bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Placenta accreta spectrum disorder in a primigravida with angular pregnancy: a case report
Authors: Martadiansyah Abarham , Bernolian Nuswil , Mirani Putri , Lestari Peby Maulina , Dewi Citra , Pangemanan Wim Theodorus , Syamsuri Ahmad Kurdi , Ansori Muhammad Hatta , Kesty Cindy
Published: August 2022

Placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) is characterized by abnormal invasion of placental tissue into the underlying uterine muscles and has an incidence of 1/533–1/251. The incidence of complications includes uterine rupture (14–29%), PAS (6–10%), and retained placenta or incomplete placenta removal (4%). Here, we described a rare case of PAS and angular pregnancy, including how to diagnose and manage it preoperatively. A 32-year-old primigravida diagnosed at 24 weeks of gestation with a right angular pregnancy was admitted due to preterm premature rupture of membrane (PPROM) with a singleton fetus. We decided to perform hysterotomy because of the PPROM and intrauterine infection. Intraoperatively, we found PAS in the right angular pregnancy; therefore, we performed uterine conservative management with wedge resection on the right uterine fundus. Intraoperative bleeding was 1,600 cc. Histopathological examination revealed placenta increta. The maternal prognosis was good, while the fetus was poor, with an APGAR score of 1/1/0.
The struggles of regional journals to gain international visibility
Authors: Jusman Sri Widia Azraki
Published: August 2022

[No abstract available]
Kidney function profile before, during, and after Ramadan fasting in healthy elderly: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Abdullah Murdani , Rizal Wahyudi Edy , Nugroho Pringgodigdo , Alfian Andi
Published: August 2022

BACKGROUND Kidney function profile is one of the important parameters in determining the health of the elderly. In Indonesia, no study has been conducted on kidney function profile during Ramadan fasting to determine the safety of Ramadan fasting in the elderly. This study aimed to determine the kidney function profile in the elderly who fasted during Ramadan.

METHODS This study used a prospective cohort design. The inclusion criteria were elderly aged >60 years undergoing Ramadan fasting in Jatinegara, Jakarta from April to July 2019. Patients with end-stage renal failure who had an acute infection, hypertension crisis, or refused to participate in the study were excluded. Patients who did not fast for 3 consecutive days were dropped out. The kidney function profile was calculated by the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) using the CKD-EPI formula 1 week before the first day of Ramadan, 3 weeks after the first day of fasting, and 2 weeks after the last day of fasting. Decreased eGFR was defined as having a minimum of 20% eGFR decline during or after the fasting period. Bivariate analysis was performed using McNemar or Cochran tests.

RESULTS 2 patients had eGFR decline during fasting, and 7 patients had eGFR decline after fasting. The median eGFR before, during, and after fasting were 81.5, 88.7, and 76.8 ml/min/1.73 m², respectively. A total of 1.4% of subjects had decreased eGFR during Ramadan, while 9.1% had decreased eGFR after Ramadan. However, the changes were not statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS Although most elderly had lower eGFR following Ramadan fasting compared to before and during Ramadan, only individuals with several comorbidities had significant changes of kidney function.
Laser-induced emission spectra of stainless steels and aluminum irradiated with nanopulse lasers without setting delay: potential applications to remote sensing and laser micromachining
Authors: Lévesque Luc , Woodcock Kevin , Prezgot Daniel
Published: August 2022

Spectral lines from the impurities held in stainless steel and in aluminum can be clearly identified in the UV and the visible spectra when emission is laser induced. These spectroscopic lines can be initiated in metal irradiated at moderate laser optical densities of about

2.5

×

10

8

W

/

c
m

2

. In addition to the lines arising from impurities found in some metals, it was found that some spectroscopic lines from iron oxide formed during irradiation were also detected at the above-mentioned power density. It was found that lines observed from iron oxide are consistent with what is reported in the literature. The investigations reported were produced on samples at optical densities that are sufficient to create an electric field that is about 10 times the air electrical breakdown near the focal point. The results reported were obtained without setting any delay between the laser

