bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparing the cobas Influenza A/B Nucleic acid test for use on the cobas Liat System (Liat) with rapid antigen tests for clinical management of Japanese patients at the point of care
Authors: Mikamo Hiroshige , Koizumi Yusuke , Yamagishi Yuka , Asai Nobuhiro , Miyazono Yuko , Shinbo Toshikazu , Horie Michiko , Togashi Kenichi , Robbins Elissa M. , Hirotsu Nobuo
Published: October 2022

Background

Rapid diagnosis of influenza is critical in preventing the spread of infection and ensuring patients quickly receive antiviral medication to reduce the severity and duration of influenza symptoms, whilst controlling the spread of the causative virus. In Japan patients are often administered anti-influenza medication following a positive rapid antigen detection test (RADT) result. However, the sensitivity of RADTs can lead to false negative results. The cobas® Influenza A/B Nucleic acid test for use on the cobas Liat® System (Liat) is a molecular point-of-care method that can provide a more sensitive alternative to RADTs for rapid influenza diagnosis and treatment.

Methods

In this prospective multicenter study, diagnostic performance of the Liat test was compared with RADTs in patients presenting with influenza-like-illness. Test performance was also assessed by time since symptom onset.

Results

Of 419 patients enrolled, 413 were evaluable for all designated tests. Most patients had type-A infection, and only one patient had influenza type B. In 413 patients, the sensitivity and specificity (95% CI) of the Liat test were 99.5% (97.2–99.9%) and 99.5% (97.4–99.9%), respectively, and were 79.7% (73.5–84.7%) and 95.4% (91.7–97.5%) for RADTs. For patients tested <12 hours from symptom onset, the Liat test had significantly higher sensitivity than RADTs (p<0.0001).

Conclusion

Overall, compared with standard of care RADTs, the Liat test was more sensitive and specific in children and adults, particularly in the early stages of infection. Greater sensitivity can enable earlier diagnosis and may better inform appropriate antiviral treatment decisions.
Clinical and histopathological study of renal biopsy in Nepalese children: A single center experience
Authors: Amatya Manim , Pant Anil Dev
Published: October 2022

Background

Glomerular diseases are important causes of morbidity and mortality among children in developing countries. Renal biopsy is the gold standard for determining histological diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy options. This study aimed to investigate the clinical, histopathological, and direct immunofluorescence findings of renal biopsy results in Nepalese children under 18 years old.

Methods

In this retrospective cross-sectional study, the available data from children who had undergone kidney biopsy between 2016 and the end of 2020 were evaluated. Demographic data, indications of biopsy, histopathologic findings, and direct immunofluorescence findings were collected and presented.

Results

The mean age of the patients was 12.14 ± 4.07 years. Male/female ratio was 1:1. The majority of biopsy cases were aged between 11–15 years of age. The most common indication for biopsy in children was nephrotic syndrome (68.25%). Lupus nephritis with 28 cases (22.22%) had the highest frequency in overall renal biopsies. Minimal change disease (MCD) with 22 cases (17.46%) followed by Ig A nephropathy with 16 cases (12.69%) were the most frequent primary glomerulonephritis. Lupus nephritis showed full house positivity, and MCD showed full house negativity in all Direct immunofluorescence (DIF) parameters, whereas immunoglobulin A nephropathy showed 100% positivity in Ig A in DIF.

Conclusions

Nephrotic syndrome was the most common indication for renal biopsy. The most common primary glomerulonephritis was MCD, while secondary glomerulonephritis was lupus nephritis. Clinical data, light microscopy, and direct DIF played an integral role in the overall final diagnosis.
Ameliorative effects of half-dose saffron and chamomile combination on Psycho-endocrinological changes in a diabetic murine model
Authors: Ahmad Saara , Rafiq Hamna , Khan Asra , Tikmani Prashant , Batool Zehra , Tabassum Saiqa , Arain Fazal , Siddiqi Salman , Khaliq Saima , Amin Faiq , Wasim Muhammad , Haider Saida
Published: October 2022

Introduction

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder with an increasing prevalence worldwide. Reduction in blood insulin level alters brain function by inducing oxidative stress with changes in dopamine and norepinephrine neurotransmission, ultimately leading to neuropsychological symptoms. The efficacy of currently available psychotropic drugs is not satisfactory. Therefore, this study was conducted to explore the beneficial effects of a combination of the natural herbs, saffron and chamomile, in treating diabetes and its resultant neuropsychological effects using a rodent model of diabetes mellitus.

Method

The rats were randomly divided in to eight groups (n = 10), healthy control (HC), diabetic control (DC) and six groups of diabetic rats treated with various concentrations and combinations of saffron and chamomile. Diabetic treatment groups individually received methanolic extract and water decoction of chamomile (30 mg/kg) and saffron (10mg/kg) and their combined half doses (saffron 5mg/kg and chamomile 15mg/kg) for two weeks. Open field test (OFT) and forced swim test (FST) were used to measure the anxiolytic and antidepressant effects of herbs, respectively. Finally, biochemical, and neurochemical estimations were made.

Results

The present study suggests the therapeutic effects of herbs especially in co-administrated decoction, against diabetes with improved antioxidant profile and enhanced levels of dopamine and norepinephrine. Anxiolytic and antidepressant effects were evident with improvements in the OFT and FST. Examination of the cortex of the diabetic group revealed cellular damage and tangle formation, which indicates advanced stages of dementia.

