bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Race, Ethnicity, and Socioeconomic Factors as Determinants of Cachexia Incidence and Outcomes in a Retrospective Cohort of Patients With Gastrointestinal Tract Cancer
Authors: Olaechea Santiago , Sarver Brandon , Liu Alison , Gilmore Linda Anne , Alvarez Christian , Iyengar Puneeth , Infante Rodney
Published: April 2023

PURPOSE

Cachexia is a paraneoplastic syndrome of unintentional adipose and muscle tissue wasting with severe impacts to functionality and quality of life. Although health inequities across minority and socioeconomically disadvantaged groups are known, the role of these factors in cachexia progression is poorly characterized. This study aims to evaluate the relationship between these determinants and cachexia incidence and survival in patients with gastrointestinal tract cancer.

METHODS

Through retrospective chart review from a prospective tumor registry, we established a cohort of 882 patients with gastroesophageal or colorectal cancer diagnosed between 2006 and 2013. Patient race, ethnicity, private insurance coverage, and baseline characteristics were evaluated through multivariate, Kaplan-Meier, and Cox regression analyses to determine associations with cachexia incidence and survival outcomes.

RESULTS

When controlling for potentially confounding covariates (age, sex, alcohol and tobacco history, comorbidity score, tumor site, histology, and stage), Black (odds ratio [OR], 2.447; P < .0001) and Hispanic (OR, 3.039; P < .0001) patients are at an approximately 150% and 200%, respectively, greater risk of presenting with cachexia than non-Hispanic White patients. Absence of private insurance coverage was associated with elevated cachexia risk (OR, 1.439; P = .0427) compared to privately insured patients. Cox regression analyses with previously described covariates and treatment factors found Black race (hazard ratio [HR], 1.304; P = .0354) to predict survival detriments, while cachexia status did not reach significance ( P = .6996).

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that race, ethnicity, and insurance play significant roles in cachexia progression and related outcomes that are not accounted for by conventional predictors of health. Disproportionate financial burdens, chronic stress, and limitations of transportation and health literacy represent targetable factors for mitigating these health inequities.
Effects of wing damage and moult gaps on vertebrate flight performance
Authors: Hedenström Anders
Published: April 2023

Vertebrates capable of powered flight rely on wings, muscles that drive their flapping and sensory inputs to the brain allowing for control of the motor output. In birds, the wings are formed of arrangements of adjacent flight feathers (remiges), whereas the wings of bats consist of double-layered skin membrane stretched out between the forelimb skeleton, body and legs. Bird feathers become worn from use and brittle from UV exposure, which leads to loss of function; to compensate, they are renewed (moulted) at regular intervals. Bird feathers and the wings of bats can be damaged by accident. Wing damage and loss of wing surface due to moult almost invariably cause reduced flight performance in measures such as take-off angle and speed. During moult in birds, this is partially counteracted by concurrent mass loss and enlarged flight muscles. Bats have sensory hairs covering their wing surface that provide feedback information about flow; thus, wing damage affects flight speed and turning ability. Bats also have thin, thread-like muscles, distributed within the wing membrane and, if these are damaged, the control of wing camber is lost. Here, I review the effects of wing damage and moult on flight performance in birds, and the consequences of wing damage in bats. I also discuss studies of life-history trade-offs that make use of experimental trimming of flight feathers as a way to handicap parent birds feeding their young.
Implementation of inclusive education in Estonian kindergartens based on the theoretical model of inclusive education: a case study
Authors: Nelis Pille , Pedaste Margus , Šuman Carolina
Published: April 2023

Vaatamata kaasamist toetavatele poliitikatele ja uuringutele on kaasava hariduse rakendamine lasteaedades väljakutse. Selleks on oluline süsteemne ja terviklik lähenemine. Oleme loonud kirjanduse põhjal kaasava hariduse rakendamise mudeli. Siinne artikkel keskendub juhtumiuuringule, mille eesmärk on mudeli põhjal välja selgitada kaasava hariduse rakendamise tunnused lasteaias. Selgus, et kõik mudelis avatud võtmetunnused ilmnesid ka lasteaedades. Erinevused esinesid perekonna, institutsiooni ja riigiga seotud tunnustes, millele lasteaedades tähelepanu ei pööratud või mida ei teadvustatud. Lisaks ülevaatele kaasava hariduse rakendumisest seisneb uuringu praktiline väärtus ka ettepanekutes mudeli parandamiseks õpetaja ja institutsiooni tasandi täiendavate tunnustega. Kokkuvõttes ilmnes, et kaasava hariduse rakendamine lasteaedades sõltub eelkõige kaasava hariduse olemuse mõtestamisest ja rakendamise väljakutse seisneb riigi tasandi võtmetunnustes.