Q

-switch and the data acquisition. The spectroscopic data are comparable to those shown in the literature by laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy in term of signal-to-noise ratio and are promising in detecting impurities such as heavy metals in remote sensing applications, where pulse delay is not always practical due to atmospheric conditions and power requirements. As a marking procedure is used during the investigations, the method demonstrates how spectroscopic monitoring in real time can be applied during a procedure in laser micromachining applications.
Investigation of terahertz pulse generation in semiconductors pumped at long infrared wavelengths
Authors: Mbithi Nelson M. , Tóth György , Tibai Zoltán , Benabdelghani Imene , Nasi Luis , Krizsán Gergő , Hebling János , Polónyi Gyula
Published: August 2022

We present designs of semiconductor contact grating high energy terahertz pulse sources pumped by femtosecond pulses in the 1 to 5 µm wavelength range. Nearly wavelength-independent diffraction efficiencies as high as 69% and 75% in the

±
1

st diffraction orders in the transverse electric field polarization state were predicted in GaAs and GaP, respectively, based on a rectangular grating. Numerical simulations—including, for the first time, to our knowledge, the effects of both a nonlinear refractive index and free carrier absorption—were performed to investigate the possible advantage of using longer pumping wavelengths to suppress the two- to seven-photon absorption. Conversion efficiency larger than 1.0% is predicted for both crystals. We also recognized that the nonlinear refractive index and the wavelength-dependent optical parametric amplifier efficiency can significantly reduce the overall terahertz generation efficiency; thus, optimum pump wavelengths exist for the highest conversion efficiency, which are 2 and

3

µ

m

for GaP and GaAs, respectively.
Design of a metal-based deformable mirror for orthogonal beam deflection and highly dynamic beam oscillation
Authors: Böttner Paul , Peschel Thomas , Brady Aoife , Heinig Daniel , Goy Matthias , Eberhardt Ramona , Nolte Stefan
Published: August 2022

We report on an opto-mechanical metal mirror design for highly dynamic, diffraction-limited focus shifting. Here, the mechanical geometry of the membrane is of crucial interest as it must provide sufficient optical performance to allow for diffraction limited focussing and have a high mechanical eigenfrequency to provide dynamic motions. The approach is the analytical consideration of the plate theory and provides the basis for a parameterized finite element model. By means of an finite element analysis (FEA), essential steps for the optimization of the mirror design with respect to a wide range of optical power and a high operating frequency are shown. To verify the results of the FE analysis, the deformed surface is decomposed into Zernike coefficients. An analysis of the point spread function is performed to evaluate the optical performance. For dynamic evaluation a modal and a harmonic vibration analysis are conducted. The opto-mechanical design allows a biconical deformation of the mirror surface, enabling the generation of a diffraction-limited spot diameter in the adjustment range of ±1.2 dpt. The surface shape error in this range is 53 nm. The dynamic analysis shows the first excited eigenfrequency at 21.6 kHz and a diffraction-limited operation frequency at 9.5 kHz. This paper provides an alternative design approach for highly dynamic beam oscillation in the Z direction, forming a complement to highly dynamic X-Y scanning systems.
Bloch surface waves assisted active modulation of graphene electro-absorption in a wide near-infrared region
Authors: Nong Jinpeng , Zhao Bo , Xiao Xin , Min Changjun , Yuan Xiaocong , Somekh Michael , Feng Fu
Published: August 2022

