requires a shift in the corporate culture team. Organizational knowledge resilience must be developed by involving the workforce in implementing knowledge management systems.
Is Tanzania’s economic growth leaving the poor behind? A nonlinear autoregressive distributed lag assessment
Authors: Kyara Valensi Corbinian , Rahman Mohammad Mafizur , Khanam Rasheda
Published: July 2022

Most developing economies have recently experienced significant economic growth without corresponding substantial poverty reduction and improved population wellbeing. This paper uses a nonlinear autoregressive distributed lag model to explore the growth-poverty relationship in Tanzania using annual time series data on per capita consumption expenditure, real GDP, GINI index, and unemployment from 1991–2020. To explore the causality among the variables and long-run asymmetry between per capita consumption expenditure and economic growth, the study employs Granger causality and Wild test respectively. The results confirm the presence of long and short-run asymmetric behavior of economic growth. Besides, in the short-run, the Granger causality test supported the feedback hypothesis between economic growth and consumption expenditure, and the unidirectional hypothesis from income inequality and unemployment to consumption expenditure. In the long-run, unidirectional causality was observed from consumption expenditure to both economic growth and unemployment. The study submits that while economic growth exhibits poverty reduction features, growth alone is not sufficient to alleviate poverty because the interaction of income inequality with economic growth dampens the poverty-reducing effects of economic growth. Therefore, economic growth has a significant explanation for poverty but not all about the evolution of poverty. The study opens policy perspectives with wide international relevancy as outlined in the policy implication section.
Community succession and straw degradation characteristics using a microbial decomposer at low temperature
Authors: Zhang Xin , Borjigin Qinggeer , Gao Julin , Yu Xiaofang , Zhang Bizhou , Hu Shuping , Han Shengcai , Liu Ruizhi , Zhang Sainan
Published: July 2022

This study explored changes in the microbial community structure during straw degradation by a microbial decomposer, M44. The microbial community succession at different degradation periods was analyzed using MiSeq high-throughput sequencing. The results showed that 14 days after inoculation, the filter paper enzyme and endoglucanase activities increased to 2.55 U·mL-1 and 2.34 U·mL-1. The xylanase, laccase, and lignin peroxidase activities rose to 9.86 U·mL-1, 132.16 U·L-1, and 85.43 U·L-1 after 28 d, which was consistent with changes in the straw degradation rate. The degradation rates of straw, lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose were 31.43%, 13.67%, 25.04%, and 21.69%, respectively, after 28 d of fermentation at 15°C. Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Bacteroidetes were the main bacterial species in samples at different degradation stages. The dominant genera included Pseudomonas, Delftia, and Paenibacillus during the initial stage (1 d, 7 d) and the mid-term stage (14 d). The key functional microbes during the late stage (21 d, 28 d) were Rhizobium, Chryseobacterium, Sphingobacterium, Brevundimonas, and Devosia. Changes in the bacterial consortium structure and straw degradation characteristics during different degradation periods were clarified to provide a theoretical basis for the rational utilization of microbial decomposer M44.
A robust zero-watermarking scheme based on non-negative matrix factorization for audio protection
Authors: Guo Xing , Huang Daiyu , Xu Longting
Published: July 2022

The copyright problem of digital products is becoming more and more prominent. In this case, digital watermarking technology has attracted the attention of many experts and scholars in the field of information security. Among the proposed technologies, zero-watermarking technology has been favored greatly with its excellent imperceptibility. In this paper, a novel robust audio zero-watermarking scheme is designed by applying non-negative matrix decomposition algorithm to zero-watermarking technology. Firstly, the proposed scheme divides the input audio signal into fixed frames, then applies fast Fourier transform(FFT) and non-negative matrix factorization(NMF) algorithm to extract the feature vector of the original audio signal. Finally, XOR the feature vector and the digital watermark sequence to achieve the embedding of zero-watermarking. The experimental results show that the proposed scheme performs more effectively in resisting common and frame-desynchronization attacks than the existing zero-watermarking schemes.
Dissemination of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales in the community of Rawalpindi, Pakistan
Authors: Habib Amina , Lo Stéphane , Villageois-Tran Khanh , Petitjean Marie , Malik Shaheen Akhtar , Armand-Lefèvre Laurence , Ruppé Etienne , Zahra Rabaab
Published: July 2022

