bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Treating head lice: a case study
Authors: Nazarko Linda
Published: December 2022

People who are homeless are greater risk of infections than the general public because they are often in poor health and have difficulty maintaining hygiene. This article discusses the treatment of head lice and uses a case history to outline specific issues that may arise in a person who is homeless and how these can be managed.
Smart health rehabilitation in palliative care during the COVID-19 era
Authors: Chahal Aksh , Chaudhuri Pooja
Published: December 2022

Mobile device-based healthcare has emerged as a game-changing method of telerehabilitation. Society, including the scientific community, is paying more attention to smart health rehabilitation during the COVID-19 era. This study provides a review of smart health rehabilitation in palliative care. Alongside monitoring, some systems provide additional patient-caregiver communication and progress management. The findings of this study may aid researchers and clinicians in the development of smartphone-based rehabilitation systems’ functionalities and interactions, as well as in the selection of technology in palliative care during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A guide to Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
Authors: Holloway Debby
Published: December 2022

Debby Holloway provides an overview of HRT, and the symptoms women experience
Rheumatoid arthritis: Why don't patients take their medications?
Authors: French Tracy
Published: December 2022

Tracy French looks at why patients may not take their medications as intended and why this matters
Pre-anaesthesia preparation in cats and dogs – recent evidence
Authors: Russo Evelyn , Farry Trish
Published: December 2022

Nurses and technicians practicing veterinary anaesthesia should be familiar with current literature on preanaesthesia preparation for cats and dogs. Reductions in morbidity and mortality in animals undergoing general anaesthesia can be achieved by using low-stress veterinary treatments to allow for thorough physical examinations, diagnostic testing, assessment of anaesthetic risks and intervention planning. This article describes morbidity and mortality in veterinary patients and highlights some recent evidence on the importance of anaesthetic checklists, pre-visit pharmaceutical options, low-stress handling, fasting protocols and associated therapeutics, and the value of pre-anaesthetic laboratory work.
Liquid crystal based polarized low coherence interferometer for optical demodulation in sensors
Authors: Chakraborty Susanta , Panchal Rahul , Sinha Aloka
Published: December 2022

The resolution of the measurement detection and sensitivity of a polarized low coherence interferometer (PLCI) can be pre-engineered by optimizing the key parameters of the birefringent wedge, which is rarely reported. In this work, we introduce a liquid crystal (LC) wedge in the PLCI and use it to demodulate Fabry–Perot (FP) cavity length. The birefringence property of the nematic LC is used to convert the optical path difference (OPD) of the sensor into a spatial distribution. This results in the production of localized interference fringe patterns. The formation of PLCI fringes and the related shift of the interferogram with a variation in the displacement of the FP displacement sensor is explained with reference to the OPD matching between an LC wedge and the FP cavity. The displacement value is demodulated from the obtained fringe pattern by tracking the centroid position of the fringe envelope and also considering the birefringence dispersion. An additional simulation study shows that the spatial position of the interferogram signal coupled with the dispersion coefficient is almost identical to the experimental data. The demodulated results from both the simulation and experimental investigations are found to be consistent with each other and closely agree with the actual cavity length. Further, the possibility to enhance the sensing resolution is examined by modulating the interferogram fringes using an electric field. Compared to birefringent crystals, the LC wedge presented here is found to be advantageous for high precision and tunability of the measurement range, which is useful for robust fiber optic sensing applications.
Unconventional photon blockade in a non-Hermitian indirectly coupled resonator system
Authors: Wang Kai , Wang Heng , Gao Yong-Pan , Yang Daquan , Jiao Rong-Zhen , Wang Chuan
Published: December 2022

Photon blockade provides an effective way to realize the single-photon source, which attracts intensive attention in the fields of quantum optics and quantum information. Here in this study, we investigate photon blockade in a non-Hermitian indirectly coupled resonator system, which consists of a dissipative cavity and a Kerr nonlinear resonator coupled to two nano-scatters. We find that by tuning the coupling phase θ between the two resonators, the quantum interference could be induced on one side near the exceptional points (EPs), resulting in the unconventional photon blockade effect. Furthermore, it is noticed that the large Kerr nonlinearity is not always beneficial for unconventional photon blockades. There is an optimal threshold for the intensity of the Kerr nonlinearity and the phase angle θ for the appearance of the unconventional photon blockade effect. We believe the current study has substantial consequences for investigating the physical characteristics close to EPs and presents a novel method for developing integrated on-chip single-photon sources.
Real-time wavefront correction using diffractive optical networks
Authors: Pan Xiushan , Zuo Heng , Bai Hua , Wu Zhixu , Cui Xiangqun
Published: December 2022