Light modulation has been recognized as one of the most fundamental operations in photonics. In this paper, we theoretically designed a Bloch surface wave assisted modulator for the active modulation of graphene electro-absorption. Simulations show that the strong localized electrical field generated by Bloch surface waves can significantly enhance the graphene electro-absorption up to 99.64%. Then by gate-tuning the graphene Fermi energy to transform graphene between a lossy and a lossless material, electrically switched absorption of graphene with maximum modulation depth of 97.91% can be achieved. Meanwhile, by further adjusting the incident angle to tune the resonant wavelength of Bloch surface waves, the center wavelength of the modulator can be actively controlled. This allows us to realize the active modulation of graphene electro-absorption within a wide near-infrared region, including the commercially important telecommunication wavelength of 1550 nm, indicating the excellent performance of the designed modulator via such mechanism. Such Bloch surface waves assisted wavelength-tunable graphene electro-absorption modulation strategy opens up a new avenue to design graphene-based selective multichannel modulators, which is unavailable in previous reported strategies that can be only realized by passively changing the structural parameters.
Quantum analog of the maximum power transfer theorem
Authors: Cortes Cristian L. , Sun Wenbo , Jacob Zubin
Published: August 2022

We discover the quantum analog of the well-known classical maximum power transfer theorem. Our theoretical framework considers the continuous steady-state problem of coherent energy transfer through an N-node bosonic network coupled to an external dissipative load. We present an exact solution for optimal power transfer in the form of the maximum power transfer theorem known in the design of electrical circuits. Furthermore, we introduce the concept of quantum impedance matching with Thevenin equivalent networks, which are shown to be exact analogs to their classical counterparts. Our results are applicable to both ordered and disordered quantum networks with graph-like structures ranging from nearest-neighbor to all-to-all connectivities. This work points towards universal design principles adapting ideas from the classical regime to the quantum domain for various quantum optical applications in energy-harvesting, wireless power transfer, and energy transduction.
Broadband behavior of quadratic metalenses with a wide field of view
Authors: Liu Yang , Zhang Jianhao , Le Roux Xavier , Cassan Eric , Marris-Morini Delphine , Vivien Laurent , Alonso-Ramos Carlos , Melati Daniele
Published: August 2022

Metalenses are attracting a large interest for the implementation of complex optical functionalities in planar and compact devices. However, chromatic and off-axis aberrations remain standing challenges. Here, we experimentally investigate the broadband behavior of metalenses based on quadratic phase profiles. We show that these metalenses do not only guarantee an arbitrarily large field of view but are also inherently tolerant to longitudinal and transverse chromatic aberrations. As such, we demonstrate a single-layer, silicon metalens with a field of view of 86° and a bandwidth up to 140 nm operating at both 1300 nm and 1550 nm telecommunication wavelength bands.
Far-field sub-wavelength imaging using high-order dielectric continuous metasurfaces
Authors: Akbari-Chelaresi Hamid , Salami Pooria , Yousefi Leila
Published: August 2022

Due to the wave nature of light, the resolution achieved in conventional imaging systems is limited to around half of the wavelength. The reason behind this limitation, called diffraction limit, is that part of the information of the object carried by the evanescent waves scattered from an abject. Although retrieving information from propagating waves is not difficult in the far-field region, it is very challenging in the case of evanescent waves, which decay exponentially as travel and lose their power in the far-field region. In this paper, we design a high-order continuous dielectric metasurface to convert evanescent waves into propagating modes and subsequently to reconstruct super-resolution images in the far field. The designed metasurface is characterized and its performance for sub-wavelength imaging is verified using full wave numerical simulations. Simulation results show that the designed continuous high-order metasurface can convert a large group of evanescent waves into propagating ones. The designed metasurface is then used to reconstruct the image of objects with sub-wavelength features, and an image with the resolution of λ/5.5 is achieved.
Rabi oscillation of spin-polarized rubidium in the spin-exchange relaxation-free regime
Authors: Wang Yaxiang , Tang Junjian , Zhou Binquan , Jin Ge , Shi Tao , Zou Sheng , Han Bangcheng
Published: August 2022

