bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Screening for antifolate and artemisinin resistance in Plasmodium falciparum clinical isolates from three hospitals of Eritrea
Authors: Mukhongo Harriet Natabona , Kinyua Johnson Kang'ethe , Weldemichael Yishak Gebrekidan , Kasili Remmy Wekesa
Published: February 2023

Background: Antimalarial drug resistance is a major challenge hampering malaria control and elimination. Plasmodium falciparum, the leading causative parasite species, has developed resistance to basically all antimalarials. Continued surveillance of drug resistance using genetic markers provides important molecular data for treatment policies. This study sought to verify the genetic mechanism of resistance to sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine and assess the occurrence of point mutations associated with artemisinin resistance in P. falciparum clinical isolates from Eritrea.

Methods: Nineteen dried blood spot samples were collected from patients visiting Adi Quala, Keren and Gash Barka Hospitals, Eritrea. The patients were followed up after receiving treatment with first line artesunate-amodiaquine. Nested polymerase chain reaction and Sanger sequencing techniques were employed to genotype point mutations in the P. falciparum bifunctional dihydrofolate reductase-thymidylate synthase (Pfdhfr, PF3D7_0417200), dihydropteorate synthase (Pfdhps, PF3D7_0810800) and kelch 13 (PfK13, PF3D7_1343700) genes.

Results: Eight of nineteen (42%) of the dried blood spot samples were successful for PCR-amplification. Data analyses of the PCR-positive isolates revealed the following point mutations: Pfdhfr N51I in four isolates, C59R in one isolate, S108N in four isolates, a rare non-synonymous substitution V45A in four isolates and Pfdhps K540E in four isolates. No PfK13 point mutations were reported.

Conclusions: Pfdhfr C59R and Pfdhps K540E point mutations are reliable markers for the sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine quintuple mutant haplotype combination. These findings highlight first reports in Eritrea, which verify the underlying genetic mechanism of antifolate resistance. Continuous monitoring of the PfK13 marker is recommended.
Ultrasound appearance of the kidney among radiology department attendees of a tertiary centre in Malawi
Authors: Carey Laura , Tsidya Bright , Nkhalema Bazwell , Kaimba Sylvester , Chetcuti Karen , Joekes Elizabeth , Kreuels Benno , Henrion Marc , Rylance Jamie
Published: February 2023

Background: Diagnostic and therapeutic decisions in nephrology in low-resource settings are frequently based on ultrasound assessment of kidney size. An understanding of reference values is critical, particularly given the rise of non-communicable disease and the expanding availability of point-of-care ultrasound. However, there is a paucity of normative data from African populations. We determined estimates of kidney ultrasound measures, including kidney size based on age, sex, and HIV status, among apparently healthy outpatient attendees of Queen Elizabeth Central hospital radiology department, Blantyre, Malawi.

Methods: We performed a cross-sectional cohort study of 320 adults attending the radiology department between October 2021 and January 2022. Bilateral kidney ultrasound was performed on all participants using a portable Mindray DP-50 machine and a 5MHz convex probe. The sample was stratified by age, sex, and HIV status. Predictive linear modelling was used to construct reference ranges for kidney size estimating the central 95 percentiles of 252 healthy adults. Exclusion criteria for the healthy sample were known kidney disease, hypertension, diabetes, BMI > 35, heavy alcohol intake, smoking and ultrasonographic abnormalities.

Results: There were 162/320 (51%) male participants. The median age was 47 (interquartile range [IQR] 34-59). Among people living with HIV 134/138 (97%) were receiving antiretroviral therapy. Men had larger average kidney sizes: mean 9.68 cm (SD 0.80 cm), compared to 9.46 cm (SD 0.87 cm) in women (p = 0.01). Average kidney sizes in people living with HIV were not significantly different from those who were HIV-negative, 9.73 cm (SD 0.93 cm) versus 9.58 cm (SD 0.93 cm) (p = 0.63).

Conclusions: This is the first report of the apparently healthy kidney size in Malawi. Predicted kidney size ranges may be used for reference in the clinical assessment of kidney disease in Malawi.
ПАРАМЕТРЫ ОРОШЕНИЯ ОБЛЕПИХИ РАЗЛИЧНОЙ ПЛОТНОСТИ ПОСАДКИ В ЗАВИСИМОСТИ ОТ ПОГОДНЫХ УСЛОВИЙ
Authors: Shishkin Aleksandr V. , Makarychev Sergey V. , Gefke Irina V.
Published: February 2023

Влага и тепло являются основными факторами, лимитирующими урожайность облепихи. Целью исследований являлась оценка режима увлажнения чернозема под облепиховыми насаждениями различной плотности посадки и расчет поливных норм. Весной 2007 года водный режим в почвенном профиле под насаждениями облепихи по схеме (4х1) м оказался весьма благоприятным вплоть до июня. Необходимость орошения возникла в связи с дефицитом почвенной влаги, который достигал максимума в начале августа и сохранялся до осени. Летом 2008 года наблюдался недостаток доступной влаги в гумусовом слое чернозема. Во второй половине летнего периода поливные нормы возросли до 460 т/га и практически не снижались вплоть до конца августа. Полезные запасы влаги в мае 2007 года под насаждениями облепихи по схеме (4х2) м оказались низкими. В течение последующих месяцев недостаток влаги можно было компенсировать орошением поливными нормами от 300 до 500 т/га. В 2008 году начало мая было отмечено высокими запасами продуктивной влаги. В течение всех остальных месяцев лета водный режим почвы характеризовался значительным дефицитом влаги. Таким образом, весенний запас влаги в профиле чернозема до июля обеспечивает рост и развитие растений. Во второй половине лета продуктивные запасы влаги интенсивно расходуются на транспирацию и десукцию с поверхности почвы. При этом атмосферные осадки увлажняют только гумусовый горизонт, поэтому для обеспечения высокой продуктивности облепихи необходимы оросительные мелиорации.
INCREASING EFFICIENCY OF SOIL BIOREMEDIATION
Authors: Kokunova Irina V. , Zhukov Alexander A. , Fyodorova-Semyonova Tatyana E.
Published: February 2023