Conclusion

This study shows that the use of a combination of saffron and chamomile improves diabetes control and reduces its related psychiatric effects.
Consent is a confounding factor in a prospective observational study of critically ill elderly patients
Authors: Flaatten Hans , Guidet Bertrand , Jung Christian , Boumendil Ariane , Leaver Susannah , Szczeklik Wojciech , Artigas Antonio , Andersen Finn , Moreno Rui , Walther Sten , Oeyen Sandra , Schefold Joerg C. , Marsh Brian , Joannidis Michael , Elhadi Muhammed , Nalapko Yuriy , Fjølner Jesper , de Lange Dylan W.
Published: October 2022

During analysis of a prospective multinational observation study of critically ill patients ≥80 years of age, the VIP2 study, we also studied the effects of differences in country consent for study inclusion. This is a post hoc analysis where the ICUs were analyzed according to requirement for study consent. Group A: ICUs in countries with no requirement for consent at admission but with deferred consent in survivors. Group B: ICUs where some form of active consent at admission was necessary either from the patient or surrogates. Patients’ characteristics, the severity of disease and outcome variables were compared. Totally 3098 patients were included from 21 countries. The median age was 84 years (IQR 81–87). England was not included because of changing criteria for consent during the study period. Group A (7 countries, 1200 patients), and group B (15 countries, 1898 patients) were comparable with age and gender distribution. Cognition was better preserved prior to admission in group B. Group A suffered from more organ dysfunction at admission compared to group B with Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score median 8 and 6 respectively. ICU survival was lower in group A, 66.2% compared to 78.4% in group B (p<0.001). We hence found profound effects on outcomes according to differences in obtaining consent for this study. It seems that the most severely ill elderly patients were less often recruited to the study in group B. Hence the outcome measured as survival was higher in this group. We therefore conclude that consent likely is an important confounding factor for outcome evaluation in international studies focusing on old patients.
Affordable RFID loggers for monitoring animal movement, activity, and behaviour
Authors: Harrison Natasha Dean , Kelly Ella L.
Published: October 2022

Effective conservation management strategies require accurate information on the movement patterns and behaviour of wild animals. To collect these data, researchers are increasingly turning to remote sensing technology such as radio-frequency identification (RFID). RFID technology is a powerful tool that has been widely implemented in ecological research to identify and monitor unique individuals, but it bears a substantial price tag, restricting this technology to generously-funded disciplines and projects. To overcome this price hurdle, we provide detailed step-by-step instructions to source the components for, and construct portable RFID loggers in house, at a fraction of the cost (~5%) of commercial RFID units. Here, we assess the performance of these RFID loggers in the field and describe their application in two studies of Australian mammal species; monitoring nest-box use in the Northern quolls (Dasyurus hallucatus) and observing the foraging habits of quenda (Isoodon fusciventer) at feeding stations. The RFID loggers performed well, identifying quenda in >80% of visits, and facilitating the collection of individual-level behavioural data including common metrics such as emergence time, latency to approach, and foraging effort. While the technology itself is not novel, by lowering the cost per unit, our loggers enabled greater sample sizes, increasing statistical power from 0.09 to 0.75 in the quoll study. Further, we outline and provide solutions to the limitations of this design. Our RFID loggers proved an innovative method for collecting accurate behavioural and movement data. With their ability to successfully identify individuals, the RFID loggers described here can act as an alternative or complementary tool to camera traps. These RFID loggers can also be applied in a wide variety of projects which range from monitoring animal welfare or demographic traits to studies of anti-predator responses and animal personality, making them a valuable addition to the modern ecologists’ toolkit.
Healthcare utilization in children across the care continuum during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Schroeder Alan R. , Dahlen Alex , Purington Natasha , Alvarez Francisco , Brooks Rona , Destino Lauren , Madduri Gayatri , Wang Marie , Coon Eric R.
Published: October 2022

Objectives

Healthcare utilization decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic, likely due to reduced transmission of infections and healthcare avoidance. Though various investigations have described these changing patterns in children, most have analyzed specific care settings. We compared healthcare utilization, prescriptions, and diagnosis patterns in children across the care continuum during the first year of the pandemic with preceding years.

Study design

Using national claims data, we compared enrollees under 18 years during the pre-pandemic (January 2016 –mid-March 2020) and pandemic (mid-March 2020 through March 2021) periods. The pandemic was further divided into early (mid-March through mid-June 2020) and middle (mid-June 2020 through March 2021) periods. Utilization was compared using interrupted time series.

Results

The mean number of pediatric enrollees/month was 2,519,755 in the pre-pandemic and 2,428,912 in the pandemic period. Utilization decreased across all settings in the early pandemic, with the greatest decrease (76.9%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 72.6–80.5%) seen for urgent care visits. Only well visits returned to pre-pandemic rates during the mid-pandemic. Hospitalizations decreased by 43% (95% CI 37.4–48.1) during the early pandemic and were still 26.6% (17.7–34.6) lower mid-pandemic. However, hospitalizations in non-psychiatric facilities for various mental health disorders increased substantially mid-pandemic.