 Summary
Criteria-Based Assessment of Educational Results of Future Teachers
Authors: Elizarova E.
Published: April 2023

The article discusses the concept of criterion assessment, provides a refined definition of this concept from the standpoint of the competence approach in education. The structural components of the criterion assessment are identified and described, including the concepts of an educational result, an in-dicator and the level of its achievement, an evaluation tool. The article describes the technology of constructing the evaluation object, presented in the form of an educational result obtained by correlating the formulation of competence from the Federal State Educational Standard and labor functions from the Professional Standard of the teacher. It is shown that the formation of an educational result makes it possible to identify indicators of its achieve-ment as criteria for evaluation, which can be different degrees of performance of a specific type of activity or individual actions of the student. The article presents examples of their construction. The mechanism of criteria-based assessment of the competencies of future teachers at the university is described.
Results of the Implementation in 2020–2022 Independent Assessment of the Quality of the Conditions for the Implementation of Educational Activities by Organizations Engaged in Educational Activities on Educational Programs of Higher Education and Additional Professional Programs
Authors: Ganeev A. , Bulaeva N. , Ruban I.
Published: April 2023

The article summarizes the results of the 2020–2022 independent assessment of the quality of the conditions for the provision of services in relation to educational organizations that carry out educational activities on educational programs of higher education and additional professional programs. The dynamics of the number of participants in the independent assessment procedure and their distribution among the main administrators of federal budget funds are presented. The results of the analysis of the final quality assessment for all organizations, as well as in the context of individual criteria and indicators are given. The authors noted the rather high quality of the conditions for the implementation of educational activities provided by the participating organizations of the procedure and a clear improvement in the quality of these conditions in the period from 2020 to 2022, and also made a conclusion about the effectiveness of the IQC procedure, about its stimulating, and not just controlling effect.
Screening and detection of posture defects in children
Authors: Skrętowicz Mateusz , Panek Eliasz , Jasłowski Damian , Rzeszutko Mateusz , Raczkiewicz Przemysław , Panasiuk Dominika , Szponarowicz Patrycja , Snopkowski Bartosz , Korzec Tomasz , Sosnowski Jakub
Published: April 2023

With the increasing incidence of posture defects in children and adolescents, screening of children's postures in early school periods and in the second stage of education, which is carried out, among others during routine visits to the doctor and during the balance sheet examination, is gaining significance. Early detection of the defect, at the stage of functional changes, enables full recovery, using non-invasive methods, prevents the formation of secondary changes and protects against their consequences, which significantly improves the comfort and quality of life in adulthood
Does the Prohibition of Trade-Through Hurt Liquidity Demanders?
Authors: Chen Ningyuan , Gao Pin , Kou Steven
Published: April 2023

The Impact of the Prohibition of Trade-through

In the paper titled “Does the Prohibition of Trade-Through Hurt Liquidity Demanders?” the authors explore the effects of the order protect rule (OPR) in the United States, which prohibits any trade-through in the stock market that does not execute at the best possible price among fast trading venues. The study found that, whereas trade-throughs may offer flexible trading strategies that can benefit liquidity demanders, the benefits are insignificant for most cases, especially for small trades and stocks with fast resilience. The paper suggests that the current separate regulations for fast and slow venues may be extended to differentiate stocks with fast and slow resilience speeds. The results are supported by a case study using the data from the Australian Securities Exchange. Overall, this study supports the regulation of the OPR.
Compression therapy in peripheral artery disease: a literature review
Authors: Nickles Melissa A , Ennis William J , O'Donnell Thomas F , Altman Igor A
Published: April 2023

Objective:

Our objective is to examine the pathophysiology of oedema in the ischaemic and post-revascularised limb, compare compression stockings to pneumatic compression devices, and summarise compression regimens in patients with severe peripheral artery disease (PAD) without revascularisation, after revascularisation, and in mixed arterial and venous disease.

Method:

A scoping literature review of the aforementioned topics was carried out using PubMed.

Results:

Compression therapy has been shown to increase blood flow and aid in wound healing through a variety of mechanisms. Several studies suggest that intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) devices can be used to treat critical limb ischaemia in patients without surgical options. Additionally, compression stockings may have a role in preventing oedema after peripheral artery bypass surgery, thereby diminishing pain and reducing the risk of surgical wound dehiscence.

Conclusion:

Oedema may occur in the ischaemic limb after revascularisation surgery, as well as in combination with venous disease. Clinicians should not fear using compression therapy in PAD.
Dairy Cow Thermal Balance Model During Heat Stress: Part 2. Model Assessment
Authors: Janni Kevin A. , Nelson Chad R. , Heins Bradley J. , Sharpe Kirsten
Published: April 2023

Highlights

The thermal balance model body temperature and respiration rate results compared well with published data.

Model results were commonly within one standard deviation of reported averages.

Research that measures more model inputs, coefficients, and results is needed.

The thermal balance model can be used to identify heat stress factors and assess mitigation practices.