The intensification of agricultural production and processing industries, the use of powerful tractors and harvesters, and the increase in the intensity of road cargo transportation lead to an increase in waste from economic activities and an increase in the anthropogenic load on the environment. Human-made accidents exacerbate the problems of the stability of natural ecosystems. Dangerous substances get into the soil and accumulate in it in the form of various toxicants. This situation poses a threat to all living organisms. One of the ways to solve the urgent problems of environmental safety and the production of high-quality agricultural products is the use of bioremediation technologies for soil purification. The paper aims to increase the efficiency of soil bioremediation technology by improving the technical means used for the aeration of soil piles. The current aerators-mixers perform soil agitation and grinding of large soil formations while saturating the treated material with oxygen. We propose improving the stirring drum design of a semi-suspended aerator-mixer, equipping it with new knife-shaped working blades and with a screw winding that allows increasing the contact area with the processed mass and forming a pile of a given shape. The contact surface increases due to biological products sprayed by the nozzles and the fine soil fraction formed after treatment. This fact also intensifies the microbiological processes of toxicant oxidation. Based on the theoretical research and multivariate regression analysis, we obtained a regression equation. It allowed us to establish the relationship between the main factors that affect the aeration process of soil piles to a greater extent. We carried out experimental studies in the scientific laboratories of the university. Thus, we determined the rational parameters of the improved aerator-mixer of piles.
CONDITIONS, OPPORTUNITIES, AND ISSUES OF ACTUALIZING THE POTENTIAL FOR DEVELOPING VITICULTURE AND WINEMAKING IN CURRENT REALITIES: THE REGIONAL ASPECT OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION
Authors: Grinko Elena L. , Alesina Natalia V. , Kuzmin Andrey V.
Published: February 2023

The paper presents the results of studies of the current state, significant trends, development potential, and funding sources of the wine industry in the Russian Federation. At the regional level, economic, natural (soil and climate), and anthropogenic factors are identified as the main factors that determine the potential for the development of viticulture and winemaking in the current conditions. The research identifies the fundamental aspects of government support for viticulture and winemaking. The paper analyzes conditions for developing the wine industry in Crimea and Sevastopol, including the financial component. In particular, the paper examines the results of analytical calculations of the financial leverage ratio for the most prominent winemaking enterprises of the Crimean Peninsula. The government support measures for the Crimean winemaking enterprises in terms of increasing the availability of long-term loans have been analyzed. The paper explores significant trends in the development of the Crimean wine industry as a whole and long-term loans to the local enterprises. The authors propose an economic and mathematical model for quantifying the cumulative effect of the following essential factors on consumer satisfaction with the price-quality ratio of wine products. One assumes that this model can form the basis for assessing the potential for developing the viticulture and wine industry at the regional level in the Russian Federation. Considering the results of the source research and financial and economic analysis carried out in the field, the paper aims to reveal the primary features and issues of the development of enterprises in the wine industry of Crimea and produce optimal solutions. The paper attempts to formulate a proposal on the expediency of using the presented research results, including a model analysis of the influence of a combination of significant factors on the development of viticulture and winemaking in the regions and develop recommendations for restoring the sustainability of wineries in modern conditions and prolonging the program of further research.
MAIN CHALLENGES OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC IN THE BERRY INDUSTRY
Authors: Levkina Nataliya N. , Mitnitskiy Evgeniy I.
Published: February 2023

The emergence and development of a new coronavirus infection and the pandemic that followed caused global changes in all sectors and areas of human activity. Agriculture in different countries and regions has fully felt the consequences of the restrictions imposed. Statistical data on the state of agriculture of the Russian Federation, including crop production, and in the context of farm categories indicate that this real economy sector was not significantly affected by the crisis of 2020. However, the impact of the crisis is extremely uneven depending on the category of products grown and will manifest itself for more than one year. This paper is devoted to analyzing the main problems faced by Russian agricultural producers specializing in berry cultivation in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic on the example of the Tula Yagoda Corporate Group (Tula Yagoda Group). The research aims to identify, summarize, and systematize the main challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic in the berry industry in the form of a scheme. The analysis of the actual operation results, tactical and strategic difficulties of the Tulskaya Yagoda Group allowed us to conclude that the impact of the pandemic and related restrictions affected all stages of berry production (supply, production, and sale), as well as the prospects for its development. The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed the most vulnerable areas of the berry farms’ operation and will have long-term consequences, which can be partially offset by rational adjustments to the volume of cultivated land, their processing technology, types, and varieties of cultivated crops, etc. For the enterprises of this industry to continue to function and develop effectively, it is necessary to strengthen the positions of the Russian arboretums, optimize the use of labor resources, as well as provide state support not only for agricultural producers in case of another pandemic but also representatives of related industries.
Wychowanie osoby
Authors: Possenti Vittorio
Published: February 2023