Carbapenems are considered last-line beta-lactams for the treatment of infections caused by multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria. However, their activity is compromised by the rising prevalence of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CPE), which are especially marked in the Indian subcontinent. In Pakistan, previous reports have warned about the possible spread of CPE in the community, but data are still partial. This study was carried out to analyse the prevalence of CPE, the genetic characterisation, and phylogenetic links among the spreading CPE in the community. In this cohort study, we collected 306 rectal swabs from patients visiting Benazir Bhutto hospital, Rawalpindi. CPEs were screened by using ertapenem-supplemented MacConkey agar. Identification was performed by using conventional biochemical tests, and genomes were sequenced using Illumina chemistry. Antibiotic resistance genes, plasmid incompatibility groups, and Escherichia coli phylogroups were determined in silico. Sequence types were determined by using MLST tool. The prevalence of CPE carriage observed was 14.4% (44/306 samples). The most common carbapenemase-encoding gene was bla-NDM-5 (n = 58) followed by blaNDM-1 (n = 7), blaNDM (non-assigned variant, n = 4), blaOXA-181 (n = 3), blaOXA-232 (n = 3) and blaNDM-7 (n = 1). Most of the CPE were E. coli (55/64, 86%), and the genomic analysis revealed a pauciclonal diffusion of E. coli with ST167 (n = 14), 405 (n = 10), 940 (n = 8), 648 (n = 6) and 617 (n = 5). We obtained a second sample from 94 patients during their hospital stay in whom carriage was negative at admission and found that 7 (7.4%) acquired a CPE. Our results indicate that the prevalence of CPE carriage in the Pakistani urban community was high and driven by the dissemination of some E. coli clones, with ST167 being the most frequent. The high CPE carriage in the community poses a serious public health threat and calls for implementation of adequate preventive measures.
Protection provided by vaccination, booster doses and previous infection against covid-19 infection, hospitalisation or death over time in Czechia
Authors: Berec Luděk , Šmíd Martin , Přibylová Lenka , Májek Ondřej , Pavlík Tomáš , Jarkovský Jiří , Zajíček Milan , Weiner Jakub , Barusová Tamara , Trnka Jan
Published: July 2022

Studies demonstrating the waning of post-vaccination and post-infection immunity against covid-19 generally analyzed a limited range of vaccines or subsets of populations. Using Czech national health data from the beginning of the covid-19 pandemic till November 20, 2021 we estimated the risks of reinfection, breakthrough infection, hospitalization and death by a Cox regression adjusted for sex, age, vaccine type and vaccination status. Vaccine effectiveness against infection declined from 87% at 0-2 months after the second dose to 53% at 7-8 months for BNT162b2 vaccine, from 90% at 0-2 months to 65% at 7-8 months for mRNA-1273, and from 83% at 0-2 months to 55% at 5-6 months for the ChAdOx1-S. Effectiveness against hospitalization and deaths declined by about 15% and 10%, respectively, during the first 6-8 months. Boosters (third dose) returned the protection to the levels observed shortly after dose 2. In unvaccinated, previously infected individuals the protection against infection declined from 97% after 2 months to 72% at 18 months. Our results confirm the waning of vaccination-induced immunity against infection and a smaller decline in the protection against hospitalization and death. Boosting restores the original vaccine effectiveness. Post-infection immunity also decreases over time.
Initiation of muscle protein synthesis was unrelated to simultaneously upregulated local production of IGF-1 by amino acids in non-proliferating L6 muscle cells
Authors: Iresjö Britt-Marie , Diep Lisa , Lundholm Kent
Published: July 2022

Background

IGF-1 is considered an important regulator of muscle protein synthesis. However, its role in stimulation of muscle protein synthesis by amino acids (AA) is not clear, despite pronounced alterations in IGF-1 mRNA expression and signaling in muscle tissues by feeding. This study evaluates the role of locally produced IGF-1 and IGF-1 signaling when skeletal muscle protein synthesis is activated by increased amino acid availability in confluent, non-proliferating cells.