Conclusion

Healthcare utilization in children dropped substantially during the first year of the pandemic, with a shift away from infectious diseases and a spike in mental health hospitalizations. These findings are important to characterize as we monitor the health of children, can be used to inform healthcare strategies during subsequent COVID-19 surges and/or future pandemics, and may help identify training gaps for pediatric trainees. Subsequent investigations should examine how changes in healthcare utilization impacted the incidence and outcomes of specific diseases.
Recognition of intrinsic values of sentient beings explains the sense of moral duty towards global nature conservation
Authors: Lan Tianxiang , Sinhababu Neil , Carrasco Luis Roman
Published: October 2022

Whether nature is valuable on its own (intrinsic values) or because of the benefits it provides to humans (instrumental values) has been a long-standing debate. The concept of relational values has been proposed as a solution to this supposed dichotomy, but the empirical validation of its intuitiveness remains limited. We experimentally assessed whether intrinsic/relational values of sentient beings/non-sentient beings/ecosystems better explain people’s sense of moral duty towards global nature conservation for the future. Participants from a representative sample of the population of Singapore (n = 1508) were randomly allocated to two “the last human” scenarios. We found that the best predictor of such a sense of moral duty for future nature conservation is the recognition of the intrinsic values of sentient beings. Our results suggest that the concern for animal welfare may enhance rather than compete with the sense of moral duty towards nature conservation.
ICD-10 based machine learning models outperform the Trauma and Injury Severity Score (TRISS) in survival prediction
Authors: Tran Zachary , Verma Arjun , Wurdeman Taylor , Burruss Sigrid , Mukherjee Kaushik , Benharash Peyman
Published: October 2022

Background

Precise models are necessary to estimate mortality risk following traumatic injury to inform clinical decision making or quantify hospital performance. The Trauma and Injury Severity Score (TRISS) has been the historical gold standard in survival prediction but its limitations are well-characterized. The present study used International Classification of Diseases 10th Revision (ICD-10) injury codes with machine learning approaches to develop models whose performance was compared to that of TRISS.

Methods

The 2015–2017 National Trauma Data Bank was used to identify patients following trauma-related admission. Injury codes from ICD-10 were grouped by clinical relevance into 1,495 variables. The TRISS score, which comprises the Injury Severity Score, age, mechanism (blunt vs penetrating) as well as highest 24-hour values for systolic blood pressure (SBP), respiratory rate (RR) and Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) was calculated for each patient. A base eXtreme gradient boosting model (XGBoost), a machine learning technique, was developed using injury variables as well as age, SBP, RR, mechanism and GCS. Prediction of in-hospital survival and other in-hospital complications were compared between both models using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) and reliability plots. A complete XGBoost model, containing injury variables, vitals, demographic information and comorbidities, was additionally developed.

Results

Of 1,380,740 patients, 1,338,417 (96.9%) survived to discharge. Compared to survivors, those who died were older and had a greater prevalence of penetrating injuries (18.0% vs 9.44%). The base XGBoost model demonstrated a greater receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) than TRISS (0.950 vs 0.907) which persisted across sub-populations and secondary endpoints. Furthermore, it exhibited high calibration across all risk levels (R2 = 0.998 vs 0.816). The complete XGBoost model had an exceptional ROC of 0.960.

Conclusions

We report improved performance of machine learning models over TRISS. Our model may improve stratification of injury severity in clinical and quality improvement settings.
BOOME: A Python package for handling misclassified disease and ultrahigh-dimensional error-prone gene expression data
Authors: Chen Li-Pang
Published: October 2022

In gene expression data analysis framework, ultrahigh dimensionality and measurement error are ubiquitous features. Therefore, it is crucial to correct measurement error effects and make variable selection when fitting a regression model. In this paper, we introduce a python packageBOOME, which refers toBOOsting algorithm forMeasurementError in binary responses and ultrahigh-dimensional predictors. We primarily focus on logistic regression and probit models with responses, predictors, or both contaminated with measurement error. TheBOOMEaims to address measurement error effects, and employ boosting procedure to make variable selection and estimation.
Preference of homebirth and associated factors among pregnant women in Arba Minch health and demographic surveillance site, Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Alemu Solomon Seyife , Ketema Teklemariam Gultie , Tessema Kassahun Fikadu , Feyisa Jira Wakoya , Yimer Awol Arega , Kebede Birhanu Negese
Published: October 2022

Background

Home birth preference is the need of pregnant women to give birth at their home with the help of traditional (unskilled) birth attendants. Homebirth with unskilled birth attendants during childbirth is the main leading indicator for maternal and newborn death. In Ethiopia, numbers of women prefer homebirth which is assisted by unskilled personal. However, there is no information regarding the problem in the Arba Minch zuria woreda. Therefore, it is important to identify prevalence of preference of homebirth and associated factors.

Objectives

This study aimed to assess the preference of home birth and associated factors among pregnant women in Arba Minch health and demographic surveillance site.

Method and materials

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among pregnant women in Arba Minch health and demographic surveillance site, from May 1 to June 1, 2021. Using simple random sampling technique, 416 study samples were selected. Data were collected by interviewer-administered questionnaire. Data were coded and entered into Epi-Data version 4.4.2.1 computer software and exported to Statistical Package for Social Sciences software version 25 for analysis. Bi-variable binary logistic regression for the selection of potential candidate variables at p-value < 0.25 for multivariable analysis and multivariable binary logistic regression to identify the association between homebirth preference and independent variables were carried out. The level of statistical significance was declared at a p-value < 0.05.