Kultura postmodernistyczna zdaje się kwestionować sens wychowania osoby, podając w wątpliwość cele wychowania, które wykraczają poza przygotowanie do zaspokajania doraźnych potrzeb oraz negocjowania promowanej przez liberalizm umowy społecznej. Ten kryzys w kwestii wychowania odnosi się zatem do kwestii antropologicznej, do trudności z odpowiedzią na pytanie o istotę człowieczeństwa, sięgającą głębiej niż teorie ewolucjonistyczne; z odpowiedzią, która sięgałaby istotyosoby jako imago Dei. Niniejszy tekst stanowi fragment książki: Człowiek postmodernistyczny. Technologia, religia, polityka (rozdział 4). Autor wprowadza najpierw we współczesny kontekst refleksji nad człowiekiem, aby z tej perspektywy podjąć kwestię wychowania. Jest ono związane przede wszystkim z odkrywaniem prawdy, stanowiącej punkt odniesienia dla rozwoju sumienia. Owa prawda nie jest jednak wytwarzana przez człowieka, ale odkrywana w Bogu, jeżeli podmiot odnosi się do niego w relacji miłości. Prowadzenie wychowanka do odkrycia tej prawdy wymaga od wychowawcy powrotu do idei greckiej paidei. Tylko wówczas możliwe będzie przezwyciężenie współczesnego modelu kształcenia, zorientowanego na cele instrumentalne, i powrót do właściwego humanizmu, którego istotą jest budowanie osoby.
Cyberwychowanie – cicha rewolucja w cyberprzestrzeni. O potrzebie cyberpedagogiki
Authors: Biernat Tomasz
Published: February 2023

W ciągu ostatnich dwóch dekad dokonała się cicha rewolucja w wychowaniu, w wyniku której wyłoniła się jego nowa postać – cyberwychowanie. Jest ono rezultatem dynamicznego rozwoju technologiczno-informacyjnego i powstania cyberprzestrzeni,która stała się nowym środowiskiem aktywności człowieka oraz wychowania. Cyberśrodowisko stwarza odmienną, hipertekstualną rzeczywistość wychowawczą, która jest niejawna i oddziałuje w specyficzny sposób. Cyberwychowanie przebiega inaczejniż w realnym środowisku. Obydwa rodzaje oddziaływań wychowawczych – analogowe i cyfrowe – wzajemnie na siebie oddziałują, co prowadzi do modyfikacji procesu wychowania. Powstanie cybeśrodowiska wychowawczego oraz cyberwychowaniastanowi duże wyzwanie dla dotychczasowej wiedzy i praktyki pedagogicznej. Ważnym zagadnieniem w tym kontekście jest problem cyberbezpieczeństwa wychowawczego oraz cyberprofilaktyki. Przedstawione analizy mogą stanowić argument na rzecz wyodrębnienia nowego nurtu w naukach o wychowaniu – cyberpedagogiki.
Atividade física e interleucina-6 sérica em relação à densidade óssea em adultos jovens
Authors: Santos Francine silva dos , Bielemann Renata Moraes , Oliveira Isabel Oliveira de , Horta Bernardo Lessa , Brage Soren , Gigante Denise Petrucci
Published: February 2023

A atividade física (AF) e a inflamação influenciam a densidade óssea através de múltiplos mecanismos fisiológicos, mas a atual evidência não é robusta sobre a estrutura de mediação dessas relações. Portanto, o objetivo deste estudo foi investigar as associações de AF e interleucina-6 sérica (IL-6) na densidade óssea. Análise transversal na Coorte de Nascimentos de 1982 Pelotas (Brasil) em participantes com 30 anos de idade. AF foi medida objetivamente por acelerometria. Densidade mineral óssea (g/cm2) foi avaliada para a coluna lombar e colo do fêmur usando absorciometria de raios-X de dupla energia. Foram realizadas regressões lineares brutas e ajustadas e análises de mediação. Em ambos os sexos, a AF total foi positivamente associada à densidade óssea do colo do fêmur, mas não à coluna lombar. Para os homens, as médias do colo do fêmur foram 0,027, 0,042 e 0,032 maiores no segundo, terceiro e quarto quartis, respectivamente, em relação ao primeiro quartil (referência). Entre as mulheres, os maiores valores de densidade óssea foram encontrados no terceiro (0,021) e quarto (0,027) quartis de AF total em comparação ao quartil mais baixo. No sexo feminino, a atividade física de intensidade moderada a vigorosa apresentou relação positiva com todos os locais de densidade óssea. O efeito indireto através da IL-6 não foi significativo. A atividade física foi associada a ganhos de densidade óssea. Os achados reforçam recomendações de AF na idade adulta para promover a saúde óssea.
Anterior thalamic ischaemic stroke secondary to cardiopulmonary arrest
Authors: Cavaco João Luís , Capinha Francisco , Pires Maria José , Furão Rodrigues Ana , Oliveira Pedro Ana , Pais de Lacerda António
Published: February 2023