Real-time wavefront correction is a challenging problem to present for conventional adaptive optics systems. Here, we present an all-optical system to realize real-time wavefront correction. Using deep learning, the system, which contains only multiple transmissive diffractive layers, is trained to realize high-quality imaging for unknown, random, distorted wavefronts. Once physically fabricated, this passive optical system is physically positioned between the imaging lens and the image plane to all-optically correct unknown, new wavefronts whose wavefront errors are within the training range. Simulated experiments showed that the system designed for the on-axis field of view increases the average imaging Strehl Ratio from 0.32 to 0.94, and the other system intended for multiple fields of view increases the resolvable probability of binary stars from 30.5% to 69.5%. Results suggested that DAOS performed well when performing wavefront correction at the speed of light. The solution of real-time wavefront correction can be applied to other wavelengths and has great application potential in astronomical observation, laser communication, and other fields.
Collision-induced Hopf-type bifurcation reversible transitions in a dual-wavelength femtosecond fiber laser
Authors: Liu Runmin , Zou Defeng , Niu Shuang , Song Youjian , Hu Minglie
Published: December 2022

Collisions refer to a striking nonlinear interaction process in dissipative systems, revealing the particle-like properties of solitons. In dual-wavelength mode-locked fiber lasers, collisions are inherent and periodic. However, how collisions influence the dynamical transitions in the dual-wavelength mode-locked state has not yet been explored. In our work, dispersion management triggers the complex interactions between solitons in the cavity. We reveal the smooth or Hopf-type bifurcation reversible transitions of dual-color soliton molecules (SMs) during the collision by the real-time spectral measurement technique of time-stretch Fourier transform. The reversible transitions between stationary SMs and vibrating SMs, reveal that the cavity parameters pass through a bifurcation point in the collision process without active external intervention. The numerical results confirm the universality of collision-induced bifurcation behavior. These findings provide new insights into collision dynamics in dual-wavelength ultrafast fiber lasers. Furthermore, the study of inter-molecular collisions is of great significance for other branches of nonlinear science.
Laser-machined thin copper films on silicon as physical unclonable functions
Authors: Killaire Graham , Walia Jaspreet , Variola Fabio , Weck Arnaud , Berini Pierre
Published: December 2022

Physical unclonable functions (PUFs) are receiving significant attention with the rise of cryptography and the drive towards creating unique structures for security applications and anti-counterfeiting. Specifically, nanoparticle based PUFs can produce a high degree of randomness through their size, shape, spatial distribution, chemistry, and optical properties, rendering them very difficult to replicate. However, nanoparticle PUFs typically rely on complex preparation procedures involving chemical synthesis in solution, therefore requiring dispersion, and embedding within a host medium for application. We propose laser machining of surfaces as a one-step process for the creation of complex nanoparticle based PUFs by machining 600 nm thick copper films on a silicon substrate to yield a complex spatial and chemical distribution of redeposited copper, silicon, and oxide species. The approaches and material system investigated have potential applications in silicon chip authentication.
10 Gb/s physical-layer key distribution in fiber using amplified spontaneous emission
Authors: Huang Xinran , Zhang Liuming , Chai Zhi , Shen Zanwei , Wu Qi , Hu Weisheng , Yang Xuelin
Published: December 2022

High-speed physical-layer secure key generation and distribution (SKGD) schemes via channel reciprocity are achieved using external electro-optical modulation or random source distribution via additional fiber links. Here, we propose and demonstrate an SKGD scheme using the fluctuation of polarization states from an amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) source, without any external electro-optical modulation or additional fiber link. Experimentally, an error-free key generation rate (KGR) of 10.1 Gb/s is achieved over a 10-km standard single-mode fiber (SSMF), with true randomness originating from ASE. Moreover, the single fiber channel can be shared for SKGD as well as data transmission, allowing the integration of the proposed SKGD with the deployed fiber infrastructure.
Observation of abnormal photoluminescence upon structural phase competence and transition-induced disorder of stable α-FAPbI3
Authors: Huang Zhenyu , Qin Haijun , Wen Jianfeng , Jiang Li , Hu Guanghui , Li Ming , Chen Junxue , Liu Fuchi , Tang Tao
Published: December 2022

Black-phase formamide lead iodide (α-FAPbI3), considered one of the most important materials for a solar cell application, is generally poorly stable in air, which leads to not only the inability of photovoltaic devices but also the lack of its fundamental optics research. In this paper, we synthesized a stable α-FAPbI3 film by modifying a previously reported method and investigated its temperature- and excitation intensity-dependent photoluminescences (PLs). It is found that at low temperatures, the crystal phase competition process is unusually complicated and out of order. The temperature range of the biphasic coexistence is at least 30 K, and during this process, the PL intensity of either the high-temperature phase (cubic) or low-temperature phase (tetragonal) changes chaotically. After the complete transition to the tetragonal phase, compared with the cubic monophase, PL resulting from the crystal defects is obviously enhanced. Our findings provide a deeper understanding of the complex structural phase transition of halide perovskite and valuable insights into the fundamental optics of α-FAPbI3.
Enhancing quantum sensing performance by optimizing the concentration and dephasing time of the NV ensemble in CVD-diamond
Authors: Wang Sixian , Bian Guodong , Fan Pengcheng , Li Mingxin , Li Bo , Yuan Heng
Published: December 2022