Abstract. A steady-state process-based lactating cow thermal balance spreadsheet model developed by Nelson and Janni (in press) was compared to mean measured body temperatures, respiration rates, and skin temperatures from two published studies (Gebremedhin et al., 2010; Chen et al., 2015). Model body temperatures were also compared with reticular temperatures from cows standing in unshaded paddocks that were part of a solar shade study (Sharpe et al., 2021). Gebremedhin et al. (2010) reported measured mean rectal temperatures, 39.4 ± 0.5 C and 40.6 ± 0.4 C for hot and dry conditions with and without a solar load; model body temperatures for similar hot and dry conditions were 39.7 C and 40.6 C with and without a solar load, respectively. Model respiration rates were within one standard deviation of measured mean respiration rates (Gebremedhin et al., 2010). The model body temperature for a baseline condition was 39.1°C, which was within 0.1°C of the mean baseline temperature of 39.2 ± 0.6°C (Chen et al., 2015). The model respiration rate was 63 breaths per minute (bpm); much lower than the reported baseline respiration rate of 88 bpm (Chen et al., 2015). Model body temperatures were 0.1°C to 0.7°C lower than the measured mean reticular temperatures of standing cows in non-shaded paddocks with solar loads when ambient temperatures ranged from 24.4°C to 26.5°C. Model results compared well with mean measured parameters from three studies. The model can be used to assess the impact of factors affecting heat exchange (e.g., body mass, milk yield, solar load, air dry-bulb temperature, dew-point temperature, and air velocity) on heat exchange flux, cow respiration rate, and body temperature. Keywords: Body temperature, Dairy, Heat stress, Lactating cow, Respiration rate, Thermal balance model.
A Band Stop to Band Pass Filter Transformation Utilizing 3-D Printing Technique for C-band Applications
Authors: Ali Wael A. E. , Ibrahim Ahmed A. , Ahmed Ashraf E.
Published: April 2023

In this paper, a band-pass filter (BPF) based on split-ring resonator (SRR) using a 3-D printing technique for C-band applications is introduced. The proposed filter is designed to operate at a frequency of 3.9 GHz. An innovative technique for printing the substrate with a size of 24 x 24 x 1.1 mm3 using PLA dielectric material is implemented. The copper sheet with a thickness of 0.1 mm is printed on the upper and lower faces of the substrate. First, the SRR band stop filter (BSF) is introduced then two L-Stubs are inserted to implement an additional band stop region, and this rejoin is adjusted to obtain a band-pass region between the two stopbands. The BPF is operated at a 3-dB bandwidth extended from 3.5 GHz to 4.3 GHz with an S21 level of -0.2 dB for the simulated results while it achieves a 3-dB bandwidth within 3.6 GHz to 4.2 GHz (15.3 %) with an S21 level of -1.8 dB for the measured results.
La batalla de l’Ebre. Complexitat i co-evolució
Authors: Hernàndez Cardona Francesc Xavier , Rubio Xavier
Published: April 2023

Sovint la batalla de l’Ebre s’ha presentat com la darrera batalla de la Primera Guerra Mundial i, a la vegada, com la primera batalla de la Segona Guerra Mundial, hom a considerat que quelcom va evolucionar entre l’inici i el final de la batalla. Sense dubte en la confrontació de l’Ebre es van experimentar les més diverses variables: tècniques, tecnològiques, organitzatives, culturals... per tal d’assolir condicions de victòria. L’article analitza, des d’una òptica evolutiva, com en la dinàmica generada en el mateix camp de batalla, i en un context de complexitat, determinades opcions es van seleccionar i es van imposar a altres possibles. La batalla esdevingué el gran assaig del què seria la nova i gran confrontació europea, un conflicte en el qual armes com l’aviació i els blindats assolirien un nou protagonisme tot generant noves línies de cultura militar.
Crèdits de la revista
Authors: 38 Ebre
Published: April 2023

Crèdits de la revista
Nuevo contexto, nuevas maneras, mismo espíritu. Solidaridad vecinal en tiempo de pandemia: dinámicas en el barrio de Vallecas (Madrid)
Authors: Martínez Aranda María Adoración
Published: April 2023

El impacto de la COVID-19 a partir de marzo 2020 ha marcado un nuevo escenario en las dinámicas de sociabilidad de los barrios. El confinamiento y sus efectos a todos los niveles supuso un revulsivo en la configuración de nuevas iniciativas de solidaridad y participación vecinal, acordes a las circunstancias acaecidas. Este artículo, basado en los resultados de aproximación etnográfica, analizará el contexto de Vallecas, donde estas iniciativas son un paso más de su trayectoria histórica de experiencias de ayuda mutua y movilización vecinal, potenciadas en momentos de crisis, que han fraguado una memoria de barrio “hecho a sí mismo”.
Participación y convivencia en barrios multiculturales: Presentación del monográfico
Authors: Torres Pérez Francisco , Gómez Crespo Paloma
Published: April 2023

Este dossier surge de un grupo interdisciplinar de científicos y científicas sociales del campo de la antropología, la sociología y la geografía social, que venimos trabajando conjuntamente sobre barrios multiculturales, sus dinámicas de transformación y sus implicaciones en la convivencia vecinal. Los resultados del Proyecto “Convivencia y barrios multiculturales: Conflicto y cohesión en una España en crisis” (CSO2014-54487-R., IP Pilar Monreal, 2015-2017) y nuestras investigaciones en diversas ciudades en la última década nos mostraban, por una parte, dinámicas de tensión de baja intensidad que calificábamos de soterradas, que, si bien no alteraban la coexistencia tranquila, no dejaban de tener efectos; y por otra, dinámicas de cohesión generadas en diversa medida por iniciativas, actividades y plataformas que agrupan a vecinos y vecinas de diferentes orígenes por objetivos barriales, problemas sociales o solidaridad vecinal.
Familia y presupuestos familiares de los trabajadores de una gran empresa minera a principios del siglo XX: Rio Tinto Co Ltd
Authors: Pérez de Perceval Verde Miguel , Trescastro-López Eva María , Martínez-Soto Ángel Pascual
Published: April 2023