Introduction: Ischaemic anterior thalamic lesions are rare and can present with disturbances of behaviour and memory. We describe a patient with post-cardiac arrest thalamic stroke. Case description: A 63-year-old man presented with cardiac arrest, was resuscitated after receiving life support, and showed no lesions on computed tomography. Three days later, he presented with short-term memory disturbance and disorientation, with a de novo anterior thalamic lesion. Conclusion: The anterior thalamic nucleus, supplied by the posterior communicating artery, is part of the Papez circuit and has a role in modulating behaviour and memory. An anterior thalamic syndrome presents with no sensory-motor deficits.
Metformin Mitigates Memory Impairment of Diabetic Mice through Modulation of Plasma Pro-inflammatory Cytokines and Aβ1-42 Levels
Authors:   Cognitive Science and Innovation Research Unit (CSIRU), College of Research Methodology and Cognitive Science, Burapha    University, Chonburi 20131, Thailand, Janthakhin Yoottana , Kingtong Sutin ,   Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Burapha University, Chonburi 20131, Thailand, Aphibanthammakit Chutima ,   National Nanotechnology Center (NANOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), Klong Luang, Pathumthani 10120, Thailand, Juntapremjit Sirikran ,   Cognitive Science and Innovation Research Unit (CSIRU), College of Research Methodology and Cognitive Science, Burapha    University, Chonburi 20131, Thailand
Published: February 2023

Abstract Experimental and clinical studies reported that type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with cognitive dysfunction and promotes the onset of dementia. Metformin is an antihyperglycemic drug used for the treatment of T2DM. A growing number of evidence revealed neuroprotective, antioxidant, and anti-inflammation effects exerted by metformin. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of metformin on cognitive function, systemic proinflammatory cytokines and amyloid-beta 1-42 (Aβ1-42) which is a pathological hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in diabetic mice. C57BL/6N mice were divided into the following experimental groups: normal control group (NC); diabetes mellitus group (DM) induced by a high-fat diet combined with streptozotocin (STZ) injection; diabetes mellitus treated with metformin 100 mg/kg (DM+Met). Cognitive performance was evaluated by the novel object recognition test (NORT). Systemic proinflammatory cytokines and Aβ1-42 were assessed by the enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA) test. We found that diabetic mice exhibited cognitive impairment in NORT whereas the treatment with metformin restored the cognitive function of diabetic mice. Moreover, diabetic mice presented an increase in plasma IL-6 and TNF-α levels while Aβ1-42 was decreased when compared to NC mice. Nevertheless, the administration of metformin allowed the levels of plasma IL-6, TNF-α, and Aβ1-42 to normalize in diabetic mice. Taken together, our findings suggest that metformin improves the cognitive function of diabetic mice possibly via the modulation of plasma pro-inflammatory cytokines and Aβ1-42 levels. Metformin may potentially be used as a therapeutic agent for patients with T2DM who show cognitive deficits. Keywords: Diabetes mellitus, Cognitive impairments, Pro-inflammatory cytokines, Amyloid-beta, Metformin
The Anti-Inflammatory Potential of Red Betel (Piper crocatum) Leaves Through Inhibitory Mechanism on Nfκb Signaling Pathway: Drug-Like Candidate Study
Authors:   Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Negeri Malang, Indonesia., Maslikah Siti Imroatul , Lestari Sri Rahayu ,   Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Negeri Malang, Indonesia., Handayani Nursasi ,   Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Negeri Malang, Indonesia., Putra Wira Eka ,   Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Negeri Malang, Indonesia.,   Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Negeri Malang, Indonesia, Nurul Alimah Alif Rofiqotun ,   Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Brawijaya, Indonesia, Amalia Atikah ,   Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Negeri Malang, Indonesia., Afifah Solichatul ,   Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Negeri Malang, Indonesia., Arifah Siti Nur ,   Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Negeri Malang, Indonesia.
Published: February 2023

Abstract Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disease that causes inflammation of the synovial tissue bone as well as joint damage. Furthermore, an increase in the level of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) due to overexpression in the nuclear factor-kappa B (NFκB) contributes to the progression of the disease. NFκB also plays an important role in the production, differentiation, and effector function of inflammatory T cells. Red betel (Piper crocatum) leaf (RBL) is an Indonesian herb, which contains bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, terpenoids, and phenolic compounds. It is widely used as an intervention for various diseases including inflammatory-related diseases. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the therapeutic effect of RBL extract as an anti-inflammatory agent through inhibition on the TNF receptor 1(TNFR1), NFκB, and inhibitor kappa B kinase (IκK) by molecular docking study. Oral toxicity prediction was carried out before molecular docking. Molecular docking performed using PyRx 0.8 software. The amino acid residues analysis and visualization were conducted using the Biovia Discovery Studio and Pymol. The toxicity prediction using ProTox-II showed that RBL active compounds are categorized between the 4th-6th class. Furthermore, the compounds, specifically kaempferitrin and apigenin have greater binding affinity compared to the drug inhibitor in NFκB signalling pathway. Based on the results, RBL active compounds can potentially act as an anti-inflammatory agent in RA, but further studies must be carried out to explore the potency of RBL through in vitro and in vivo effects. Keywords: Red betel leaf, Molecular docking, Rheumatoid arthritis, Flavonoid
Desarrollo de las competencias vinculadas al emprendimiento en la formación inicial del profesorado en fundamentos en educación física
Authors: Cañadas Laura , Zubillaga-Olague Maite
Published: February 2023