The transient dynamics of atomic spins under oscillating and static magnetic fields have been studied in the spin-exchange relaxation-free (SERF) regime with a dual-beam configuration. The spin-relaxation rate can be accurately measured by detecting the transient response signal of the free induction decay (FID) process within several milliseconds. Leveraging this convenient method for measuring a large relaxation rate in a small cell volume, the dependence of the spin-relaxation rate on the probe intensity and ambient magnetic field was studied in the limit of low spin polarization. Moreover, by theoretical analysis of the dynamic evolution of the Rabi oscillation generated by a consecutive oscillating field and a small static magnetic field, we experimentally demonstrate that the amplitude of the Rabi oscillation is affected by the amplitude of the oscillating field in the SERF regime. According to the retrieved frequency of the FID signal and amplitude of relevant Rabi oscillation, the coil constants were 75.55 ± 0.78~nT/mA, 151.5 ± 0.9~nT/mA, and 116.6 ± 0.3~nT/mA along the x-, y-, and z-axes, respectively.
Inverse design of high degree of freedom meta-atoms based on machine learning and genetic algorithm methods
Authors: Yu Rui , Liu Yuanyuan , Zhu Lu
Published: August 2022

Since inverse design is an ill-conditioned problem of mapping from low dimensions to high dimensions, inverse design is challenging, especially for design problems with many degrees of freedom (DOFs). Traditional deep learning methods and optimization methods cannot readily calculate the inverse design of meta-atoms with high DOFs. In this paper, a new method combining deep learning and genetic algorithm (GA) methods is proposed to realize the inverse design of meta-atoms with high DOFs. In this method, a predicting neural network (PNN) and a variational autoencoder (VAE) generation model are constructed and trained. The generative model is used to constrain and compress the large design space, so that the GA can jump out of the local optimal solution and find the global optimal solution. The predicting model is used to quickly evaluate the fitness value of each offspring in the GA. With the assistance of these two machine learning models, the GA can find the optimal design of meta-atoms. This approach can realize, on demand, inverse design of meta-atoms, and opens the way for the optimization of procedures in other fields.
Light-field 3D encryption based on the monocular depth rendering
Authors: Ren Zhiqing , Guo Junfeng , Liu Hang , Li Xiaowei
Published: August 2022

The real-time performance of light-field 3D encryption technology based on the integral imaging principle is restricted by the acquisition speed and the data of the elemental image array (EIA). Herein, we propose a light-field 3D encryption scheme based on monocular depth rendering. With the help of a convolution residuals network (CRN), the proposed scheme can generate the corresponding depth map from a single RGB image and simplify the pickup process of the EIA according to the image mapping. For encryption, using reversible state loop cellular automata (RSL-CA) to encrypt a single RGB image updates traditional 3D encryption, greatly improving the security and efficiency of the encryption algorithm. It is experimentally demonstrated that optical 3D reconstruction is clear and brightly colorful and also has a good parallax effect. The proposed method can open a brand-new research perspective for light-field 3D encryption.
Region-correlation algorithm with improved dynamic range and reconstruction accuracy for extended object wavefront sensing
Authors: Yan Nanfei , Zhang Lanqiang , Huang Linhai , Rao Changhui
Published: August 2022

The correlation Shack–Hartmann wavefront sensor (SHWFS) is widely used in many fields in addition to solar adaptive optics. The requirement for the SHWFS dynamic range increases with the diameter of the telescope, which means a larger detector array is needed. However, the size of the detector would be restricted by the high frame rate needed for the solar observation. To solve this problem, a new, to the best of our knowledge, method called the region-correlation algorithm (RCA) is proposed. In this method, the sub-image array is divided into several regions, and the slopes of sub-apertures are calculated by referring to a selected sub-image in each region. Note that the final slope over a sub-aperture is obtained by combining the relative slopes between the selected sub-image in different regions. The dynamic range in each region is similar to the conventional correlation algorithm, and the final dynamic range of the RCA would be accumulated from those of the regions. The reconstruction accuracy under large aberration would also be improved due to the extended dynamic range. Meanwhile, the RCA does not require any extra device and the increase in calculation time resulting from the RCA is acceptable. The results of numerical simulation and experiment, compared with conventional correlation algorithm, confirm the advantages in the performance of the RCA as well.
Extending the transmission of a silica hollow core fiber to 4.6 µm
Authors: Newkirk Amy Van , Antonio-Lopez J. Enrique , Correa Rodrigo Amezcua , Schülzgen Axel
Published: August 2022