La primera minería de la revolución industrial estuvo caracterizada por la utilización de un volumen elevado de mano de obra y por realizar buena parte de las labores de manera subterránea. Esto hacía que fuera necesario contar con una parte considerable de trabajadores especializados en actividades relacionadas con el propio trabajo de extracción y que estuvieran acostumbrados a trabajar en las profundidades de la tierra. La dependencia de esta mano de obra y la necesidad del mantenimiento de los asentamientos mineros hicieron que se desarrollaran estrategias patronales que se fueron orientando hacia el paternalismo industrial en la segunda mitad del siglo XIX y principios del XX.
En este artículo se analiza el caso de la empresa Rio Tinto Co Ltd, que puede servir de modelo de las formas de organización minera. Para ello, contamos con una documentación empresarial excepcional y con el estudio de los registros locales.
Double-ring-disk hybrid nanostructures with slits for electric field enhancement
Authors: Mu Haiwei , Xu Xinchen , Lv Jingwei , Liu Chao , Liu Wei , Yang Lin , Wang Jianxin , Liu Qiang , Lv Yan , Chu Paul K.
Published: April 2023

Although noble metal nanoantennas have distinctive optical properties and local electric field enhancement, considerable non-radiative ohmic losses occur at the optical frequencies, consequently creating significant absorption and unwanted heating. Combining the plasmon mode of metal nanoantennas with the anapole mode of high refractive index dielectric materials offers a promising alternative to increase the electric field strength with minimal loss. Herein, a silicon disk with slots and two Au rings with a coupling mechanism are described. To elucidate the field enhancement mechanism, the near-field enhancement features and near-field electric field distributions are explored by a numerical simulation and multipole decomposition analysis. By opening the slit to generate high-intensity hot spots inside the disk, the electric field can be enhanced significantly, and nearby molecules can directly contact these hot spots. The resulting large field enhancement suggests significant applications to strong photon-exciton coupling and nonlinear photonics.
Calibration method of spatial transformations between the non-orthogonal two-axis turntable and its mounted camera
Authors: Chai Binhu , Wei Zhenzhong , Gao Yang
Published: April 2023

In order to expand the field of view and measuremenst range, the camera is often mounted on a two-axis turntable to perform various visual tasks. And the calibration of the position and attitude relationship between the mounted camera and the two-axis turntable is a prerequisite for visual measurement. The turntable is considered an ideal orthogonal two-axis turntable in conventional methods. However, the rotation axes of the actual two-axis turntable may be neither vertical nor intersecting, and the optical center of the mounted camera is not always located in the rotation center of the turntable even for orthogonal two-axis turntables. The quite difference between the actual physical model of the two-axis turntable and the ideal model can cause large errors. Therefore, what we believe to be a novel position and attitude calibration method between a non-orthogonal two-axis turntable and the mounted camera is proposed. This method describes the spatial hetero-planar lines relationship between the azimuth axis and pitch axis of the turntable accurately. By the geometric invariant characteristics of the mounted camera in motion, the axes of turntable are recovered and the base coordinate system is established, and the position and attitude of the camera are calibrated. Simulation and experiments verify the correctness and effectiveness of our proposed method.
Vehicle identification using deep learning for expressway monitoring based on ultra-weak FBG arrays
Authors: Liu Fang , Lei Yu , Xie Yu , Li Xiaorui , Nan Qiuming , Yue Lina
Published: April 2023

A deep learning with knowledge distillation scheme for lateral lane-level vehicle identification based on ultra-weak fiber Bragg grating (UWFBG) arrays is proposed. Firstly, the UWFBG arrays are laid underground in each expressway lane to obtain the vibration signals of vehicles. Then, three types of vehicle vibration signals (the vibration signal of a single vehicle, the accompanying vibration signal, and the vibration signal of laterally adjacent vehicles) are separately extracted by density-based spatial clustering of applications with noise (DBSCAN) to produce a sample library. Finally, a teacher model is designed with a residual neural network (ResNet) connected to a long short-term memory (LSTM), and a student model consisting of only one LSTM layer is trained by knowledge distillation (KD) to satisfy the real-time monitoring with high accuracy. Experimental demonstration verifies that the average identification rate of the student model with KD is 95% with good real-time capability. By comparison tests with other models, the proposed scheme shows a solid performance in the integrated evaluation for vehicle identification.
An arrayed optofluidic system for three-dimensional (3D) focal control via electrowetting
Authors: Lee Yeonwoo , Lee Cheng-Hsun , Park Sung-Yong
Published: April 2023