La formación inicial del profesorado debe contribuir a potenciar el espíritu emprendedor de los estudiantes, contribuyendo al crecimiento integral del alumnado en todas las dimensiones. Los objetivos de esta investigación son: (i) valorar el grado de percepción de desarrollo de las competencias asociadas al emprendimiento en futuros maestros y maestras; (ii) valorar si existen diferencias en esa percepción de desarrollo de competencias entre estudiantes del curso 20-21 (docencia en pandemia) y 21-22 (docencia normal); (iii) valorar si existe relación entre el grado de percepción de desarrollo de las competencias asociadas al emprendimiento y la competencia docente en educación física. Participaron 338 universitarios seleccionados mediante un muestreo por conveniencia entre estudiantes de cuarto curso en una asignatura de formación en fundamentos de la educación física. Se recogió la información a través de un cuestionario de competencias docentes donde se seleccionaron aquellas relacionadas con la capacidad de emprendimiento docente. Existe un alto grado de desarrollo en esta investigación de las competencias generales asociadas al emprendimiento, sin embargo, no ocurre lo mismo en las competencias docentes generales. La mayoría de ítems no muestran diferencias entre ambos cursos (modalidades de enseñanza diferentes). Por último, la competencia docente en educación física está fuertemente relacionada con las competencias genéricas y las generales docentes asociadas al emprendimiento.
Satellite-derived bathymetry integrating spatial and spectral information of multispectral images
Authors: Li Ningning , Tang Qiuhua , Chen Yilan , Dong Zhipeng , Li Jie , Fu Xuancheng
Published: February 2023

As a significant and cost-effective method of obtaining shallow seabed topography, satellite derived bathymetry (SDB) can acquire a wide range of shallow sea depth by integrating a small quantity ofin-situwater depth data. This method is a beneficial addition to traditional bathymetric topography. The seafloor’s spatial heterogeneity leads to inaccuracies in bathymetric inversion, which reduces bathymetric accuracy. By utilizing multispectral data with multidimensional features, an SDB approach incorporating spectral and spatial information of multispectral images is proposed in this study. In order to effectively increase the accuracy of bathymetry inversion throughout the entire area, first the random forest with spatial coordinates is established to control bathymetry spatial variation on a large scale. Next, the Kriging algorithm is used to interpolate bathymetry residuals, and the interpolation results are used to adjust bathymetry spatial variation on a small scale. The data from three shallow water sites are experimentally processed to validate the method. Compared with other established bathymetric inversion techniques, the experimental results show that the method effectively reduces the error in bathymetry estimation caused by spatial heterogeneity of the seabed, producing high-precision inversion bathymetry with a root mean square error of 0.78 to 1.36 meters.
Ameliorated PGC demodulation technique based on the ODR algorithm with insensitivity to phase modulation depth
Authors: Zhou Wen , Yu Benli , Zhang Jihao , Shi Jinhui , Guang Dong , Zuo Cheng , Mu Shengquan , Liu Yangzhou , Lin Zhiwei , Wu Xuqiang
Published: February 2023

For the optical fiber sensing system using phase generated carrier (PGC) technology, it is very important to eliminate the nonlinear effect of phase modulation depth (C) fluctuation on the demodulation results in the actual environment. In this paper, an ameliorated phase generated carrier demodulation technique is presented to calculate the C value and suppress its nonlinear influence on the demodulation results. The value of C is calculated out by the fundamental and third harmonic components with the equation fitted by the orthogonal distance regression algorithm. Then the Bessel recursive formula is used to convert the coefficients of each order of Bessel function contained in demodulation result into C values. Finally, the coefficients in demodulation result are removed by the calculated C values. In the experiment, when the C ranges from 1.0 rad to 3.5 rad, the minimum total harmonic distortion and maximum phase amplitude fluctuation of the ameliorated algorithm are 0.09% and 3.58%, which are far superior to the demodulation results of the traditional arctangent algorithm. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method can effectively eliminate the error caused by the fluctuation of the C value, which provides a reference for signal processing in practical applications of fiber-optic interferometric sensors.
Low-loss fiber-to-chip edge coupler for silicon nitride integrated circuits
Authors: Zhu Xiaotian , Li Guangkuo , Wang Xiang , Li Yuhua , Davidson Roy , Little Brent E. , Chu Sai T.
Published: February 2023

Silicon nitride (SiN) integrated optical waveguides have found a wide range of applications due to their low loss, broad wavelength transmission band and high nonlinearity. However, the large mode mismatch between the single-mode fiber and the SiN waveguide creates a challenge of fiber coupling to these waveguides. Here, we propose a coupling approach between fiber and SiN waveguides by utilizing the high-index doped silica glass (HDSG) waveguide as the intermediary to smooth out the mode transition. We achieved fiber-to-SiN waveguide coupling efficiency of lower than 0.8 dB/facet across the full C and L bands with high fabrication and alignment tolerances.
Experimental measurement of quadrature squeezing in quadripartite entanglement
Authors: He Huanrong , Lou Yanbo , Xu Xiaoyin , Liu Shengshuai , Jing Jietai
Published: February 2023