In this work, an anti-resonant hollow core fiber was designed for 3-5 µm transmission and fabricated from fused silica. Due to strong core confinement, low transmission loss was measured in the MWIR, with only 0.128 dB/m loss at 4.05 µm and 0.316 dB/m loss at 4.63 µm. This pushes the usable transmission windows and the potential application areas for silica-based ARHCF beyond what has previously been shown to be possible.
Fully integrated four-channel wavelength-division multiplexed QKD receiver
Authors: Beutel Fabian , Brückerhoff-Plückelmann Frank , Gehring Helge , Kovalyuk Vadim , Zolotov Philipp , Goltsman Gregory , Pernice Wolfram H. P.
Published: August 2022

Quantum key distribution (QKD) enables secure communication even in the presence of advanced quantum computers. However, scaling up discrete-variable QKD to high key rates remains a challenge due to the lossy nature of quantum communication channels and the use of weak coherent states. Photonic integration and massive parallelization are crucial steps toward the goal of high-throughput secret-key distribution. We present a fully integrated photonic chip on silicon nitride featuring a four-channel wavelength-division demultiplexed QKD receiver circuit including state-of-the-art waveguide-integrated superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors (SNSPDs). With a proof-of-principle setup operated at a clock rate of 3.35 GHz, we achieve a total secret-key rate of up to 12.17 Mbit/s at 10 dB channel attenuation with low detector-induced error rates. The QKD receiver architecture is massively scalable and constitutes a foundation for high-rate many-channel QKD transmission.
Effectiveness of community-based burden estimation to achieve elimination of lymphatic filariasis: A comparative cross-sectional investigation in Côte d’Ivoire
Authors: Simpson Hope , Konan Daniele O. , Brahima Kouma , Koffi Jeanne d’Arc , Kashindi Saidi , Edmiston Melissa , Weiland Stefanie , Halliday Katherine , Pullan Rachel L. , Meite Aboulaye , Koudou Benjamin Guibehi , Timothy Joseph
Published: August 2022

For lymphatic filariasis (LF) elimination, endemic countries must document the burden of LF morbidity (LFM). Community-based screening (CBS) is used to collect morbidity data, but evidence demonstrating its reliability is limited. Recent pilots of CBS for LFM alongside mass drug administration (MDA) in Côte d’Ivoire suggested low LFM prevalence (2.1–2.2 per 10,000). We estimated LFM prevalence in Bongouanou District, Côte d’Ivoire, using a comparative cross-sectional design. We compared CBS implemented independently of MDA, adapted from existing Ministry of Health protocols, to a population-based prevalence survey led by formally trained nurses. We evaluated the reliability of case identification, coverage, equity, and cost of CBS. CBS identified 87.4 cases of LFM per 10,000; the survey identified 47.5 (39.4–56.3; prevalence ratio [PR] 1.84; 95% CI 1.64–2.07). CBS identified 39.7 cases of suspect lymphoedema per 10,000; the survey confirmed 35.1 (29.2–41.5) filarial lymphoedema cases per 10,000 (PR 1.13 [0.98–1.31]). CBS identified 96.5 scrotal swellings per 10,000; the survey found 91.3 (83.2–99.8; PR 1.06 [0.93–1.21]); including 33.9 (27.7–38.8) filarial hydrocoele per 10,000 (PR of suspect to confirmed hydrocele 2.93 [2.46–3.55]). Positive predictive values for case identification through CBS were 65.0% (55.8–73.5%) for filarial lymphoedema; 93.7% (89.3–96.7%) for scrotal swellings; and 34.0% (27.3–41.2%) for filarial hydrocoele. Households of lower socioeconomic status and certain minority languages were at risk of exclusion. Direct financial costs were $0.17 per individual targeted and $69.62 per case confirmed. Our community-based approach to LFM burden estimation appears scalable and provided reliable prevalence estimates for LFM, scrotal swellings and LF-lymphoedema. The results represent a step-change improvement on CBS integrated with MDA, whilst remaining at programmatically feasible costs. Filarial hydrocoele cases were overestimated, attributable to the use of case definitions suitable for mass-screening by informal staff. Our findings are broadly applicable to countries aiming for LF elimination using CBS. The abstract is available in French in the S1 File.
Knowledge, attitude and practice regarding diabetes and hypertension among school students of Nepal: A rural vs. urban study
Authors: Sitaula Deekshanta , Shrestha Niki , Timalsina Santosh , Pokharel Bandana , Sapkota Sachin , Acharya Suchita , Thapa Rohit , Dhakal Aarati , Dhakal Sarita
Published: August 2022