Methods

L6 skeletal muscle cells were subjected to amino acid starvation (24 h, 0.14 mM) followed by 18 h amino acid refeeding in Low AA (0.28 mM) or High AA concentrations (9 mM). Protein synthesis rates were estimated by L-[U-14C]-phenylalanine incorporation into cellular proteins. IGF-1 and IGF-1 receptor mRNA expression were quantified by real time PCR. SiRNA knockdown, antibodies and chemical inhibitors were used to attenuate muscle IGF-1 production and signaling.

Results

High AA concentrations (9mM) increased IGF-1 mRNA expression (+ 30%, p<0.05) and increased L-[U-14C]-phenylalanine incorporation compared to Low AA in confluent, non-proliferating muscle cells. Blocking IGF-1 signaling by chemical inhibitors reduced IGF-1 mRNA upregulation (~50%, p< 0.01), without decrease of protein synthesis. SiRNA knockdown of IGF-1 reduced protein synthesis, mainly explained by reduced cell proliferation. High AA or IGF-1 inhibitors did not change IGF-1 receptor mRNA expressions.

Conclusion

Amino acids increased IGF-1 mRNA expression and stimulated muscle protein synthesis. However, simultaneous upregulation of IGF-1 mRNA did not relate to increased protein synthesis by amino acids. The results indicate that increased IGF-1 mRNA expression is rather a covariate to amino acid initiation of protein synthesis in non-proliferating muscle cells; effects that may be related to unrecognized metabolic activities, such as transport of amino acids.
Education as a dimension of human development: A Provincial-level Education Index for Ecuador
Authors: Guijarro-Garvi Marta , Miranda-Escolar Belén , Cedeño-Menéndez Yira Tatiana , Moyano-Pesquera Pedro Benito
Published: July 2022

This article deepens in the differences in educational development between the Ecuadorian provinces and in their evolution over time by estimating the Provincial-level Education Index. This index is built using the micro-databases of the two latest rounds of the Ecuador`s Living Standards Measurement Survey (2005–2006 and 2013–2014). The results show an overall increase in the educational development of the Ecuadorian provinces, as well as a slight reduction in inequality. However, differences between them continue to exist. Underlying our results, which are consistent with the provincial production structure and socioeconomic context, some public policies seem to affect the educational sector, as their impact has been evidenced during the period covered in this research.
Health problems, turnover intention, and actual turnover among shift work female nurses: Analyzing data from a prospective longitudinal study
Authors: Ki Jison , Choi-Kwon Smi
Published: July 2022

Aims

This study investigated health problems, turnover intention, and actual turnover among shift work nurses. While turnover intention is often used as a proxy variable for turnover, the relationship between these variables requires clarification. This study tested for relevant associations using prospective longitudinal data with a time lag of 12 months. We also tested for associations between health problems (sleep disturbance, fatigue, and depression) and turnover intentions/turnover, with a focus on the mediating role of turnover intention.

Methods

This study conducted a secondary analysis of data from the Shift Work Nurses’ Health and Turnover project, which is a prospective longitudinal cohort study. We analyzed health problems, turnover intention, and actual turnover. The data were analyzed via descriptive statistics, the Pearson’s chi-squared test, independent t-test, univariable logistic regression, multiple logistic regression, and causal mediation.

Results

Participants included 491 shift work female nurses. Of these, 112 (22.8%) had turnover intention, while 38 (7.7%) left their jobs within the 12-month period of investigation. Of the 112 with turnover intention, 22 left their jobs (OR 5.68. 95% CI 2.84–11.36). The logistic regression analysis showed that sleep disturbance and fatigue were associated with turnover intentions and actual turnover, while depression was only associated with turnover intention. The causal mediation analysis showed that turnover intention mediated the relationship between health problems (sleep disturbance and fatigue) and actual turnover (sleep disturbance OR 1.31, 95%CI = 1.02–1.60; fatigue OR 2.11, 95%CI = 1.50–2.68); sleep disturbance had a natural direct effect on actual turnover (OR 2.66, 95%CI,2.07–3.21).