Result

In this study, in Arba Minch demographic health surveillance site, the prevalence of preference of pregnant women to give birth at their home was 24% [95%CI: (19.9%-28.2%)] The factors significantly associated with the preference of home birth were husband involvement in decision making [AOR: 0.14 (0.05–0.38)], no access of road for transportation [AOR: 2.4 (1.2–5.18)], not heard about the benefit of institutional birth [AOR: 5.3 (2.3–12.2)], poor knowledge about danger signs [AOR: 3 (1.16–7.6)], negative attitude toward services [AOR: 3.1 (1.19–8.02)], and high fear to give birth at institution [AOR: 5.12 (2.4–10.91)].

Conclusions

In Arba Minch demographic health surveillance site, the prevalence of preference of pregnant women to give birth at their home was 24%. Husband involvement in decision making, no access of road for transportation, not heard about the benefit of institutional birth, poor knowledge about danger signs, negative attitude toward services, and high fear to give birth at health institutions were factors significantly associated with the preference of home birth.
Socioeconomic inequality in the prevalence of low birth weight and its associated determinants in Bangladesh
Authors: Alam Md. Jahangir , Islam Md. Merajul , Maniruzzaman Md. , Ahmed N. A. M. Faisal , Tawabunnahar Most. , Rahman Md. Jahanur , Roy Dulal Chandra , Mydam Janardhan
Published: October 2022

Background and objective

Low birth weight (LBW) is a major risk factor of child mortality and morbidity during infancy (0–3 years) and early childhood (3–8 years) in low and lower-middle-income countries, including Bangladesh. LBW is a vital public health concern in Bangladesh. The objective of the research was to investigate the socioeconomic inequality in the prevalence of LBW among singleton births and identify the significantly associated determinants of singleton LBW in Bangladesh.

Materials and methods

The data utilized in this research was derived from the latest nationally representative Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey, 2017–18, and included a total of 2327 respondents. The concentration index (C-index) and concentration curve were used to investigate the socioeconomic inequality in LBW among the singleton newborn babies. Additionally, an adjusted binary logistic regression model was utilized for calculating adjusted odds ratio and p-value (<0.05) to identify the significant determinants of LBW.

Results

The overall prevalence of LBW among singleton births in Bangladesh was 14.27%. We observed that LBW rates were inequitably distributed across the socioeconomic groups (C-index: -0.096, 95% confidence interval: [-0.175, -0.016],P= 0.029), with a higher concentration of LBW infants among mothers living in the lowest wealth quintile (poorest). Regression analysis revealed that maternal age, region, maternal education level, wealth index, height, age at 1st birth, and the child’s aliveness (alive or died) at the time of the survey were significantly associated determinants of LBW in Bangladesh.

Conclusion

In this study, socioeconomic disparity in the prevalence of singleton LBW was evident in Bangladesh. Incidence of LBW might be reduced by improving the socioeconomic status of poor families, paying special attention to mothers who have no education and live in low-income households in the eastern divisions (e.g., Sylhet, Chittagong). Governments, agencies, and non-governmental organizations should address the multifaceted issues and implement preventive programs and policies in Bangladesh to reduce LBW.
Stable long-term individual differences in 50-kHz vocalization rate and call subtype prevalence in adult male rats: Comparisons with sucrose preference
Authors: Sundarakrishnan Adithi , Clarke Paul B. S.
Published: October 2022

Sucrose preference (SP) is a widely used measure of anhedonia in rat models of depression, yet depressed patients do not reliably show an analogous deficit. As an alternative affect-related measure, adult rat ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) are attracting interest, but it is unclear whether SP and USVs provide independent measures. Here, we have assessed whether SP and USV emission are correlated in the absence of a depressogenic procedure. To this end, 24 male Long-Evans rats were tested daily for 24 days, with alternating SP tests and USV recordings; after a 3-month hiatus, USV emission was re-evaluated for 6 more days. SP was measured in simultaneous two-bottle choice tests, and USVs were recorded in an open field. The main measures were: SP, 50-kHz call rate, and relative prevalence of trill and flat call subtypes. These measures showed temporally-stable individual differences across the initial 24-day testing period, and at the 3-month USV follow-up tests. Correlational analysis revealed no significant relationships between SP and the three main USV measures. Rats differed consistently, not only in their 50-kHz call rates but also in their 50-kHz call profiles (i.e., the relative prevalence of 14 call subtypes); most rats preferentially emitted either trill or flat calls. Several inter-call subtype associations were detected, including a strong negative relationship between the relative prevalence of flat and trill calls. The 50-kHz call rate was correlated with the relative prevalence of only one call subtype (short calls, negative correlation), but was positively correlated with absolute emission rates for almost all subtypes. In conclusion, adult rats exhibited temporally-stable individual differences over weeks (SP) or months (USVs) of testing. This trait-like stability helped to reveal a lack of relationship between SP and the USV-related variables under study, suggesting that these measures may capture different constructs of possible relevance to animal models of depression.
Data mining for prothrombin time and international normalized ratio reference intervals in children
Authors: Shaikh Muhammad Shariq , Ahmed Sibtain
Published: October 2022