The negatively charged nitrogen−vacancy (NV−) center ensembles in diamonds offer enormous potential for developing integrated sensors with an improved signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and high sensitivity. However, the preparation and treatment of diamond samples with suitable NV− concentrations and dephasing time have remained challenging. This work provided insight into the NV− center formation mechanism and reconstruction via a comprehensive analysis of the concentration and dephasing time of a set of diamond samples treated by various parameters. By varying the electron irradiation dose and subsequent annealing duration, the conversion rate of nitrogen to NV− is up to 18.45%, and the corresponding maximum NV− concentration is 3.69 ppm. The dephasing time for all samples varies around 300 ns. The nitrogen-related NV− center ensemble dephasing rate per unit density is 146.4 (ppm·ms)−1, indicating that the treatment did not substantially alter the paramagnetic spin environment around the NV− center. This study not only offers support to exquisite sensitivities of NV-based sensors but also provides valuable experience for the preparation of unique properties of synthetic diamonds.
Eleven quick tips for data cleaning and feature engineering
Authors: Chicco Davide , Oneto Luca , Tavazzi Erica
Published: December 2022

Applying computational statistics or machine learning methods to data is a key component of many scientific studies, in any field, but alone might not be sufficient to generate robust and reliable outcomes and results. Before applying any discovery method, preprocessing steps are necessary to prepare the data to the computational analysis. In this framework, data cleaning and feature engineering are key pillars of any scientific study involving data analysis and that should be adequately designed and performed since the first phases of the project. We call “feature” a variable describing a particular trait of a person or an observation, recorded usually as a column in a dataset. Even if pivotal, these data cleaning and feature engineering steps sometimes are done poorly or inefficiently, especially by beginners and unexperienced researchers. For this reason, we propose here our quick tips for data cleaning and feature engineering on how to carry out these important preprocessing steps correctly avoiding common mistakes and pitfalls. Although we designed these guidelines with bioinformatics and health informatics scenarios in mind, we believe they can more in general be applied to any scientific area. We therefore target these guidelines to any researcher or practitioners wanting to perform data cleaning or feature engineering. We believe our simple recommendations can help researchers and scholars perform better computational analyses that can lead, in turn, to more solid outcomes and more reliable discoveries.
Genome-wide identification and characterization of DNA enhancers with a stacked multivariate fusion framework
Authors: Wang Yansong , Hou Zilong , Yang Yuning , Wong Ka-chun , Li Xiangtao
Published: December 2022

Enhancers are short non-coding DNA sequences outside of the target promoter regions that can be bound by specific proteins to increase a gene’s transcriptional activity, which has a crucial role in the spatiotemporal and quantitative regulation of gene expression. However, enhancers do not have a specific sequence motifs or structures, and their scattered distribution in the genome makes the identification of enhancers from human cell lines particularly challenging. Here we present a novel, stacked multivariate fusion framework called SMFM, which enables a comprehensive identification and analysis of enhancers from regulatory DNA sequences as well as their interpretation. Specifically, to characterize the hierarchical relationships of enhancer sequences, multi-source biological information and dynamic semantic information are fused to represent regulatory DNA enhancer sequences. Then, we implement a deep learning–based sequence network to learn the feature representation of the enhancer sequences comprehensively and to extract the implicit relationships in the dynamic semantic information. Ultimately, an ensemble machine learning classifier is trained based on the refined multi-source features and dynamic implicit relations obtained from the deep learning-based sequence network. Benchmarking experiments demonstrated that SMFM significantly outperforms other existing methods using several evaluation metrics. In addition, an independent test set was used to validate the generalization performance of SMFM by comparing it to other state-of-the-art enhancer identification methods. Moreover, we performed motif analysis based on the contribution scores of different bases of enhancer sequences to the final identification results. Besides, we conducted interpretability analysis of the identified enhancer sequences based on attention weights of EnhancerBERT, a fine-tuned BERT model that provides new insights into exploring the gene semantic information likely to underlie the discovered enhancers in an interpretable manner. Finally, in a human placenta study with 4,562 active distal gene regulatory enhancers, SMFM successfully exposed tissue-related placental development and the differential mechanism, demonstrating the generalizability and stability of our proposed framework.
Distinct signaling signatures drive compensatory proliferation via S-phase acceleration
Authors: Crucianelli Carlo , Jaiswal Janhvi , Vijayakumar Maya Ananthakrishnan , Nogay Liyne , Cosolo Andrea , Grass Isabelle , Classen Anne-Kathrin
Published: December 2022

Regeneration relies on cell proliferation to restore damaged tissues. Multiple signaling pathways activated by local or paracrine cues have been identified to promote regenerative proliferation. How different types of tissue damage may activate distinct signaling pathways and how these differences converge on regenerative proliferation is less well defined. To better understand how tissue damage and proliferative signals are integrated during regeneration, we investigate models of compensatory proliferation inDrosophilaimaginal discs. We find that compensatory proliferation is associated with a unique cell cycle profile, which is characterized by short G1 and G2 phases and, surprisingly, by acceleration of the S-phase. S-phase acceleration can be induced by two distinct signaling signatures, aligning with inflammatory and non-inflammatory tissue damage. Specifically, non-autonomous activation of JAK/STAT and Myc in response to inflammatory damage, or local activation of Ras/ERK and Hippo/Yki in response to elevated cell death, promote accelerated nucleotide incorporation during S-phase. This previously unappreciated convergence of different damaging insults on the same regenerative cell cycle program reconciles previous conflicting observations on proliferative signaling in different tissue regeneration and tumor models.
Feeding injury of major lepidopteran soybean pests in South America
Authors: Carpane Pablo Daniel , Llebaria Matías , Nascimento Ana Flavia , Vivan Lucía
Published: December 2022