A new lens capability for three-dimensional (3D) focal control is presented using an optofluidic system consisting of n × n arrayed liquid prisms. Each prism module contains two immiscible liquids in a rectangular cuvette. Using the electrowetting effect, the shape of the fluidic interface can be rapidly adjusted to create its straight profile with the prism’s apex angle. Consequently, an incoming ray is steered at the tilted interface due to the refractive index difference between two liquids. To achieve 3D focal control, individual prisms in the arrayed system are simultaneously modulated, allowing incoming light rays to be spatially manipulated and converged on a focal point located at Pfocal (fx, fy, fz) in 3D space. Analytical studies were conducted to precisely predict the prism operation required for 3D focal control. Using three liquid prisms positioned on the x-, y-, and 45°-diagonal axes, we experimentally demonstrated 3D focal tunability of the arrayed optofluidic system, achieving focal tuning along lateral, longitudinal, and axial directions as wide as 0 ≤ fx ≤ 30 mm, 0 ≤ fy ≤ 30 mm, and 500 mm ≤ fz ≤ ∞. This focal tunability of the arrayed system allows for 3D control of the lens’s focusing power, which could not be attained by solid-type optics without the use of bulky and complex mechanical moving components. This innovative lens capability for 3D focal control has potential applications in eye-movement tracking for smart displays, autofocusing of smartphone cameras, or solar tracking for smart photovoltaic systems.
Exploring the limits of metasurface polarization multiplexing capability based on deep learning
Authors: Yang Yang , Zhang Xiaohu , Liu Kaifeng , Zhang Haimo , Shi Lintong , He Mengyao , Guo Yongcai
Published: April 2023

Metasurfaces provide a new approach for planar optics and thus have realized multifunctional meta-devices with different multiplexing strategies, among which polarization multiplexing has received much attention due to its convenience. At present, a variety of design methods of polarization multiplexed metasurfaces have been developed based on different meta-atoms. However, as the number of polarization states increases, the response space of meta-atoms becomes more and more complex, and it is difficult for these methods to explore the limit of polarization multiplexing. Deep learning is one of the important routes to solve this problem because it can realize the effective exploration of huge data space. In this work, a design scheme for polarization multiplexed metasurfaces based on deep learning is proposed. The scheme uses a conditional variational autoencoder as an inverse network to generate structural designs and combines a forward network that can predict meta-atoms’ responses to improve the accuracy of designs. The cross-shaped structure is used to establish a complicated response space containing different polarization state combinations of incident and outgoing light. The multiplexing effects of the combinations with different numbers of polarization states are tested by utilizing the proposed scheme to design nanoprinting and holographic images. The polarization multiplexing capability limit of four channels (a nanoprinting image and three holographic images) is determined. The proposed scheme lays the foundation for exploring the limits of metasurface polarization multiplexing capability.
Novel optical diffuser based on fiberform nanostructure by efficient plasma route
Authors: FENG SHUANGYUAN , NATSUME HIROKI , KAJITA SHIN , Li Enhao , Yasuhara Ryo , Tokitani Masayuki , TANAKA HIROHIKO , Ohno Noriyasu
Published: April 2023

Optical diffusion is an essential process used to manage photons in a wide range of photoelectric systems. This work proposes an approach to fabricate novel optical diffusers by a plasma-processing technique, using helium plasma to form fiberform nanostructures on tungsten thin films. After an annealing procedure in the air for oxidation, the optical properties and the light-diffusing abilities of these nanostructured thin films were studied. The diffusion efficiency of the optical diffusers was analyzed using a transmitted scatter distribution function (TDF), and it was revealed that the diffusion efficiency of a device with an irradiation time of 30 minutes could reach 97%.
Fidelity of hyperbolic space for Bayesian phylogenetic inference
Authors: Macaulay Matthew , Darling Aaron , Fourment Mathieu
Published: April 2023

Bayesian inference for phylogenetics is a gold standard for computing distributions of phylogenies. However, Bayesian phylogenetics faces the challenging computational problem of moving throughout the high-dimensional space of trees. Fortunately, hyperbolic space offers a low dimensional representation of tree-like data. In this paper, we embed genomic sequences as points in hyperbolic space and perform hyperbolic Markov Chain Monte Carlo for Bayesian inference in this space. The posterior probability of an embedding is computed by decoding a neighbour-joining tree from the embedding locations of the sequences. We empirically demonstrate the fidelity of this method on eight data sets. We systematically investigated the effect of embedding dimension and hyperbolic curvature on the performance in these data sets. The sampled posterior distribution recovers the splits and branch lengths to a high degree over a range of curvatures and dimensions. We systematically investigated the effects of the embedding space’s curvature and dimension on the Markov Chain’s performance, demonstrating the suitability of hyperbolic space for phylogenetic inference.
Conserved NIMA kinases regulate multiple steps of endocytic trafficking
Authors: Joseph Braveen B. , Naslavsky Naava , Binti Shaonil , Conquest Sylvia , Robison Lexi , Bai Ge , Homer Rafael O. , Grant Barth D. , Caplan Steve , Fay David S.
Published: April 2023