Reference intervals (RIs) help physicians in differentiating healthy from sick individuals. The prothrombin time (PT) and International normalized ratio (INR) fluctuate in coagulation pathway defects and have interlaboratory variability due to the instrument/reagent used. As direct method is difficult in children, we chose an indirect data mining method for the determining PT/INR RIs. The indirect method overcomes the substantial financial and logistic challenges, and ethical restrictions in children, moreover, allows partitioning in more fine-grained age groups. Prothrombin Time/INR measurements performed in patients aged birth-18 years between January 2013 and December 2020, were retrieved from laboratory management system of the Aga Khan Hospital. Reference intervals were computed using an indirect KOSMIC algorithm. The KOSMIC package function on the assumption that the non-pathologic samples follow a Gaussian distribution (after Box-Cox transformation of the data), following an elaborate statistical process to isolate distribution of physiological samples from mixed dataset. A total of 56,712 and 52,245 values were retrieved for PT and INR respectively. After the exclusion of patients with multiple specimens obtained during the study period, RIs were calculated for 37,356 (PT) and 37,192 (INR) children with stratification into 9 age groups. A comparison of 2.5th and 97.5th percentile results with those of established RIs from SickKids Handbook of Pediatric Thrombosis and Hemostasis demonstrated good agreement in between different age groups. This study supports data mining as an alternate approach for establishing PT/INR RIs, specifically in resource-limited settings. The results obtained are specific to studied population and instrument/reagent used. The study also allows understanding of fluctuations in coagulation pathways with increasing age and hence better clinical decision-making based on PT and INR results.
Dynamics of type IV collagen 7S fragment on eradication of HCV with direct antiviral agents: Prognostic and metabolomic impacts
Authors: Yamataka Karin , Chu Po-sung , Koda Yuzo , Taniki Nobuhito , Morikawa Rei , Yoshida Aya , Noguchi Fumie , Kasuga Ryosuke , Tabuchi Takaya , Ebinuma Hirotoshi , Kanai Takanori , Nakamoto Nobuhiro
Published: October 2022

Background

Liver fibrosis is one of the cardinal clinical features of chronic hepatitis C (CHC). However, the mechanisms underlying the evolution and reversion of liver fibrosis after hepatitis C virus (HCV) eradication and their relationship with clinical outcomes and metabolic alterations are not fully elucidated. Whether any non-invasive fibrosis marker can predict prognosis is unknown.

Methods

Between October 2014 and September 2019, 418 patients with CHC or compensated cirrhosis with HCV were prospectively recruited in this observational study. 326 patients that were successfully eradicated with interferon-free direct antiviral agents (IFN-free DAAs) were analyzed. Peri-treatment dynamics of serum levels of type IV collagen 7S fragment (4COL7S), a fibrosis marker, and subsequent clinical outcomes, including hepatic decompensation, newly emerged hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and all-cause mortality were analyzed.

Results

Ten (3.1%) patients died during the observation period. 4COL7S-defined fibrosis progression (n = 97, 29.8%) at SVR was significantly correlated with worse all-cause mortality post-SVR (P= 0.0062) but not with the probability of newly emerged HCC (P= 0.24). Prognostic tendency was more prominent in patients with advanced fibrosis (P< 0.0001). 4COL7S-defined fibrosis progression at SVR and a baseline platelet count less than 10×104/μL were significantly predicted all-cause mortality (P= 0.0051). In exploratory analyses, a decreased 4COL7S at the end of treatment was correlated with a matrix-degrading phenotype that showed higher serum metalloproteinase to tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase-1 ratios and characteristic metabolic fingerprints such as increased butyrate, some medium-chain fatty acids, anabolic amino acids, and decreased uremia toxins.

Conclusions

Peri-treatment dynamics of serum 4COL7S, a non-invasive fibrosis marker, predict prognosis. Non-invasive fibrosis markers may be useful biomarkers for risk stratification post-SVR.
Regressive evolution of an effector following a host jump in the Irish potato famine pathogen lineage
Authors: Zess Erin K. , Dagdas Yasin F. , Peers Esme , Maqbool Abbas , Banfield Mark J. , Bozkurt Tolga O. , Kamoun Sophien
Published: October 2022

In order to infect a new host species, the pathogen must evolve to enhance infection and transmission in the novel environment. Although we often think of evolution as a process of accumulation, it is also a process of loss. Here, we document an example of regressive evolution of an effector activity in the Irish potato famine pathogen (Phytophthora infestans) lineage, providing evidence that a key sequence motif in the effector PexRD54 has degenerated following a host jump. We began by looking at PexRD54 and PexRD54-like sequences from across Phytophthora species. We found that PexRD54 emerged in the common ancestor of Phytophthora clade 1b and 1c species, and further sequence analysis showed that a key functional motif, the C-terminal ATG8-interacting motif (AIM), was also acquired at this point in the lineage. A closer analysis showed that the P. mirabilis PexRD54 (PmPexRD54) AIM is atypical, the otherwise-conserved central residue mutated from a glutamate to a lysine. We aimed to determine whether this PmPexRD54 AIM polymorphism represented an adaptation to the Mirabilis jalapa host environment. We began by characterizing the M. jalapa ATG8 family, finding that they have a unique evolutionary history compared to previously characterized ATG8s. Then, using co-immunoprecipitation and isothermal titration calorimetry assays, we showed that both full-length PmPexRD54 and the PmPexRD54 AIM peptide bind weakly to the M. jalapa ATG8s. Through a combination of binding assays and structural modelling, we showed that the identity of the residue at the position of the PmPexRD54 AIM polymorphism can underpin high-affinity binding to plant ATG8s. Finally, we conclude that the functionality of the PexRD54 AIM was lost in the P. mirabilis lineage, perhaps owing to as-yet-unknown selection pressure on this effector in the new host environment.
Food for thought: Political discourse and visual literacy in art education
Authors: Henderson Lynette K. , Vanderlip Taylor Kristin
Published: October 2022