Lepidopteran pests are major factors limiting soybean productivity in South America. In some cases, effective management of these species requires the use of foliar insecticides. For sustainable use of these insecticides, they should only be applied when insect population size exceeds an economic threshold. Since this estimation requires to determine the consumption of different species, this work aimed to integrate all these factors, studying the consumption of small (less than 1 cm long) and medium (1 to 1.5 cm long) size larvae of major lepidopteran pests to vegetative and reproductive tissues on Bt (M7739IPRO variety, containing the event MON87701 which expresses the Cry1Ac protein from Bacillus thuringiensis) and non-Bt (BMX Desafio RR variety) soybeans. The feeding injury to vegetative tissues was tested in detached-leaf assays in grow chambers, and for reproductive structures the study was conducted in greenhouse with infestations at early (flowering) and mid reproductive (mid grain filling) stages. Based on the feeding behavior of the species tested, they were cast in four groups: a) Anticarsia gemmatalis and Chrysodeixis includens, defoliating only the RR variety with the lowest consumption of foliar area; b) Spodoptera eridania, defoliating both RR and IPRO varieties, consuming twice than the species mentioned above; c) Helicoverpa armigera, defoliating and being the most damaging species to pods in the RR variety; and d) S. cosmioides and S. frugiperda, defoliating and damaging pods in both varieties. The species differed in their ability to feed on IPRO varieties, so a different economic threshold should be considered. Consequently, in cases where more than one species are found simultaneously, the species composition should be considered in estimating the economic threshold. Additionally, our findings may contribute to a better decision-making to control insect feeding injury in IPRO varieties, because a slower larval growth provides more time to ensure the need of control with insecticides. In summary, this clasification contributes to an improved recommendation of sustainable insecticide use, taking into account the behavior of each species that are major soybeans pests in South America.
Knowledge, attitudes, practices, and its associated factors toward COVID-19 pandemic among Bangladeshi older adults
Authors: Roy Deepa , Shuvo Suvasish Das , Hossain Md. Sakhawot , Riazuddin Md. , Mazumdar Sanaullah , Mondal Bappa Kumar , Zahid Md. Ashrafuzzaman
Published: December 2022

Background

The newly emerged COVID-19 has an unprecedented impact on all classes of people, particularly the elderly. The knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of older adults toward COVID-19 are currently unknown. This study aimed to investigate the KAP and its associated factors toward COVID-19 among older adults in Bangladesh.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted from April to May 2021 among Bangladeshi older adults. Face-to-face interviews were used to collect data from five selected divisions in Bangladesh using simple random sampling. The questionnaire consisted of socio-demographic characteristics, disease conditions, and KAP toward COVID-19. Descriptive statistics, t-tests, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and logistic regression analyses were performed.

Results

Out of 900 respondents, the majority of older adults (82.9%) indicated that COVID-19 is a viral disease and the major clinical symptom of COVID-19 (86.5%). Only 22.1% of participants always washed their hands with soap or hand sanitizer, and 27.6% wore a mask to protect against the virus when going outside the home. Overall, 55.2% had adequate knowledge, 50.2% had positive attitudes toward COVID-19 and only 22.7% had good practices. Out of 30 scores, mean score values were 20.8±6.7 in the knowledge section, 21.2±4.3 in the attitude section, and 11.3±6.7 in the practice section out of 30. In binary logistic regression analysis, factors associated with poor knowledge, and practices were being male, aged >70 years, having a primary education, less income <5000BDT, and multimorbidity (p < 0.05). Participants having poor knowledge of COVID-19 had higher likelihood of negative attitudes (OR: 6.79, 95% CI = 4.87–9.47, p < 0.001) and poor practices (OR: 9.15, 95% CI = 6.94–13.16, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The findings highlight the need for immediate implementation of health education programs and adequate intervention programs for COVID-19 which integrates consideration of associated factors to improve the level of older adults’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices.
Pre-operative systemic inflammatory response index influences long-term survival rate in off-pump surgical revascularization
Authors: Urbanowicz Tomasz , Olasińska-Wiśniewska Anna , Michalak Michał , Perek Bartłomiej , Al-Imam Ahmed , Rodzki Michał , Witkowska Anna , Straburzyńska-Migaj Ewa , Bociański Michał , Misterski Marcin , Lesiak Maciej , Jemielity Marek
Published: December 2022