Human NIMA-related kinases have primarily been studied for their roles in cell cycle progression (NEK1/2/6/7/9), checkpoint–DNA-damage control (NEK1/2/4/5/10/11), and ciliogenesis (NEK1/4/8). We previously showed thatCaenorhabditis elegansNEKL-2 (NEK8/9 homolog) and NEKL-3 (NEK6/7 homolog) regulate apical clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME) in the worm epidermis and are essential for molting. Here we show that NEKL-2 and NEKL-3 also have distinct roles in controlling endosome function and morphology. Specifically, loss of NEKL-2 led to enlarged early endosomes with long tubular extensions but showed minimal effects on other compartments. In contrast, NEKL-3 depletion caused pronounced defects in early, late, and recycling endosomes. Consistently, NEKL-2 was strongly localized to early endosomes, whereas NEKL-3 was localized to multiple endosomal compartments. Loss of NEKLs also led to variable defects in the recycling of two resident cargoes of the trans-Golgi network (TGN), MIG-14/Wntless and TGN-38/TGN38, which were missorted to lysosomes after NEKL depletion. In addition, defects were observed in the uptake of clathrin-dependent (SMA-6/Type I BMP receptor) and independent cargoes (DAF-4/Type II BMP receptor) from the basolateral surface of epidermal cells after NEKL-2 or NEKL-3 depletion. Complementary studies in human cell lines further showed that siRNA knockdown of the NEKL-3 orthologs NEK6 and NEK7 led to missorting of the mannose 6-phosphate receptor from endosomes. Moreover, in multiple human cell types, depletion of NEK6 or NEK7 disrupted both early and recycling endosomal compartments, including the presence of excess tubulation within recycling endosomes, a defect also observed after NEKL-3 depletion in worms. Thus, NIMA family kinases carry out multiple functions during endocytosis in both worms and humans, consistent with our previous observation that human NEKL-3 orthologs can rescue molting and trafficking defects inC.elegans nekl-3mutants. Our findings suggest that trafficking defects could underlie some of the proposed roles for NEK kinases in human disease.
Molecular Characterization and Phylogenetic Analysis of Dengue Fever Viruses in Three Outbreaks in Tanzania Between 2017 and 2019
Authors: Kelly Maria Ezekiely , Msafiri Frank , Affara Muna , Gehre Florian , Moremi Nyambura , Mghamba Janeth , Misinzo Gerald , Thye Thorsten , Gatei Wangeci , Whistler Toni , Joachim Agricola , Lema Nsiande , Santiago Gilberto A.
Published: April 2023

Background

Dengue is a disease of public health interest, and Tanzania experienced major outbreaks in 2014 and 2019. Here, we report our findings on the molecular characterization of dengue viruses (DENV) that circulated during two smaller outbreaks (2017 and 2018) and one major epidemic (2019) in Tanzania.

Methodology/Principal findings

We tested archived serum samples from 1,381 suspected dengue fever patients, with a median age of 29 (IQR:22–40) years, referred to the National Public Health Laboratory for confirmation of DENV infection. DENV serotypes were identified by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and specific genotypes were identified by sequencing the envelope glycoprotein gene and phylogenetic inference methods. DENV was confirmed in 823 (59.6%) cases. More than half (54.7%) of patients with dengue fever infection were males, and nearly three-quarters (73%) of the infected individuals were living in Kinondoni district, Dar es Salaam. DENV-3 Genotype III caused the two smaller outbreaks in 2017 and 2018, while DENV-1 Genotype V caused the 2019 epidemic. DENV-1 Genotype I was also detected in one patient in 2019.

Conclusion/Significance

This study has demonstrated the molecular diversity of dengue viruses circulating in Tanzania. We found that contemporary circulating serotypes did not cause the major epidemic of 2019 but rather due to a serotype shift from DENV-3 (2017/2018) to DENV-1 in 2019. Such a change increases the risk for patients previously infected with a particular serotype to develop severe symptoms upon potential re-infection with a heterologous serotype due to antibody-dependent enhancement of infection. Therefore, the circulation of serotypes emphasizes the need to strengthen the country’s dengue surveillance system for better management of patients, early detection of outbreaks, and vaccine development.
Where boundaries become bridges: Mosquito community composition, key vectors, and environmental associations at forest edges in the central Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Hendy Adam , Hernandez-Acosta Eduardo , Valério Danielle , Fé Nelson Ferreira , Mendonça Claudia Reis , Costa Edson Rodrigues , Andrade Eloane Silva de , Andes Júnior José Tenaçol , Assunção Flamarion Prado , Scarpassa Vera Margarete , Lacerda Marcus Vinícius Guimarães de , Buenemann Michaela , Vasilakis Nikos , Hanley Kathryn A.
Published: April 2023