Multipartite entanglement is one of the most fundamental and important resources for quantum information processing in both discrete variable and continuous variable (CV) regimes. For its applications in the CV regime, such as the realization of quantum teleportation networks and quantum dense coding, the quadrature squeezing of multipartite entanglement plays a significant role. Here, we report the first, to the best of our knowledge, experimental measurement of the quadrature squeezing in the quadripartite entanglement generated by the two-beam pumped cascaded four-wave mixing process in a 85Rb vapor cell. Moreover, we find that the quadrature squeezing is nonexistent in each pair of beams, but exists in the whole quadripartite entanglement. Our results may find potential applications in building a multi-user quantum secret sharing network.
Using ‘sentinel’ plants to improve early detection of invasive plant pathogens
Authors: Lovell-Read Francesca A. , Parnell Stephen , Cunniffe Nik J. , Thompson Robin N.
Published: February 2023

Infectious diseases of plants present an ongoing and increasing threat to international biosecurity, with wide-ranging implications. An important challenge in plant disease management is achieving early detection of invading pathogens, which requires effective surveillance through the implementation of appropriate monitoring programmes. However, when monitoring relies on visual inspection as a means of detection, surveillance is often hindered by a long incubation period (delay from infection to symptom onset) during which plants may be infectious but not displaying visible symptoms. ‘Sentinel’ plants–alternative susceptible host species that display visible symptoms of infection more rapidly–could be introduced to at-risk populations and included in monitoring programmes to act as early warning beacons for infection. However, while sentinel hosts exhibit faster disease progression and so allow pathogens to be detected earlier, this often comes at a cost: faster disease progression typically promotes earlier onward transmission. Here, we construct a computational model of pathogen transmission to explore this trade-off and investigate how including sentinel plants in monitoring programmes could facilitate earlier detection of invasive plant pathogens. Using Xylella fastidiosa infection in Olea europaea (European olive) as a current high profile case study, for which Catharanthus roseus (Madagascan periwinkle) is a candidate sentinel host, we apply a Bayesian optimisation algorithm to determine the optimal number of sentinel hosts to introduce for a given sampling effort, as well as the optimal division of limited surveillance resources between crop and sentinel plants. Our results demonstrate that including sentinel plants in monitoring programmes can reduce the expected prevalence of infection upon outbreak detection substantially, increasing the feasibility of local outbreak containment.
QTL study reveals candidate genes underlying host resistance in a Red Queen model system
Authors: Fredericksen Maridel , Fields Peter D. , Du Pasquier Louis , Ricci Virginie , Ebert Dieter
Published: February 2023

Specific interactions of host and parasite genotypes can lead to balancing selection, maintaining genetic diversity within populations. In order to understand the drivers of such specific coevolution, it is necessary to identify the molecular underpinnings of these genotypic interactions. Here, we investigate the genetic basis of resistance in the crustacean host, Daphnia magna, to attachment and subsequent infection by the bacterial parasite, Pasteuria ramosa. We discover a single locus with Mendelian segregation (3:1 ratio) with resistance being dominant, which we call the F locus. We use QTL analysis and fine mapping to localize the F locus to a 28.8-kb region in the host genome, adjacent to a known resistance supergene. We compare the 28.8-kb region in the two QTL parents to identify differences between host genotypes that are resistant versus susceptible to attachment and infection by the parasite. We identify 13 genes in the region, from which we highlight eight biological candidates for the F locus, based on presence/absence polymorphisms and differential gene expression. The top candidates include a fucosyltransferase gene that is only present in one of the two QTL parents, as well as several Cladoceran-specific genes belonging to a large family that is represented in multiple locations of the host genome. Fucosyltransferases have been linked to resistance in previous studies of Daphnia–Pasteuria and other host–parasite systems, suggesting that P. ramosa spore attachment could be mediated by changes in glycan structures on D. magna cuticle proteins. The Cladoceran-specific candidate genes suggest a resistance strategy that relies on gene duplication. Our results add a new locus to a growing genetic model of resistance in the D. magna–P. ramosa system. The identified candidate genes will be used in future functional genetic studies, with the ultimate aim to test for cycles of allele frequencies in natural populations.
Does 2x2 airplane passenger contact tracing for infectious respiratory pathogens work? A systematic review of the evidence
Authors: Rafferty Anna C. , Bofkin Kelly , Hughes Whitney , Souter Sara , Hosegood Ian , Hall Robyn N. , Furuya-Kanamori Luis , Liu Bette , Drane Michael , Regan Toby , Halder Molly , Kelaher Catherine , Kirk Martyn D.
Published: February 2023

We critically appraised the literature regarding in-flight transmission of a range of respiratory infections to provide an evidence base for public health policies for contact tracing passengers, given the limited pathogen-specific data for SARS-CoV-2 currently available. Using PubMed, Web of Science, and other databases including preprints, we systematically reviewed evidence of in-flight transmission of infectious respiratory illnesses. A meta-analysis was conducted where total numbers of persons on board a specific flight was known, to calculate a pooled Attack Rate (AR) for a range of pathogens. The quality of the evidence provided was assessed using a bias assessment tool developed for in-flight transmission investigations of influenza which was modelled on the PRISMA statement and the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. We identified 103 publications detailing 165 flight investigations. Overall, 43.7% (72/165) of investigations provided evidence for in-flight transmission. H1N1 influenza A virus had the highest reported pooled attack rate per 100 persons (AR = 1.17), followed by SARS-CoV-2 (AR = 0.54) and SARS-CoV (AR = 0.32), Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB, AR = 0.25), and measles virus (AR = 0.09). There was high heterogeneity in estimates between studies, except for TB. Of the 72 investigations that provided evidence for in-flight transmission, 27 investigations were assessed as having a high level of evidence, 23 as medium, and 22 as low. One third of the investigations that reported on proximity of cases showed transmission occurring beyond the 2x2 seating area. We suggest that for emerging pathogens, in the absence of pathogen-specific evidence, the 2x2 system should not be used for contact tracing. Instead, alternate contact tracing protocols and close contact definitions for enclosed areas, such as the same cabin on an aircraft or other forms of transport, should be considered as part of a whole of journey approach.
Patients’ perceived quality of care and their satisfaction with care given for MDR-TB at referral hospitals in Ethiopia
Authors: Wakjira Mengistu K. , Sandy Peter T. , Mavhandu-Mudzusi A. H.
Published: February 2023