Coronary artery bypass revascularization is still the optimal treatment for complex coronary artery disease with good long-term results. The relation between inflammatory activation in the post-operative period and the long-term prognosis was already postulated. The possible predictive role of preoperative inflammatory indexes after the off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting technique on long term survival was the aim of the study. Study population included 171 patients with a median age of 64 years (59–64) operated on using off-pump technique between January and December 2014. Patients enrolled in the current study were followed-up for 8 years. We conducted a multivariable analysis of pre-operative and post-operative inflammatory markers based on analysis of the whole blood count. The overall survival rate was 80% for the total follow-up period, while 34 deaths were reported (30-days mortality rate of 1%). In the multivariable analysis, a pre-operative value of systemic inflammatory response index (SIRI) >1.27 (HR = 6.16, 95% CI 2.17–17.48, p = 0.012) revealed a prognostic value for long-term mortality assessment after off-pump surgery. Preoperative inflammatory activation evaluated by systemic inflammatory reaction index (SIRI) possess a prognostic value for patients with complex coronary artery disease. The SIRI value above 1.27 indicates a worse late prognosis after off-pump coronary artery bypass (AUC = 0.682, p<0.001).
Novel information on the cranial anatomy of the tapejarine pterosaur Caiuajara dobruskii
Authors: Canejo Lucas , Holgado Borja , Weinschütz Luiz C. , Ricetti João H. Z. , Wilner Everton , Kellner Alexander W. A.
Published: December 2022

Caiuajara dobruskii is a tapejarid pterosaur from the Cretaceous of the ‘Cemitério dos Pterossauros’ (pterosaur graveyard) site, a unique pterosaur bonebed which is located at the municipality of Cruzeiro do Oeste (Paraná, Brazil). Preliminary inferences on Caiuajara morphology were founded on a few partial skeletons, with no detail on the skull anatomy. Here we describe a new specimen from the pterosaur graveyard site, which corresponds to the most complete skull of Caiuajara dobruskii known so far. Furthermore, we describe and compare other specimens including the holotype, a paratype, and several other undescribed specimens. The new specimen preserves the posterior portion of the skull, allowing a better comprehension of its morphology and provides an appreciation of the anatomic structures of the basicranium, enabling better interpretation of this region. We also described the lower jaw of Caiuajara, reporting a unique feature of its symphyseal which adds to the diagnosis for the species. A variability in the premaxillary crest is also noted in different specimens of Caiuajara, which might be interpreted as sexual dimorphism or ontogenetic variability. Therefore, those new findings allow a better comprehension of its skull and enables a more precise comparison between the skulls of those extinct flying reptiles.
Factors influencing intermittent preventive treatment for malaria prevention among pregnant women accessing antenatal care in selected primary health care facilities of Bwari Area Council, Abuja Nigeria
Authors: Peters Grace Olufunke , Naidoo Mergan
Published: December 2022

Background

Although studies in Nigeria showed the efficacy of intermittent preventive treatment using sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (IPT-SP) in preventing malaria in pregnancy among Nigerian women there is still poor implementation of the intervention in Nigeria.

Methods

A mixed method study was conducted in Bwari Area Council, Nigeria in 2018. The quantitative part of the study is presented and discussed in this paper. Pregnant women were interviewed using a validated interviewer-administered questionnaire and observations of current practice were performed.

Results

A total of 422 pregnant women were recruited into the study (mean age, 26 years) with the majority being married women (90.3%). Most respondents (68.5%) did not know who could take IPT-SP and 58.5% of respondents did not know when and how many times IPT-SP should be taken during pregnancy. Nearly all participants (99.5%) did not take SP at the facility under direct observation of the health worker. None of the facilities had free SP and all respondents paid for SP through the Drug Revolving Fund. The knowledge of the use of SP was significantly influenced by respondents’ parity, ward of residence, antenatal clinic (ANC) attendance history and education. Respondents who had tertiary and secondary education were 8.3 (95% CI: 1.01–68.27) times more likely to use IPT-SP than those without formal education.

Conclusion

Most women who attend ANC in Bwari Area council did not receive IPT-SP as per the national guidelines. The unavailability of logistics (SP, Water and Cup) on a regular basis, the cost of the SP, poor knowledge of the importance of IPT in malaria prevention, and the non-implementation of the administration of SP under direct observation were factors influencing the use of IPT-SP. Outcomes could be enhanced through the provision of measures to address identified gaps by this study.
The CRISPR genotypes and genetic diversity of different serogroups of nontyphoidal Salmonella in Guizhou Province, 2013–2018
Authors: Bai Guihuan , You Lv , Long Li , Wang Dan , Wang Ming , Wang Junhua , Li Jianhua , Wei Xiaoyu , Li Shijun
Published: December 2022

Nontyphoidal Salmonella is a bacterial and foodborne pathogen that poses a severe public health threat. However, the genetic diversity of different serogroups of nontyphoidal Salmonella in Guizhou is unknown. This study aimed to obtain the RNA secondary structure of the typical direct repeat sequences, the characteristics of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) genotypes, and the genetic diversity of different serogroups of nontyphoidal Salmonella strains. The 342 nontyphoidal Salmonella strains were collected from nine cities (prefectures) of Guizhou province during 2013–2018, serotyped by slide agglutination, and examined the molecular genotypes by CRISPR method. The strains were divided into five serogroups. The dominant serogroup was group B (47.08%), followed by group D1 (36.55%). One hundred and thirty-five CRISPR genotypes were detected with 108 novel spacer sequences amongst 981 unique spacer sequences. The diversity of nontyphoidal Salmonella CRISPR loci was not only the deletion, duplication, or point mutation of spacer sequences but also the acquisition of new spacer sequences to form novel genotypes. The CRISPR genotyping was an effective typing method that could reveal the genetic diversity of different nontyphoidal Salmonella serotypes except for S. Enteritidis.
Do you take off your mask correctly? A survey during COVID-19 pandemic in Ningbo, China
Authors: Ma Jingjing , Zhang Yiqing , Lu Shunshun , Chen Shiyong , Rong Yuezheng , Wang Zhengzheng
Published: December 2022