Risk of spillover and spillback of mosquito-borne viruses in the neotropics, including yellow fever, dengue, Zika (Flaviviridae: Flavivirus), chikungunya, and Mayaro (Togaviridae: Alphavirus) viruses, is highest at ecotones where humans, monkeys, and mosquitoes coexist. With a view to identifying potential bridge vectors, we investigated changes in mosquito community composition and environmental variables at ground level at distances of 0, 500, 1000, and 2000 m from the edge of a rainforest reserve bordering the city of Manaus in the central Brazilian Amazon. During two rainy seasons in 2019 and 2020, we sampled 9,467 mosquitoes at 244 unique sites using BG-Sentinel traps, hand-nets, and Prokopack aspirators. Species richness and diversity were generally higher at 0 m and 500 m than at 1000 m and 2000 m, while mosquito community composition changed considerably between the forest edge and 500 m before stabilizing by 1000 m. Shifts in environmental variables mainly occurred between the edge and 500 m, and the occurrence of key taxa (Aedes albopictus, Ae. scapularis, Limatus durhamii, Psorophora amazonica, Haemagogus, and Sabethes) was associated with one or more of these variables. Sites where Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus were detected had significantly higher surrounding mean NDBI (Normalized Difference Built-up Index) values than sites where they were not detected, while the opposite was true for Sabethes mosquitoes. Our findings suggest that major changes in mosquito communities and environmental variables occur within 500 m of the forest edge, where there is high risk for contact with both urban and sylvatic vectors. By 1000 m, conditions stabilize, species diversity decreases, and forest mosquitoes predominate. Environmental variables associated with the occurrence of key taxa may be leveraged to characterize suitable habitat and refine risk models for pathogen spillover and spillback.
Performance of a Finnish Diabetes Risk Score in detecting undiagnosed diabetes among Kenyans aged 18–69 years
Authors: Mugume Innocent B. , Wafula Solomon T. , Kadengye Damazo T. , Van Olmen Josefien
Published: April 2023

Background

The application of risk scores has often effectively predicted undiagnosed type 2 diabetes in a non-invasive way to guide early clinical management. The capacity for diagnosing diabetes in developing countries including Kenya is limited. Screening tools to identify those at risk and thus target the use of limited resources could be helpful, but these are not validated for use in these settings. We, therefore, aimed to measure the performance of the Finnish diabetes risk score (FINDRISC) as a screening tool to detect undiagnosed diabetes among Kenyan adults.

Methods

A nationwide cross-sectional survey on non-communicable disease risk factors was conducted among Kenyan adults between April and June 2015. Diabetes mellitus was defined as fasting capillary whole blood ≥ 7.0mmol/l. The performance of the original, modified, and simplified FINDRISC tools in predicting undiagnosed diabetes was assessed using the area under the receiver operating curve (AU-ROC). Non-parametric analyses of the AU-ROC, Sensitivity (Se), and Specificity (Sp) of FINDRISC tools were determined.

Results

A total of 4,027 data observations of individuals aged 18−69 years were analyzed. The proportion/prevalence of undiagnosed diabetes and prediabetes was 1.8% [1.3–2.6], and 2.6% [1.9–3.4] respectively. The AU-ROC of the modified FINDRISC and simplified FINDRISC in detecting undiagnosed diabetes were 0.7481 and 0.7486 respectively, with no statistically significant difference (p = 0.912). With an optimal cut-off ≥ 7, the simplified FINDRISC had a higher positive predictive value (PPV) (7.9%) and diagnostic odds (OR:6.65, 95%CI: 4.43–9.96) of detecting undiagnosed diabetes than the modified FINDRISC.

Conclusion

The simple, non-invasive modified, and simplified FINDRISC tools performed well in detecting undiagnosed diabetes and may be useful in the Kenyan population and other similar population settings. For resource-constrained settings like the Kenyan settings, the simplified FINDRISC is preferred.
B.Y.O. Bees: Managing wild bee biodiversity in urban greenspaces
Authors: Anderson Maggie , Crubaugh Floréal , Greenslit Cady , Hill Emily , Kroth Heidi , Stanislawski Emily , Ribbons Relena , Del Toro Israel
Published: April 2023

As cities become more populated and the density of urban development increases, local biodiversity is threatened. Urban greenspaces have the capacity to preserve pollinator biodiversity, but the quality of support they provide depends on greenspace landscape attributes, including the availability of pollinator habitat and foraging resources. Wild native bees provide important pollination services to urban ecosystems, yet relatively little is known about how urban landscape management influences pollinator community composition and diversity. Our study explores how wild bee communities are affected by greenspace and landscape-level features like pollinator management practices, in urban greenspaces in and around Appleton Wisconsin: a mid-sized urban community spanning more than 100 sq. km. We sampled and identified native bees periodically between late-May 2017 and mid-September of 2018 using standardized arrays of pan traps at 15 sites around the city. We classified greenspaces based on their level of development (urban or suburban) and whether they were managed or unmanaged for increasing wild pollinator diversity. We quantified floral species diversity, floral color diversity, tree species diversity, and proximity of sites to open water for each site and used remotely sensed satellite data from both the USGS National Land Cover Database (NLCD) and the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). All variables were tested as potential correlates of wild bee abundance and species richness. Active pollinator management sites supported higher levels of bee abundance and richness. Notably, active greenspace management (e.g. planting native wildflowers) was a stronger correlate of bee abundance and richness than greenspace size and other landscape-level attributes. Within-greenspace attributes such as floral diversity, tree diversity, and proximity to open water contributed positively to both bee abundance and richness. Based on these findings, we suggest that urban greenspaces may be managed more efficiently and cost-effectively by focusing resources on active management by planting wildflowers, removing invasive species, creating nesting habitat, and providing water resources, rather than simply expanding in area.
Evaluation of miniaturized Illumina DNA preparation protocols for SARS-CoV-2 whole genome sequencing
Authors: Pillay Sureshnee , San James Emmanuel , Tshiabuila Derek , Naidoo Yeshnee , Pillay Yusasha , Maharaj Akhil , Anyaneji Ugochukwu J. , Wilkinson Eduan , Tegally Houriiyah , Lessells Richard J. , Baxter Cheryl , de Oliveira Tulio , Giandhari Jennifer
Published: April 2023