Conclusion

Turnover intention strongly predicted actual turnover. Sleep disturbances may result in turnover, even in cases without existing turnover intention. These findings highlight the need for early interventions aimed at preventing and alleviating sleep disturbances for shift work female nurses.
Trunk picking from a truncating menu: Dry season forage selection by Asian elephant in a multi-use landscape
Authors: Das Priyanka , Kshettry Aritra , Kumara H. N.
Published: July 2022

Elephants show a strong selection towards areas with high foraging opportunities at the landscape level making top-down decisions by first selecting patch types within landscapes and finally species within them. Understanding forage selection in a multi-use landscape is critical for prioritising patches for habitat management, ensuring availability of selected forage, helping in minimizing pressure on food crops and subsequent negative interactions with people. We assessed dry season forage selection in a multi-use landscape of West Bengal state, India. Relative forage use and relative plant species availability ratio were calculated to assess forage selection in a multi-use landscape comprising of the forest, tea estates, agricultural land, and human settlement. Forage use was assessed using the opportunistic feeding trail observation method (150.01 km). Stratified random sampling was used to assess plant species availability using the quadrat method (123 plots of 0.1 ha each). Among 286 plant species recorded, 132 plant species were consumed by elephants. A majority (80.21%) of plant species were consumed more than the proportional availability thereby showing selective foraging during the dry season in the study area. From forest to semi-open forest and open forest, canopy layer tree density and the total number of species decreased whereas invasive species density increased. This indicates the high impact on the forage species availability for elephants and the requirement of appropriate habitat management strategies. The presence of 32.14% of the selected forage species in human-use landscape alone demands the development of conservation interventions. This is the first study to assess forage selection by elephants in a multi-use landscape and used to prioritise conservation and management strategies at a landscape level.
Effects of multigenerational imidacloprid and thiamethoxam stress on metabolism and physiology of Aphis glycines Matsumura (Hemiptera: Aphididae)
Authors: Zhang Aonan , Zhou Wenjing , Wu Dongxue , Han Lanlan , Zhao Kuijun
Published: July 2022

The soybean aphid, Aphis glycines Matsumura (Hemiptera: Aphididae), a primary pest of soybean, poses a severe threat to soybean production. In this study, the 4th instar nymphs were exposed to the LC50 and LC30 of imidacloprid and thiamethoxam from F0 to F4 generations to evaluate the activities of peroxidase, pyruvate kinase, and trehalase using microassay. We found that peroxidase and pyruvate kinase activities in soybean aphids increased rapidly, first to peak and then decreased slowly generation by generation under imidacloprid and thiamethoxam stress. In contrast, the trehalase activity was significantly decreased in F1 to F5 generations when treated with the LC50 and LC30 and imidacloprid and thiamethoxam compared to control. In addition, the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) was used to monitor the changes in molting and juvenile hormone expressions of the soybean aphids in each generation (F1-F5). The expression of juvenile hormone in soybean aphids was increased significantly in each generation under continuous stress of imidacloprid and thiamethoxam LC50 imidacloprid and LC50 thiamethoxam inhibited the expression of molting hormones in soybean aphids of each generation. LC30 imidacloprid or LC30 thiamethoxam significantly stimulated the expression of molting hormone in the 1st and 2nd instar nymphs in each generation. In this paper, the differences in antioxidant regulation, energy metabolism intensity, and hormone expression of multi-generation soybean aphids were monitored under continuous stress of imidacloprid and thiamethoxam. Our results revealed the effects of continuous insecticide stress on the main endogenous substances. Further, they clarified the regulation rules of resistance in soybean aphids, providing a reference for efficient control with imidacloprid and thiamethoxam.
Identifying ecological corridors for the Chinese ecological conservation redline
Authors: Tian Meirong , Chen Xiuli , Gao Jixi , Tian Yuxin
Published: July 2022