Guidelines and recommendations from public health authorities related to face masks have been essential for containing the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Ningbo City, China, from April 8 to 12, 2022. We assessed the behavioral differences and correlates of mask usage, primarily mask-removal. We examined public mask-wearing behavior during on-site COVID-19 nucleic acid detection. The survey instrument was developed based on the guidelines issued by the World Health Organization and consisted of demographics, mask-wearing knowledge, and behavior. We analyzed data from 1180 participants; 73.2% demonstrated good mask-wearing knowledge. However, regarding mask-wearing behavior, only 53.7% knew the correct way to remove a mask; 70.3% maintained hand hygiene after touching the outside. Binary logistic regression analyses revealed that health prevention knowledge and free mask distribution were positively associated with two types of mask-wearing behaviors. Most participants used masks during the COVID-19 pandemic; however, mask-removal and hand hygiene were neglected when touching the outside of the mask. More attention must be paid to mask-removal and hand hygiene details. Local health authorities should consider introducing the free distribution of masks.
Supply network position, digital transformation and innovation performance: Evidence from listed Chinese manufacturing firms
Authors: Du Chunyan , Zhang Qiang
Published: December 2022

This study provides evidence for the supply network position influencing innovation performance and the moderating effect of digital transformation. Supply chain relationships have been evaluated in earlier research to demonstrate how concentrations of customers and suppliers may either favorably or adversely impact innovation. These metrics, however, only take into account how closely a firm is connected to its direct customers or suppliers. This study integrates the top five suppliers and customers of Chinese listed manufacturing firms and considers the relationship embeddedness of each firm’s direct customers and suppliers, as well as the structure embeddedness among the customers’ customers, customers’ suppliers, suppliers’ customers, and suppliers’ suppliers to reveal the true impact of supply chain relationships on innovation performance. The top five suppliers and consumers of each firm are chosen to build a supply network for each year using panel data of listed Chinese manufacturing firms from 2013 to 2020. Social network analysis is used to determine network centrality and structural holes. The results show that in the supply network, network centrality and structural holes are significantly negatively correlated with innovation performance, especially in small and medium-sized firms, non-state-owned firms, and firms in recession phase. According to the moderating effect model, digital transformation is an efficient way to reduce the negative effect of supply network position on innovation performance. The research results will further improve the supply network cooperation mechanism, which is of great significance for improving supply chain resilience and firms’ innovation.
HSP70 inhibitors upregulate prostaglandin E1-induced synthesis of interleukin-6 in osteoblasts
Authors: Kuroyanagi Gen , Tachi Junko , Fujita Kazuhiko , Kawabata Tetsu , Sakai Go , Nakashima Daiki , Kim Woo , Tanabe Kumiko , Matsushima-Nishiwaki Rie , Otsuka Takanobu , Iida Hiroki , Kozawa Osamu , Tokuda Haruhiko
Published: December 2022

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a pro-inflammatory and bone-resorptive cytokine that also regulates bone formation. We previously showed that prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) induces the synthesis of IL-6 by activating p44/p42 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), stress-activated protein kinase/c-Jun N-terminal kinase (SAPK/JNK), and p38 MAPK in osteoblast-like MC3T3-E1 cells. In the present study, we investigated whether heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), a molecular chaperone that coordinates protein folding and homeostasis, affects PGE1-stimulated IL-6 synthesis in MC3T3-E1 cells through the MAPK activation. The osteoblast-like MC3T3-E1 cells were treated with HSP70 inhibitors—VER-155008 and YM-08—, PD98059, SB203580 or SP600125 and then stimulated with PGE1. IL-6 synthesis was evaluated using an IL-6 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. IL-6 mRNA expression was measured by real-time RT-PCR. The phosphorylation of p38 MAPK was evaluated by Western blotting. We found that VER-155008, an HSP70 inhibitor, enhanced the PGE1-stimulated IL-6 release and IL-6 mRNA expression. YM-08, another HSP70 inhibitor, also enhanced PGE1-stimulated IL-6 release. PD98059, a p44/p42 MAPK inhibitor, and SP600125, a SAPK/JNK inhibitor, upregulated PGE1-stimulated IL-6 release. On the other hand, SB203580, a p38 MAPK inhibitor, suppressed PGE1-stimulated IL-6 release. YM-08 stimulated the PGE1-induced phosphorylation of p38 MAPK. SB203580 suppressed the amplification by YM-08 of the PGE1-stimulated IL-6 release. Our results suggest that HSP70 inhibitors upregulate the PGE1-stimulated IL-6 synthesis through p38 MAPK in osteoblasts and therefore affect bone remodeling.
Role of the Ca2+ channel α2δ-1 auxiliary subunit in proliferation and migration of human glioblastoma cells
Authors: Fernández-Gallardo Miriam , Corzo-Lopez Alejandra , Muñoz-Herrera David , Leyva-Leyva Margarita , González-Ramírez Ricardo , Sandoval Alejandro , Delgado-Lezama Rodolfo , Monjaraz Eduardo , Felix Ricardo
Published: December 2022