Background

The burden of non-communicable diseases like diabetes and hypertension is increasing worldwide including low-and middle-income countries. Good knowledge of such diseases among young people will make them adopt a healthy lifestyle from an early age, which will, in turn, prevent them from developing such non-communicable diseases. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of rural and urban school students regarding diabetes and hypertension. We also aimed to see the differences in the knowledge, attitude, and practice of students from rural vs. urban communities.

Methods

A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted from May 1 2021 to June 30, 2021, in four schools in Nepal (1 from a metropolitan city, 2 from an urban municipality, and 1 from a rural municipality). The study was conducted among the secondary-level students of classes 9 and 10 in each school. The data were collected from the participants via pre-tested questionnaires and analyzed in the Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0. Logistic regression analysis was carried out to determine the determinants of knowledge and attitude regarding diabetes and hypertension.

Results

Of 380 respondents, 35.5% were residents of metropolitan city, 37.4% were from the urban municipality and 27.1% were from the rural municipality. The mean age of respondents was 15.61±0.99 years and 51.1% were male. Respondents having a family history of diabetes and hypertension were 21.1% and 37.9% respectively. Respondents from the metropolitan city had significantly higher mean knowledge scores than the respondents from the urban and rural municipality (p<0.001) while there was no significant difference in mean attitude scores. There was significantly higher daily consumption of fruits and vegetables among the participants from rural municipality (p<0.01) while no significant difference was seen in salt consumption and time spent on physical activity. In univariate regression analysis, place of residence, family occupation, parental education, and family history of diabetes and hypertension were significantly associated with good knowledge level. In multivariate analysis, only a higher grade of study (grade 10 in comparison to grade 9) was an independent predictor of a student’s good attitude level.

Conclusion

In general, there was a good attitude towards diabetes and hypertension despite poor knowledge. The mean knowledge scores were lower in urban municipality and rural municipality compared to metropolitan city. Low knowledge scores on diabetes and hypertension among the students show an urgent need for school-based interventional programs focusing on non-communicable diseases and lifestyle modification with more emphasis on rural communities.
U.S. cannabis laws projected to cost generic and brand pharmaceutical firms billions
Authors: Bednarek Ziemowit , Doremus Jacqueline M. , Stith Sarah S.
Published: August 2022

Legalization of cannabis by U.S. states is likely increasing the use of cannabis as an alternative to conventional pharmaceutical drugs. We examined how cannabis legalization between 1996 and 2019 affected stock market returns for listed generic and brand pharmaceutical companies and found that returns were 1.5-2% lower at 10 days after legalization. Returns decreased in response to both medical and recreational legalization, for both generic and brand drugmakers. Investors anticipate a single legalization event to reduce drugmaker annual sales by $3B on average.
Genomic characterization of SARS-CoV-2 from vaccine breakthrough cases in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania
Authors: Waggle Kady D. , Griffith Marissa P. , Zhu Lei , Cooper Vaughn S. , Snyder Daniel J. , Srinivasa Vatsala , Phan Tung , Wells Alan , Snyder Graham M. , Van Tyne Daria , Harrison Lee H. , Marsh Jane W.
Published: August 2022