Background

There is presently dearth of evidence in Ethiopia on patients’ perception on quality of care given for multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) and their satisfaction with the care and services they receive for the disease. Moreover, there is no evidence on the experiences and practices of caregivers for MDR-TB regarding the functionality of the programmatic management of MDR-TB at referral hospitals in Ethiopia. Thus, this study was conducted to address these gaps. Evidence in these areas would help to institute interventions that could enhance patient satisfaction and their adherence to the treatment given for MDR-TB.

Design and methods

This study employed an inductive phenomenological approach to investigate patients’ perception of the quality of care given for MDR-TB, level of their satisfaction with the care they received for MDR-TB and the experiences and practices of caregivers for MDR-TB on the functionality of the programmatic management of MDR-TB at referral hospitals in Ethiopia. The data were analysed manually, and that helped to get more control over the data.

Results

The majority of the patients were satisfied with the compassionate communication and clinical care they received at hospitals. However, as no doctor was dedicated exclusively for the MDR-TB centre of the hospitals, patients could not get timely medical attention during emergent medical conditions. Patients were dissatisfied with the poor communication and uncaring practice of caregivers found at treatment follow-up centres (TFCs). Patients perceived that socio-economic difficulties are both the cause of MDR-TB and it has also challenged their ability to cope-up with the disease and its treatment. Patients were dissatisfied with the poor quality and inadequate quantity of the socio-economic support they got from the programme. Despite the high MDR-TB and HIV/AIDS co-infection, services for both diseases were not available under one roof.

Conclusions

Socio-economic challenges, inadequate socio-economic support, absence of integrated care for MDR-TB and HIV/AIDS, and the uncaring practice of caregivers at treatment follow-up centres are found to negatively affect patients’ perceived quality of care and their satisfaction with the care given for MDR-TB. Addressing these challenges is recommended to assist patients’ coping ability with MDR-TB and its treatment.
Gluten-free diet adherence in children with screening-detected celiac disease using a prospective birth cohort study
Authors: Mehta Pooja , Li Qian , Stahl Marisa , Uusitalo Ulla , Lindfors Katri , Butterworth Martha D. , Kurppa Kalle , Virtanen Suvi , Koletzko Sibylle , Aronsson Carin , Hagopian William A. , Rewers Marian J. , Toppari Jorma , Ziegler Anette-G. , Akolkar Beena , Krischer Jeffrey P. , Agardh Daniel , Liu Edwin ,   on behalf of the TEDDY Study Group
Published: February 2023

Background

Celiac disease has an increasing incidence worldwide and is treated with lifelong adherence to a gluten-free diet. We aimed to describe gluten-free diet adherence rates in children with screening-identified celiac disease, determine adherence-related factors, and compare adherence to food records in a multinational prospective birth cohort study.

Methods

Children in The Environmental Determinants of Diabetes in the Young study with celiac disease were included. Subjects had at least annual measurement of adherence (parent-report) and completed 3-day food records. Descriptive statistics, t-tests, Kruskal-Wallis tests and multivariable logistic and linear regression were employed.

Results

Two hundred ninety (73%) and 199 (67%) of subjects were always adherent to a gluten-free diet at 2 and 5 years post celiac disease diagnosis respectively. The percentage of children with variable adherence increased from 1% at 2 years to 15% at 5 years. Children with a first-degree relative with celiac disease were more likely to be adherent to the gluten-free diet. Gluten intake on food records could not differentiate adherent from nonadherent subjects. Adherent children from the United States had more gluten intake based on food records than European children (P < .001 and P = .007 at 2 and 5 years respectively).

Conclusion

Approximately three-quarters of children with screening-identified celiac disease remain strictly adherent to a gluten-free diet over time. There are no identifiable features associated with adherence aside from having a first-degree relative with celiac disease. Despite good parent-reported adherence, children from the United States have more gluten intake when assessed by food records. Studies on markers of gluten-free diet adherence, sources of gluten exposure (particularly in the United States), and effects of adherence on mucosal healing are needed.
Mindful self-focus–an interaction affecting Theory of Mind?
Authors: Wundrack Richard , Specht Jule
Published: February 2023