The overexpression of α2δ-1 is related to the development and degree of malignancy of diverse types of cancer. This protein is an auxiliary subunit of voltage-gated Ca2+ (CaV) channels, whose expression favors the trafficking of the main pore-forming subunit of the channel complex (α1) to the plasma membrane, thereby generating an increase in Ca2+ entry. Interestingly, TLR-4, a protein belonging to the family of toll-like receptors that participate in the inflammatory response and the transcription factor Sp1, have been linked to the progression of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Therefore, this report aimed to evaluate the role of the α2δ-1 subunit in the progression of GBM and investigate whether Sp1 regulates its expression after the activation of TLR-4. To this end, the expression of α2δ-1, TLR-4, and Sp1 was assessed in the U87 human glioblastoma cell line, and proliferation and migration assays were conducted using different agonists and antagonists. The actions of α2δ-1 were also investigated using overexpression and knockdown strategies. Initial luciferase assays and Western blot analyses showed that the activation of TLR-4 favors the transcription and expression of α2δ-1, which promoted the proliferation and migration of the U87 cells. Consistent with this, overexpression of α2δ-1, Sp1, and TLR-4 increased cell proliferation and migration, while their knockdown with specific siRNAs abrogated these actions. Our data also suggest that TLR-4-mediated regulation of α2δ-1 expression occurs through the NF-kB signaling pathway. Together, these findings strongly suggest that the activation of TLR-4 increases the expression of α2δ-1 in U87 cells, favoring their proliferative and migratory potential, which might eventually provide a theoretical basis to examine novel biomarkers and molecular targets for the diagnosis and treatment of GBM.
Optimizing time and split application of nitrogen fertilizer to harness grain yield and quality of bread wheat (Triticum Aestivum L.) in northwestern Ethiopia
Authors: Derebe Bitwoded , Bitew Yayeh , Asargew Fikeremariam , Chakelie Gobezie
Published: December 2022

Improper nitrogen application time during the crop growing period is one of the most limiting factor for wheat production. A field experiment was conducted in Northwestern Ethiopia with the objective of determining the appropriate N fertilizer application time for improving bread wheat production. Twelve treatments (½ urea at 50% emergence + ½ urea at tillering, ½ urea at tillering + ½ urea at booting, 1/3rd urea at 50% emergence + 1/3rd urea at tillering + 1/3rd urea at booting, 2/3rd urea at tillering + 1/3rd urea at booting, all urea at tillering, all urea at booting, all N at tillering, all N at booting, ½ N at sowing+ ½ N at tillering, ½ N 50% emergence + ½ N at tillering, 1/3rd N at 50% emergence + 1/3rd N at tillering + 1/3rd N at booting, ½ N at tillering + ½ N at booting) were lied out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The study showed that wheat grain yield and protein content was highly influenced by the environment and indirectly correlated with each other as affected by N time of applications. The grain yield at Adet, Wonberema and Debre Elies was increased by 31%, 14% and 18%, respectively when N was applied with DAP at sowing over the blanket recommendation. At all locations, grain protein content decreased as the number of N split application increased 1 to 3 times. Thus, depending on the purpose of the producers, it can be concluded that application of ½ urea at 50% emergence + ½ urea at tillering with the application of DAP at sowing gave maximum wheat grain yield, while optimum grain protein content was obtained when N was applied after the crop is emerged and would be used in most dominant wheat producing areas of northwestern Ethiopia. Further study should be conducted on split application of blended fertilizers (NPS, NPSBZN etc.).
Comparative transcriptome analysis of Liriomyza trifolii (Burgess) and Liriomyza sativae (Blanchard) (Diptera: Agromyzidae) in response to rapid cold hardening
Authors: Iqbal Junaid , Zhang Xiao-Xiang , Chang Ya-Wen , Du Yu-Zhou
Published: December 2022