Art education curriculum that asks students to actively engage in the world around them is best when students work with issues or topics that will be fruitful in terms of students being able to personally relate on some level. The theme of food as a topic for higher education art curriculum is just such an example, particularly with recent studies of college campuses documenting issues of food insecurity among students). This article discusses related theoretical aspects and qualitative methods utilized in working with university students on the interdisciplinary and often social and politically charged theme of food, including subtopics such as food access, health, agricultural practices, labour and immigration, economics and global warming. Nuanced and related topics are discussed in the context of issues-based art curriculum and students’ creative processes, including democratic participation, digital and technological literacy and how to understand the political in a world where facts are continuously in question.
Análise do excesso de carga de veículos comerciais e seu efeito no dimensionamento de estruturas de pavimentos asfálticos
Authors: Melo Lopes Vallejo Flaviane , Santos Caio Rubens , Legi Bariani Bernucci Liedi , Yukio Suzuki Carlos , Vasconcelos Savasini Kamilla , Lee Ho Linda
Published: October 2022

A magnitude de carga permitida para o transporte rodoviário no Brasil é regida pela “lei da balança”, que permite uma tolerância, na pesagem dos veículos comerciais em seu peso bruto total e em cada eixo. Essas tolerâncias vêm sendo justificadas por possíveis desvios inerentes nos equipamentos de pesagem e pela movimentação da carga dentro do veículo. As tolerâncias de 5% no PBT e de 5% nos eixos, introduzidas na década de 80, foram modificadas para 7,5% nos eixos na década de 90 e, em julho de 2014, com base na Resolução do CONTRAN n°. 489, foram estendidas mais uma vez para 10% nos eixos. Este trabalho apresenta os resultados de uma análise de dados referentes a um período de 6 anos de pesagem de caminhões em uma balança de uma rodovia brasileira de elevado volume de tráfego, que opera 24 horas por dia, 7 dias por semana, e aponta as alterações do transporte de carga, fruto da alteração de julho de 2014. Os resultados mostram que há aumento da sobrecarga, o que evidencia o uso da tolerância pelo transportador de carga e consequências das sobrecargas no dimensionamento dos pavimentos asfálticos, ou na redução de sua vida útil.
Efeitos da implantação de projetos de assentamentos rurais na estrutura fundiária do município de Caiapônia (GO) - Brasil
Authors: Silva Santiago Soares da , Clemente Evandro César
Published: October 2022

O propósito deste estudo é demonstrar os principais efeitos da criação dos Projetos de Assentamentos Rurais pelo INCRA na estrutura fundiária do município de Caiapônia/GO. Para a consecução da pesquisa, foram efetuadas coleta e a sistematização de dados dos Censos Agropecuários do IBGE de 1995, 2006 e 2017 e da estrutura fundiária pelo INCRA 2018 e, ao final, realizou-se o desmembramento das parcelas dos assentamentos, considerando-as como imóveis rurais. Dentre os resultados obtidos, verificou-se que, mesmo com a criação de 13 Projetos de Assentamentos pelo INCRA e os efeitos ocasionados no território no município, a propriedade da terra permanece bastante concentrada, visto que o estrato do número de imóveis de até 250 hectares teve um acréscimo de apenas 2,71 pontos percentuais. Os imóveis considerados médios e grandes abarcam mais de 80% do total das terras, o que denota ainda elevada concentração.
Pengaruh herding, overconfidence, dan endowment bias pada keputusan investasi investor pasar modal
Authors: Theressa Thea Diva , Armansyah Rohmad Fuad
Published: October 2022

Investment is one of the steps to get a financial advantage in the future. Investment decision-making involves thinking about action to make decisions. This study aims to examine the effect of Herding bias, Overconfidence bias, and Endowment bias on Investors' Investment Decision Making in the Capital Market. The sample consists of 150 respondents with the characteristics of being an active investor for at least 1 year in the capital market, having a minimum age of 17 years, and being Indonesian citizens. The sample  was taken by purposive sampling method through the distribution of electronic questionnaires to investors who have joined the capital market. The data were analed using Structural Equating Modeling (SEM) on Partial Least Square (PLS). The results of this study indicate that herding bias, overconfidence bias, and endowment bias affect investors' investment decision-making. The  partial test supports this results, showing a positive effect of each variable herding bias, overconfidence bias, and endowment bias on investment decision variables. This study has implications for investment decision-makers with millennial demographics regarding financial bias behavior in the midst of information development, so it is important to base the fundamental and technical analysis on decision-making.
The “Chauvinistic” Men of Julie Okoh: Victims of Feminist Bias
Authors: Imo Edward Egbo
Published: October 2022