Is thinking about oneself helpful or harmful for understanding other people? The answer might depend on how a person thinks about themself. Mindfulness is one prominent construct that seems to affect the quality and content of a person’s thoughts about themselves in the world. Thus, we hypothesize that the relationship between self-focus and Theory of Mind (ToM) is moderated by mindfulness. We evaluate our hypothesis with a large cross-sectional dataset (N= 543) of native and non-native German and English speakers using OLS and MM-estimated robust multiple regression analysis. We found a small but robust self-focus × mindfulness interaction effect on ToM so that there was a significant positive relation between self-focus and ToM for more mindful individuals and no significant relation for less mindful individuals. The findings support our hypothesis that mindfulness moderates the relationship between self-focus and ToM performance. We discuss the limitations and differences between the present study and previous findings.
Differences in morphology, mitochondrial genomes, and reproductive compatibility between two clades of parasitic wasps Aphelinus mali (Hymenoptera: Aphelindae) in China
Authors: Su Min , Du Lingjun , Ali Muhammad Yasir , Yu Jianing , Chi Mengyu , Teng Ziwen , Fan Yinjun , Tan Xiumei , Zhou Hongxu
Published: February 2023

Aphelinus mali (Haldeman) (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) in China is comprised of two clades (termed, the Shandong and Liaoning clades). In order to clarify the genetic relationship between these two clades, we compared and analyzed the morphological characteristics and the mitochondrial genome of each, and performed a hybridization experiment. Morphological results showed that both males and females of the Liaoning clade were larger than Shandong clade, in terms of whole body, abdominal, wing and antennal lengths, however, there were no significant differences between clades for total length of the middle or hind leg of females. The length of the mitochondrial genome of the Shandong clade was 14415 bp and, for the Liaoning clade, it was 14804 bp. Each contained 31 genes, including 13 protein-encoded genes, 16 tRNA genes, and 2 rRNA genes. The highest AT level among the 13 protein-coding genes for the two clades were the same gene (ATP8) (Shandong clade, 91.52%; Liaoning clade, 90.91%). By hybridization and backcrossing, we found that there was no cross incompatibility between these two clades of A. mali. Our results indicate that the historic geographical isolation between these clades has not yet caused reproductive isolation of these populations, and they belong to the same species.
Feasibility of a wearable inertial sensor to assess motor complications and treatment in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Caballol Nuria , Bayés Àngels , Prats Anna , Martín-Baranera Montserrat , Quispe Paola
Published: February 2023

Background

Wearable sensors-based systems have emerged as a potential tool to continuously monitor Parkinson’s Disease (PD) motor features in free-living environments.

Objectives

To analyse the responsivity of wearable inertial sensor (WIS) measures (On/Off-Time, dyskinesia, freezing of gait (FoG) and gait parameters) after treatment adjustments. We also aim to study the ability of the sensor in the detection of MF, dyskinesia, FoG and the percentage of Off-Time, under ambulatory conditions of use.

Methods

We conducted an observational, open-label study. PD patients wore a validated WIS (STAT-ONTM) for one week (before treatment), and one week, three months after therapeutic changes. The patients were analyzed into two groups according to whether treatment changes had been indicated or not.

Results

Thirty-nine PD patients were included in the study (PD duration 8 ± 3.5 years). Treatment changes were made in 29 patients (85%). When comparing the two groups (treatment intervention vs no intervention), the WIS detected significant changes in the mean percentage of Off-Time (p = 0.007), the mean percentage of On-Time (p = 0.002), the number of steps (p = 0.008) and the gait fluidity (p = 0.004). The mean percentage of Off-Time among the patients who decreased their Off-Time (79% of patients) was -7.54 ± 5.26. The mean percentage of On-Time among the patients that increased their On-Time (59% of patients) was 8.9 ± 6.46. The Spearman correlation between the mean fluidity of the stride and the UPDRS-III- Factor I was 0.6 (p = <0.001). The system detected motor fluctuations (MF) in thirty-seven patients (95%), whilst dyskinesia and FoG were detected in fifteen (41%), and nine PD patients (23%), respectively. However, the kappa agreement analysis between the UPDRS-IV/clinical interview and the sensor was 0.089 for MF, 0.318 for dyskinesia and 0.481 for FoG.

Conclusions

It’s feasible to use this sensor for monitoring PD treatment under ambulatory conditions. This system could serve as a complementary tool to assess PD motor complications and treatment adjustments, although more studies are required.
Distribution and risk assessment of pesticide residues in sediment samples from river Ganga, India
Authors: Shah Zeshan Umar , Parveen Saltanat
Published: February 2023

Indiscriminate use of pesticides leads to their entry in to the bottom sediments, where they are absorbed in the sediment’s particle and thus, may become the consistent source of aquatic pollution. The present work was carried out to evaluate pesticide residues in the sediment samples and associated human health risk of commonly used pesticides along the basin of river Ganga. Total of 16 pesticides were analyzed along three stretches of river Ganga. The concentration of pesticides in the upper stretch ranged from ND to 0.103 μg/kg, in the middle stretch ND to 0.112 μg/kg, and in the lower stretch ND to 0.105 μg/kg. Strong positive correlation was found between total organic carbon and total pesticide residues in sediment samples. Carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic values were estimated below the threshold limit suggesting no associated risk. Risks associated with the inhalation route of exposure were found to be higher than the dermal and ingestion routes. Children were found at higher risk at each site from multiple routes of exposure than adult population groups. Toxic unit values were found to be below the threshold value suggesting no risk associated with exposure of pesticides from sediments. However, long term effects on ecological quality due to consistent pesticide exposure must not be ignored. Therefore, the present study focuses on concrete efforts like lowering the irrational used of pesticides, tapping of agricultural and domestic drains, advice to farmers for appropriate use of pesticide doses, to reduce the threat of pesticide pollution in the river system and possible human health risk.