The ability of insets to react efficiently to fluctuation in temperature is crucial for them to survive in variable surroundings. Rapid cold hardening (RCH) is a process that increase cold tolerance in most insect species. The molecular mechanisms of RCH remain largely unknown, and whether it is associated with transcriptional changes is unclear. In this study, we compared the transcriptomes of Liriomyza trifolii and L. sativae exposed to RCH to investigate the transcript abundance due to RCH in both species. RNA-seq revealed 93,166 assembled unigenes, and 34,303 of these were annotated in the L. trifolii and L. sativae transcriptome libraries. After a 4-h treatment at 1°C (RCH) compared with control, 268 and 606 unigenes were differentially expressed in L. trifolii and L. sativae, respectively. When comparing pupae exposed to 2h cold shock directly with pupae went through 4h acclimation prior to 2h cold shock, 60 and 399 unigenes were differentially expressed in L trifolii and L sativae, respectively. Genes that were commonly expressed in both L. trifolii and L. sativae, included cytochrome P450, cuticular protein, glucose dehydrogenase, solute carrier family 22 and cationic amino acid transporter. Additionally, several pathways including galactose metabolism and peroxisome were significantly enriched during RCH. Our results show that the transcriptional response is correlated with RCH in the pupal stage of the two Liriomyza species, but more transcriptional changes were identified in L sativae than in L. trifolii.
Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii, Leptospira spp., and Coxiella burnetii-associated antibodies in dairy cattle with reproductive disorders
Authors: Balamurugan V. , Kumar K. Vinod , Alamuri Anusha , Sengupta P. P. , Govindaraj G. , Shome B. R.
Published: December 2022

Background and Aim: In cattle dairy farms, abortions and other reproductive problems due to major infectious diseases are overlooked, and identifying their causative agents is very challenging without a confirmatory diagnosis. Further, a prevalence study in animals will provide important hints of pathogen reservoirs and provide necessary direction to disease burden with appropriate control and biosecurity measures at the farm level. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in dairy cattle associated with reproductive problems along with coexisting antibodies against abortifacient zoonotic (Coxiella burnetii and Leptospira spp.) pathogens.

Materials and Methods: Cattle sera (n = 246) from dairy farms (n = 35) situated in different locations in India were screened for anti-T. gondii and C. burnetii antibodies with enzyme-linked immunoassay and Leptospira spp. antibodies with microscopic agglutination test.

Results: The overall prevalence of 11.4% (95% confidence intervals [CIs]: 7.99%–15.96%) antibodies in cattle associated with reproductive problems (p < 0.021) with farm-level seropositivity of 43% was observed. Further, on analysis of screened sera, 49.8% (95% CI: 42.6%–55%) and 77.6% (95% CI: 72%–82.4%) of samples were found to be positive for C. burnetii and Leptospira spp. antibodies, respectively. Moreover, the seropositivity of 91.9% (226/246) for at least one of the screened zoonotic pathogens was observed, indicating antibodies against either of these organisms in association with reproductive disorders (p < 0.005). The percentage of cattle found to have T. gondii antibodies was only 1.8%, whereas 11.5% and 41.6% of cattle were found to have C. burnetii and Leptospira spp. antibodies, respectively. Nevertheless, the predominantly mixed infections observed were of Leptospira and C. burnetii (34.5%), followed by all three infections (4.9%); toxoplasmosis and leptospirosis (3.5%); and toxoplasmosis and Q fever (2.2%).

Conclusion: The serological detection of antibodies against these pathogens in cattle may have significant implications for the livestock industry and public health, suggesting the need for continuous surveillance and monitoring of these infections to prevent their spread.
Estimation of the herd-level basic reproduction number for African swine fever in Vietnam, 2019
Authors: Mai Thi Ngan , Nguyen Thanh Trung , Vu Viet Anh , Vu Thi Ngoc , Huynh Thi My Le
Published: December 2022

Background and Aim: African swine fever (ASF) is a notifiable viral disease of pigs and wild boars that causes severe economic losses to the swine industry. The pig industry in Vietnam was recently attacked by the ASF virus (ASFV) for the first time in history. However, we lack information regarding the transmissibility of ASF within indoor production systems communities, such as those in Vietnam. Therefore, we aimed to estimate the basic reproduction number (R0) for ASF during the early stages of transmission between farms in indoor production system communities from local and national data in Vietnam.

Materials and Methods: The linear regression model approach for the susceptible infectious method was used in this study to estimate the transmission rate and, consequently, the R0 value.

Results: The R0 values between-farm of ASF ranged from 1.41 to 10.8 in different scenarios of infectious period duration, from 15 to 30 days at the national and local levels.

Conclusion: These results help to understand the scale and speed of ASF infection in Vietnam and to provide a scientific basis to implement control measures to restrict the spread of ASFV in other locations.
Research Results of Mongolian Burial Sites in the Territory of Modern Mongolia
Authors: Dul Tsend
Published: December 2022

Since the 1950s, medieval burial sites in Mongolia have been systematically excavated. Among them, tombs belonging to the period of the formation and further expansion of the Mongol Empire have been identified. This article presents an overview of the excavations of such graves that have been carried out. Mongolian and foreign specialists were involved in these activities. The archaeological teams of the Soviet-Mongolian Historical and Cultural Expedition led by A.P. Okladnikov made a major contribution. About 700 medieval burials at over 100 sites have been excavated in Mongolia to date. Not all the results, however, have been published to date. Three main types of burials have been identified: aristocratic graves, burial mounds of common nomads and rock burials. The presented historiographical review makes it possible to identify four stages in the study of medieval burial complexes in Mongolia. The available material provides an opportunity to carry out a large programme of modern, comprehensive research. The results will give substance to various aspects of life and activities of the nomads of Inner Asia during the developed Middle Ages. It will be important to compare such data with written and pictorial sources.