The global pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 has increased the demand for scalable sequencing and diagnostic methods, especially for genomic surveillance. Although next-generation sequencing has enabled large-scale genomic surveillance, the ability to sequence SARS-CoV-2 in some settings has been limited by the cost of sequencing kits and the time-consuming preparations of sequencing libraries. We compared the sequencing outcomes, cost and turn-around times obtained using the standard Illumina DNA Prep kit protocol to three modified protocols with fewer clean-up steps and different reagent volumes (full volume, half volume, one-tenth volume). We processed a single run of 47 samples under each protocol and compared the yield and mean sequence coverage. The sequencing success rate and quality for the four different reactions were as follows: the full reaction was 98.2%, the one-tenth reaction was 98.0%, the full rapid reaction was 97.5% and the half-reaction, was 97.1%. As a result, uniformity of sequence quality indicated that libraries were not affected by the change in protocol. The cost of sequencing was reduced approximately seven-fold and the time taken to prepare the library was reduced from 6.5 hours to 3 hours. The sequencing results obtained using the miniaturised volumes showed comparability to the results obtained using full volumes as described by the manufacturer. The adaptation of the protocol represents a lower-cost, streamlined approach for SARS-CoV-2 sequencing, which can be used to produce genomic data quickly and more affordably, especially in resource-constrained settings.
Characteristics and impact of physical activity interventions during substance use disorder treatment excluding tobacco: A systematic review
Authors: Piché Florence , Daneau Catherine , Plourde Chantal , Girard Stéphanie , Romain Ahmed Jérôme
Published: April 2023

Substance use disorder is a worldwide issue that entails negative health and physical activity is a promising complementary therapy for alleviating the consequences. The objective of this reviews is to characterize physical activity interventions offered in the literature and explore their effects during treatment for people with substance use disorders with excluding studies focusing only on tobacco use. A systematic search of seven databases on articles including a physical activity intervention during a treatment for substance use disorder was done and an examination of the presence of bias was performed. A total of 43 articles including 3135 participants were identified. Most studies were randomized controlled trial (81%), followed by pre-post design (14%) and cohort studies (5%). The most common physical activity intervention identified was of moderate intensity, 3 times per week (≈ 1 hour) for 13 weeks. Cessation/reduction of substance use was the most studied outcome (21 studies, 49%), and 75% showed a decrease in substance use following physical activity intervention. Aerobic capacity was the second most studied effect (14 studies, 33%), with more than 71% of studies showing improvement. Twelve studies (28%) reported a decrease of depressive symptoms. Physical activity interventions in a treatment for substance use disorder seem to be a promising, but more methodologically rigorous scientific studies are needed.
Social perception of mesocarnivores within hunting areas differs from actual species abundance
Authors: Suárez-Tangil Bruno D. , Luna Álvaro
Published: April 2023

Analyzing how similar social perception and ecological field data are might help identify potential biases in identifying and managing human-carnivore conflicts. We analyzed the degree of similarity between the perceived and field-measured relative abundance to unveil whether attitude towards carnivores of two groups of stakeholders, namely hunters and other local people, is underpinned or it is instead biased by alternative factors. Our results indicate that, in general, mesocarnivore perceived abundances were generally different to actual species abundance. We also found that the perceived abundance and attributed damage to small game species were related with respondents’ ability to identify the carnivore species. We underline the existence of bias and the need to increase people knowledge on species distribution and ecological characteristics before adopting decisions when managing human-carnivore conflicts, especially for stakeholders that are directly involved in.
A brighter future? Stable and growing sea turtle populations in the Republic of Maldives
Authors: Hudgins Jillian A. , Hudgins Emma J. , Köhnk Stephanie , Mohamed Riyad Enas , Stelfox Martin R.
Published: April 2023

The Indian Ocean represents a significant data gap in the evaluation of sea turtle population status and trends. Like many small island states, the Republic of Maldives has limited baseline data, capacity and resources to gather information on sea turtle abundance, distribution and trends to evaluate their conservation status. We applied a Robust Design methodology to convert opportunistic photographic identification records into estimates of abundance and key demographic parameters for hawksbill sea turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) and green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) in the Republic of Maldives. Photographs were collectedad hocby marine biologists and citizen scientists around the country from May 2016 to November 2019. Across 10 sites in four atolls, we identified 325 unique hawksbill turtles and 291 unique green turtles—where most were juveniles. Our analyses suggest that, even when controlling for survey effort and detectability dynamics, the populations of both species are stable and/or increasing in the short term at many reefs in the Maldives and the country appears to provide excellent habitat for recruiting juvenile turtles of both species. Our results represent one of the first empirical estimations of sea turtle population trends that account for detectability. This approach provides a cost-effective way for small island states in the Global South to evaluate threats to wildlife while accounting for biases inherent in community science data.