The paper interrogates Julie Okoh’s sense of commitment to the feminist struggle. Using her plays as case studies, the paper presents Okoh as one of the most passionate, emotional and bias feminist playwrights in Nigeria. The argument canvassed in this paper includes that in Okoh’s dramaturgy, women are portrayed far better than their men counterpart. The research is fundamentally literary in methodology and qualitative in approach with some of Okoh’s selected plays as primary source materials. The major finding in the study is that Okoh is one of the few Nigerian playwrights that have demonstrated ideological commitments in their dramaturgies. The study also observed that the feminist project, especially as portrayed in Nigerian drama, is unremorsefully hostile to patriarchy. It is in the light of the above that the paper advocates the need for Nigerian playwrights to show ideological commitment in their plays. Nigerian feminist playwrights are also encouraged to always strike a gender balance in the delineation of characters in their plays. It is hoped that such gender balancing would facilitate gender equality which the feminist project sets out to achieve.
The sexual/gender differentiation—are the boundaries of gender struggle?
Authors: Bernasiewicz Maciej
Published: October 2022

The author is discussing issues concerning gender differentiation in the sphere of economy, social roles and its cultural and biological roots. The anti-essentialist gender discourse is shown as emanation of two old ideas: the Marxist paradigm and gnostic concepts. Author indicate that the triumph of freedom in the culture of late modernity is not only the victory of culture over nature, but also, paradoxically for this culture, a simultaneous threat.
(Con)texte littéraire dans les manuels de français au niveau secondaire en Pologne
Authors: Chmiel-Bożek Halina
Published: October 2022

Regardless of the teaching method, literature has always been an element of language learning. The action-oriented approach – proposed more than 20 years ago – does not exclude references to literature in the language classroom. The Companion Volume to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, published in 2021, further expands the possibilities for using literary texts in foreign language teaching methodology. This paper will analyse eighteen approved French textbooks from the point of view of the literature-based exercises they contain. The aim is to determine to what extent and with what regularity literature fragments appear in these textbooks and establish the types and objectives of literature-based exercises.
Développer la compétence interculturelle en classe de français langue étrangère à travers le roman noir Derrière les panneaux il y a des hommes de Joseph Incardona
Authors: Ráčková Lucia , Schmitt François , Zázrivcová Monika
Published: October 2022

Current research on interculturality in foreign language teaching focuses on the development of the intercultural personality of the learner based on his social representations. In this context, the introduction of crime fiction in French foreign language teaching makes it possible to take the complexity of the human personality more efficiently into account when developing the intercultural competence of the learner. Based on a thematic analysis of the novel Derrière les panneaux il y a des hommes (Behind the Panels There Are Men) by Joseph Incardona, which aims at highlighting the references to French culture in the text, and from a linear analysis centered on the characters and their complex personalities, the article proposes to apply the cultural and intercultural approaches of language didactics to literature. In this way, in order to develop cultural competence, the learners first learn to identify the cultural clues referring to French society in the text. Then, they learn to adopt a positive attitude of openness towards others through the characters of the novel to develop their intercultural competence.
Intuitive and immersive teleoperation of robot manipulators for remote decontamination
Authors: Fennel Michael , Zea Antonio , Hanebeck Uwe D.
Published: October 2022

Worker safety is one of the most important aspects of decontamination tasks in hazardous environments. This motivates the development of (semi-) autonomous robotic systems that can be teleoperated from a safe distance using simple commands such as ‘move the manipulator over there and grab’. In this paper, we introduce a new control station concept called Digital Twin Control System aimed at robots with manipulator arms. It consists of three components: (1) A unified communication interface that abstracts the remote robot’s functionalities into easy-to-use interaction modes, (2) an immersive visualization and assistant system to operate the interface, and (3) a haptic rendering system that can simulate arbitrary robot arms. We demonstrate how the proposed system can be used by untrained operators to pick up contaminated objects remotely in a test scenario.
Use and misuse of ultrasound in obstetrics with reference to developing countries
Authors: Kurjak Asim , Medjedovic Edin , Stanojević Milan
Published: October 2022

Maternal and neonatal health is one of the main global health challenges. Every day, approximately 800 women and 7,000 newborns die due to complications during pregnancy, delivery, and neonatal period. The leading causes of maternal death in sub-Saharan Africa are obstetric hemorrhage (28.8%), hypertensive disorders in pregnancy (22.1%), non-obstetric complications (18.8%), and pregnancy-related infections (11.5%). Diagnostic ultrasound examinations can be used in a variety of specific circumstances during pregnancy. Because adverse outcomes may also arise in low-risk pregnancies, it is assumed that routine ultrasound in all pregnancies will enable earlier detection and improved management of pregnancy complications. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimated in 1997 that 50% of developing countries had no access to ultrasound imaging, and available equipment was outdated or broken. Unfortunately, besides all the exceptional benefits of ultrasound in obstetrics, its inappropriate use and abuse are reported. Using ultrasound to view, take a picture, or determine the sex of a fetus without a medical indication can be considered ethically unjustifiable. Ultrasound assessment when indicated should be every woman’s right in the new era. However, it is still only a privilege in some parts of the world. Investment in both equipment and human resources has been clearly shown to be cost-effective and should be an obligatory step in the improvement of health care. Well-developed health systems should guide developing countries, creating principles for the organization of the health system with an accent on the correct, legal, and ethical use of diagnostic ultrasound in pregnancy to avoid its misuse. The aim of the article is to present the importance of correct and appropriate use of ultrasound in obstetrics and gynecology with reference to developing countries.
Rice yield grown in different fertilizer combination and planting methods: Case study in Buru Island, Indonesia
Authors: Hindersah Reginawanti , Kalay Agusthinus Marthin , Talahaturuson Abraham
Published: October 2022