Due to the fragmentation of protected areas (PA), it is important to build ecological corridors in order to connect scattered PA and form protection networks for biodiversity conservation. We take the Chinese ecological conservation redline (ECR) as an example to study the construction of ecological corridors. China has defined ECR to improve the system of PA in key ecological functional zones, nature reserves, and areas of sensitive and fragile ecological environment. In this study, 187 core areas of ECR were identified using ArcGIS masking and dissolving technology to build corridors, covering 95% of the total ECR areas. Using the Linkage Mapper tool and the Pinchpoint Mapper, we identified 454 ecological corridors 68,794 km long. The results of the line density analysis showed that there are 9 key regional biological corridors connected to the ECR at the national scale, which must focus on protecting and strengthening ecological construction during the implementation of ecological conservation redline policy. Our study will provide references for developing a regional pattern of ecological security, territorial spatial planning, and will promote the implementation of biodiversity conservation policies.
Relationship between mortality and molecular epidemiology of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia
Authors: Shimizu Masaru , Mihara Toshihito , Ohara Junya , Inoue Keita , Kinoshita Mao , Sawa Teiji
Published: July 2022

Staphylococcus aureusis the primary cause of bacteremia, and methicillin-resistantS.aureusbacteremia is associated with a high mortality rate. Methicillin-resistantS.aureusclones are widespread worldwide, and molecular epidemiological studies are important. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the characteristics of patients who died due to methicillin-resistantS.aureusbacteremia and microbiological characteristics of methicillin-resistantS.aureusstrains in a tertiary teaching hospital. This single-center, retrospective study included patients with methicillin-resistantS.aureusisolated from blood bacterial culture performed at Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine Hospital, from October 2016 to May 2019. The data analyzed included patient background, clinical strain characteristics, and molecular epidemiology. Of 41 patients with methicillin-resistantS.aureusbacteremia (median age, 60 [28–70] years; 24 (59%) were men), and 7 (17%) died due to methicillin-resistantS.aureusbacteremia. The median age of those who died in the methicillin-resistantS.aureusbacteremia group was predominantly higher than that of those in the alive group (p = 0.03). The most common cause of methicillin-resistantS.aureusbacteremia was endovascular devices, which occurred in 20 (49%), 18 (53%), and 2 (29%) patients in the total, alive, and died groups, respectively. Bacteriological characteristics showed that type IV Staphylococcal Cassette Chromosomemecgenotype was most frequently detected in the total (n = 34 [83%]), alive (n = 29 [85%]), and died (n = 5 [71%]) groups. In the molecular cluster analysis, CC8, ST8, staphylococcal Cassette Chromosomemectype IV, and community-acquired-methicillin-resistantS.aureusformed the largest groups. The diversity of methicillin-resistantS.aureusclones is evident, and it is possible that clones with new virulence factors may still emerge. In the future, it will be crucial to monitor the epidemiological trends of methicillin-resistantS.aureusto respond quickly to changes in pathogenic and clonal factors, to clarify the gene expression network by identifying old and new virulence factors.
Infection prevention and control risk factors in health workers infected with SARS-CoV-2 in Jordan: A case control study
Authors: Tarif Ala Bin , Ramadan Mohannad , Yin Mo , Sharkas Ghazi , Ali Sami Sheikh , Gazo Mahmoud , Zeitawy Ali , Alsawalha Lora , Wu Kaiyue , Alonso-Garbayo Alvaro , Zayed Bassim , Al-Ariqi Lubna , Kheirallah Khalid A. , Talaat Maha , Rashidian Arash , Simniceanu Alice , Allegranzi Benedetta , Cassini Alessandro , Bellizzi Saverio
Published: July 2022

Background

Despite under-reporting, health workers (HWs) accounted for 2 to 30% of the reported COVID-19 cases worldwide. In line with data from other countries, Jordan recorded multiple case surges among HWs.

Methods

Based on the standardized WHO UNITY case-control study protocol on assessing risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection in HWs, HWs with confirmed COVID-19 were recruited as cases from eight hospitals in Jordan. HWs exposed to COVID-19 patients in the same setting but without infection were recruited as controls. The study lasted approximately two months (from early January to early March 2021). Regression models were used to analyse exposure risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection in HWs; conditional logistic regressions were utilized to estimate odds ratios (ORs) adjusted for the confounding variables.

Results

A total of 358 (102 cases and 256 controls) participants were included in the analysis. The multivariate analysis showed that being exposed to COVID-19 patients within 1 metre for more than 15 minutes increased three-fold the odds of infection (OR 2.92, 95% CI 1.25–6.86). Following IPC standard precautions when in contact with patients was a significant protective factor. The multivariate analysis showed that suboptimal adherence to hand hygiene increased the odds of infection by three times (OR 3.18; 95% CI 1.25–8.08).

Conclusion

Study findings confirmed the role of hand hygiene as one of the most cost-effective measures to combat the spreading of viral infections. Future studies based on the same protocol will enable additional interpretations and confirmation of the Jordan experience.
Assessment of coronary spasms with transluminal attenuation gradient in coronary computed tomography angiography
Authors: Park Jae Yang , Kang Eun-Ju , Kim Moo Hyun , Yong Hwan Seok , Rha Seung-Woon
Published: July 2022

Purpose

To evaluate the imaging features of coronary spasm, including transluminal attenuation gradient (TAG) on coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA), in patients with vasospastic angina (VA).

Methods

A total of 43 patients with a high clinical likelihood of VA were included in the study. All the subjects underwent double CCTA acquisition: CCTA without a vasodilator (‘baseline CT’) and CCTA during continuous intravenous nitrate infusion (‘IV nitrate CT’). A catheterized ergonovine provocation test was used to determine true VA patients. Coronary spasm is classified into focal- and diffuse-types according to morphological differences. We measured TAG and contrast enhancement of the proximal ostium (ProxHU) of each coronary artery for both the baseline and IV nitrate CT.

Results

Twenty-four patients (55.8%) showed positive results of coronary vasospasm on the provocation test. Thirty-eight vessels showed coronary spasms (29.5%): Focal-type in nine vessels (24%), and diffuse-type in 29 (76%). In the baseline CT, LCX showed significantly lower (steeper) TAG in spasm(+) vessels than in spasm(-) vessels, while LAD and RCA showed no significant differences in TAG. The ProxHU of LAD showed significantly lower values in spasm(+) vessels than in spasm(-) vessels, while the other vessels did not show significant differences in ProxHU. For IV nitrate CT, there were no significant differences in either the TAG and ProxHU between spasm(+) and (-) vessels for all the three vessel types. In subgroup analysis for spasm(+) vessels, diffuse spasms showed significantly lower TAG than focal spasms, while the ProxHU did not differ between the two types of spasm.

Conclusions

A relatively large percentage of coronary spasms present as diffuse type, and the TAG values significantly differed according to the morphological type of the coronary spasm.
Promoting teaching innovation of Chinese public-school teachers by team temporal leadership: The mediation of job autonomy and the moderation of work stress
Authors: Li Kai , Zhu Guiqin
Published: July 2022

This study examines the impact of team temporal leadership, leaders’ behaviors regarding scheduling, allocating time resources, and coordinating team members, on teachers’ innovative behavior. Questionnaire surveys on 2021 Chinese elementary and secondary public-school teachers show that team temporal leadership exerts a significant positive direct effect on teaching innovation and the effect can be facilitated through the mediation of job autonomy. Moreover, both the direct effect and the second-leg of the mediation effect are moderated by work stress. These suggest that, at least in certain educational settings, teaching innovation can benefit from leaders’ appropriate scheduling and synchronization of time resources. The results also emphasizing the roles of job autonomy and work stress during this time-based team management.
Exploratory phosphoproteomics profiling of Aedes aegypti Malpighian tubules during blood meal processing reveals dramatic transition in function
Authors: Kandel Yashoda , Pinch Matthew , Lamsal Mahesh , Martinez Nathan , Hansen Immo A.
Published: July 2022