Rice productivity in the tropics largely depends on fertilizers as soils are commonly low in nitrogen and phosphorus. Some farmers in this region cultivate rice using the hand-broadcast method, which has resulted in a low yield. Therefore, this on-farm experiment was conducted to compare the performance and yield of broadcasted and transplanted rice production systems under different fertilizer combinations. The experimental was set up in a split plot design with six combination treatments and seven replications. The main plots were planting methods comprised of transplanting and broadcasting. The subplots were a combination of NPK fertilizer, urea, and biofertilizer (BF) with and without compost, while the control treatment was NPK fertilizer and urea. The BF contained nitrogen fixer bacteria and phosphate solubilizer microbes. The results showed that fertilizer combination increased shoot height, root length, shoot and root dry weight (RDW), root-to-shoot ratio (R/S), tiller number, 1,000-grain weight, and yield but did not affect clump number. In addition, the planting method affected the parameters except for R/S and 1,000-grain weight. The yield of transplanted rice grown with NPK fertilizer and urea was 17.5% higher than that of the broadcasting method. Incorporation of chemical fertilizer combined with compost and BF resulted in a comparable yield; transplanted rice yield was only 2.18% more than broadcasted. This showed that diverse fertilizer application is needed to minimize the yield gap between broadcasted and transplanted rice.
Cardiovascular disease, mortality and exposure to particulate matter (PM): a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Mohammadi Mohammad Javad , Fouladi Dehaghi Behzad , Mansourimoghadam Sara , Sharhani Asaad , Amini Payam , Ghanbari Saeed
Published: October 2022

One of the main factors that causes health effects in humans such as hospital admissions for cardiovascular disease (HACVD), respiratory disease (RD), lung function, cardiovascular mortality (MCVD), lung cancer, and increased mortality is air pollution especially particulate matter (PM). This a systematic review and meta-analysis aims to investigate the effects of particulate matter on the occurrence of cardiovascular disease and mortality. A systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature was done from 2011 to 2021 based on various databases. Based on the result of this study, subgroup analysis based on temperature conditions showed a different estimation in cold cities (6.24, UR (4.36–8.12)), moderate cities (4.86, UR (3.57–6.15)) and warm cities (8.96, UR (7.06–10.86)). Test of group differences showed a significant difference (Q=12.22, p-value<0.001). There was publication bias among the studies (the Egger’s test; (Z=14.18, p<0.001)). According result study pooled estimation of AP% for MCVD from the random-effect meta-analysis based on DerSimonian-Laird model, overall is 5.04, UR (3.65–6.43) (Figure 4). Subgroup analysis based on temperature conditions showed the estimation in cold cities (5.47, UR (3.97–6.97)) and moderate cities (4.65, UR (0.54–8.77)). Test of group differences showed a non-significant difference (Q=0.13, p-value=0.71). There was no publication bias among the studies (the Egger’s test; (Z=0.82, p=0.376)). Exposed to air pollutants and particulate matter can be increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, and cardiovascular mortality.
Népszavazások és egyéb konzultációs eszközök a helyi döntéshozatali folyamatban Lengyelországban
Authors: Małgorzata Madej , Edit Soós
Published: October 2022

A tanulmány arra keresi a választ, hogy a helyi népszavazás és a közvetlen állampolgári részvétel egyéb formái Lengyelországban mennyire segítik elő a döntéshozatali folyamat legitimációját, hogyan járulnak hozzá a polgárközeli kormányzás megvalósulásához. A lakossági részvétel a helyi kormányzás hatékonyságának és legitimitása erősítésének fontos mechanizmusa, amelyet egyes szerzők a demokrácia támogatásának és a populizmus elleni küzdelem eszközének is tekintenek. A részvételnek azonban csak akkor van értelme, ha valóban biztosítja a helyi lakosok véleménynyilvánításának lehetőségét a helyi szintű szakpolitikák alakításában, és nem csak a társadalmi részvétel színlelt formájára (tokenizmus) korlátozódik. A tanulmány elemzi a konzultációs folyamatok által lefedett témákat, azok jelentőségét a településeken, valamint a meghozott szakpolitikai döntésekre gyakorolt hatásukat.
A jogállam sorsáról – Fleck Zoltán új kötetéről
Authors: András A. Gergely
Published: October 2022

Könyvismertetés: Fleck Zoltán (2022): Rendszerhiba. A jogállam halála és újjászületésének lehetőségei Magyarországon. Progress könyvek, Noran Libro, Budapest, 127 oldal.