Malpighian tubules, the renal organs of mosquitoes, facilitate the rapid dehydration of blood meals through aquaporin-mediated osmosis. We performed phosphoproteomics analysis of three Malpighian tubule protein-libraries (1000 tubules/sample) from unfed female mosquitoes as well as one and 24 hours after a blood meal. We identified 4663 putative phosphorylation sites in 1955 different proteins. Our exploratory dataset reveals blood meal-induced changes in phosphorylation patterns in many subunits of V-ATPase, proteins of the target of rapamycin signaling pathway, vesicle-mediated protein transport proteins, proteins involved in monocarboxylate transport, and aquaporins. Our phosphoproteomics data suggest the involvement of a variety of new pathways including nutrient-signaling, membrane protein shuttling, and paracellular water flow in the regulation of urine excretion. Our results support a model in which aquaporin channels translocate from intracellular vesicles to the cell membrane of stellate cells and the brush border membrane of principal cells upon blood feeding.
Arteterapia como estratégia de cuidado em saúde mental no âmbito da atenção primária
Authors: Silva do Vale Cibele , Carvalho Mendonça Ribeiro Anne Karoliny , Souza da Silva Natana , Redi Lago Rozilaine , Devai Lago Samara
Published: July 2022

O programa de Residência Multiprofissional Integrada em Saúde da Família e Comunidade – RMISF coordenado pela Universidade Federal do Acre planeja e desenvolve atividades interprofissionais, visando à efetivação dos princípios e das diretrizes do Sistema Único de Saúde – SUS no âmbito da Atenção Primária à Saúde – APS. Este artigo consiste em um estudo qualitativo descritivo, do tipo relato de experiência, sobre a utilização da arteterapia como prática de cuidado em saúde mental na sala de espera de uma Unidade Básica de Saúde, em Rio Branco (AC). As ações de arteterapia como pintura, desenho livre, construção de história coletiva, confecção de jogos com materiais recicláveis, capa protetora para a caderneta da criança, dentre outras, foram realizadas a partir do projeto intitulado “Arte, Vida e Saúde”, entre agosto e setembro de 2019. Participaram dessa experiência os residentes do programa de RMISF e outros profissionais de saúde da unidade, com enfoque na atenção à usuários e acompanhantes que aguardavam atendimento na sala de espera da UBS. Observou-se que as atividades desenvolvidas por meio da expressão artística e acolhimento, favoreceram o reconhecimento das necessidades dos usuários e promoção da saúde mental, estimulando funções cognitivas e motoras; fomentando a autonomia e o protagonismo dos sujeitos no desenvolvimento da corresponsabilização pelo próprio bem-estar.
Design, Modeling, and Characterization of Hot Electron Light Emission and Lasing in Semiconductor Heterostructure-VCSOA with Optical Gain up to 36 dB
Authors: Yaba Hawro I. , Chaqmaqchee Faten A.
Published: July 2022

Vertical-cavity semiconductor optical amplifiers (VCSOAs) are interesting devices for optical communication applications. In this work, we have studied the characteristics of gain spectra and amplifier bandwidth in reflection mode at 1300 nm GaInNAs/GaAs hot electron light emission and lasing in semiconductor heterostructure-VCSOA structure using MATLAB program. The device contains 16 Ga0.7In0.3N0.038As0.962 multiple quantum wells (QWs) in its intrinsic region; the active region is bounded between eight pairs of GaAs/AlAs top distributed Bragg reflectors (DBRs) mirror and 25 pairs of AlAs/GaAs bottom DBRs mirror. Simulation results suggest that the resonance cavity of QW of HILLISH-VCSOA is varied with temperature and number of DBRs periods. We compare the relation between the wavelength and gain at a different single-pass gain in both reflection and transmission modes. The highest gain at around 36 dB is observed in reflection mode. Moreover, we calculated the amplifier bandwidth at different periods of top mirror’s reflectivity, in which when the peak reflection gains increases, the amplifier bandwidth decreases.
Introduction
Authors: Schwab Götz , Oesterle Mareike , Whelan Alison
Published: July 2022

The idea to develop the proPIC project emerged in 2016. During this
year, when travelling to conferences and other events was still possible,
several authors of this edited volume found themselves drawn together,
asking similar questions and raising related issues in regard to the
education, training, and professional development of future language
teachers. It struck us that the concept of Continuing Professional
Development (CPD) had found its way into numerous curricula, research
studies, as well as national and international projects (British Council,
2017; Caena, 2011; Day & Sachs, 2005; OECD, 2009). However, only a few
of them, for instance Mann and Walsh (2017), gave any practical implications
about how to update and change the current teaching and learning
environments of teacher education to promote CPD that adapts to the rapid
change which our education systems are facing. Today’s teacher education is
part of a vast and ongoing process of digitalisation and globalisation,
demanding that professionals think out of the box, integrate digital tools,
and engage in transnational networks. The COVID-19 pandemic has created even
greater challenges, but also potentials for teacher education.
Symbiotic and physiological indicators of soybean inoculated of Bradyrhizobium japonicum single-strain in 7 days before sowing
Authors: VOROBEY Nadiya , KUKOL Kateryna , PUKHTAIEVYCH Petro , KOTS Tetyana
Published: July 2022

Results of investigation of soybean of the Almaz variety in inoculation with preparations based on nodule bacteria Bradyrhizobium japonicum (Kirchner, 1896), Jordan, 1982 B78, B157, D37, D87 are presented. Different periods of the soybean seeds inoculation were used - on the sowing day (control) and in 7 days before sowing (experimental variants). The differences between control and experimental plants in the formation and functioning of the symbiotic apparatus and its functional activity, depending on the period between from seed inoculation to sowing were analysed. It was determined that the number of root nodules in the control plants was higher. The mass of nodules at the stage of 3 true leaves exceeded the control by 1.5–2.0 times in plants inoculated in 7 days before sowing, and the intensity of nitrogen fixation by 1.7–6.6 times. At the budding-beginning of flowering stage, the mass and intensity of N2 fixation by the nodules of control plants increased. As a result, the difference between the nitrogen fixing activity of control and experimental plants decreased significantly. Stimulating effect on aboveground mass of Bradyrhizobium japonicum strains with increased nitrogen fixing activity was noted. Optimal conditions for the formation and functioning of bean-rhizobial symbiosis were provided at the use of both of these terms of soybean inoculation. This reveals the possibility of effective application of early inoculation of soybean seeds with preparations based on nodule bacteria Bradyrhizobium japonicum active strains.
Open vertical farms: a plausible system in increasing tomato yield and encouraging natural suppression of whiteflies
Authors: MUSTAPHA Suleiman , MUSA Abdulrasak Kannike , APALOWO Oluropo Ayotunde , LAWAL Abdrahaman Adebowale , OLAYIWOLA Olaniyi Israel , BAMIDELE Helen Olaide , UDDIN II Robert Omotayoman
Published: July 2022

This study evaluated the effectiveness of open vertical farming in increasing tomato yield and also recruiting the presence of ecological service providers in the control of whiteflies. The experiment compared the horizontal farming approach to novel outdoor vertical farm design. Using both raised and flatbeds to represent horizontal farm, tomato plants were grown in a spacing of 3.6 and 2.4 m2 respectively while the vertical farm covered a land space of 1.8 m2 having three arrays with array 1 at ground level, array 2 and 3 were elevated at 110 and 220 cm high respectively. Data collected included the numbers of Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius, 1889) and predatory spiders and; tomato fruit yield (g). Results indicated that the mean number of predatory spiders in the vertical farm from 6 – 10 weeks after transplanting were able to supress B. tabaci populations when compared to the horizontal farm. The total fruit yield harvested indicated that the vertical farm produced more tomato fruit yield compared to the horizontal farm. It is plausible that the practice of outdoor vertical farming may be a step approach solution to land shortages and also a sustainable system for integrated pest management.