We performed whole genome sequencing on SARS-CoV-2 from 59 vaccinated individuals from southwest Pennsylvania who tested positive between February and September, 2021. A comparison of mutations among vaccine breakthrough cases to a time-matched control group identified potential adaptive responses of SARS-CoV-2 to vaccination.
“Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on university students’ physical health, mental health and learning, a cross-sectional study including 917 students from eight universities in Germany”
Authors: Gewalt Sandra Claudia , Berger Sarah , Krisam Regina , Breuer Markus
Published: August 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has severely affected physical and mental health. Since its commencement in 2020, social distancing has become the “new normal”. Temporary lockdowns and distance learning have disproportionately affected young adults, including university students. To identify effects of the pandemic on university students’ physical and mental health and learning, this empirical study included eight universities in Heidelberg, Mannheim and Ludwigshafen. Data was collected in May and June 2020. The self-administered survey was filled by 1,246 university students. 917 students completed the survey in full. 80.6% were bachelor students (n = 738), the mean semester was 3.8 and mean age was 23.1 years. 51.8% (n = 472) were female students and 47.4% (n = 432) male students. 38.5% (n = 352) stated a deterioration in physical health and 53.1% (n = 485) in mental health. From 0 to 10, students rated mean levels of stress highest due to social distancing (5.6), spending most time at home (5.0) and e-learning (4.5). Compared to male students, female students’ mental health worsened significantly (58.7% vs. 46.8%). A logistic regression analysis identified gender having a significant effect on university students’ stress levels: males seemed to have a lower risk of moderate to high levels of stress compared to females (odds ratio = 0.698; 95% CI = 0.515 to 0.945). Age, city of university and semester did not show a significant effect. The results are important to both regional and international audiences as university students face similar physical and mental health challenges due to the pandemic and its public health measures. Low-threshold initiatives are needed to mitigate the effects of the pandemic. These may include measures to reinforce students’ locus of control, sense of belonging, relaxation and mindfulness as well as (online) counselling services. Gender-specific differences must be taken into account.
TBK1 and GABARAP family members suppress Coxsackievirus B infection by limiting viral production and promoting autophagic degradation of viral extracellular vesicles
Authors: Sawaged Savannah , Mota Thomas , Piplani Honit , Thakur Reetu , Lall Deepti , McCabe Elizabeth , Seo Soojung , Sutterwala Fayyaz S. , Feuer Ralph , Gottlieb Roberta A. , Sin Jon
Published: August 2022

Host-pathogen dynamics are constantly at play during enteroviral infection. Coxsackievirus B (CVB) is a common juvenile enterovirus that infects multiple organs and drives inflammatory diseases including acute pancreatitis and myocarditis. Much like other enteroviruses, CVB is capable of manipulating host machinery to hijack and subvert autophagy for its benefit. We have previously reported that CVB triggers the release of infectious extracellular vesicles (EVs) which originate from autophagosomes. These EVs facilitate efficient dissemination of infectious virus. Here, we report that TBK1 (Tank-binding kinase 1) suppresses release of CVB-induced EVs. TBK1 is a multimeric kinase that directly activates autophagy adaptors for efficient cargo recruitment and induces type-1 interferons during viral-mediated STING recruitment. Positioning itself at the nexus of pathogen elimination, we hypothesized that loss of TBK1 could exacerbate CVB infection due to its specific role in autophagosome trafficking. Here we report that infection with CVB during genetic TBK1 knockdown significantly increases viral load and potentiates the bulk release of viral EVs. Similarly, suppressing TBK1 with small interfering RNA (siRNA) caused a marked increase in intracellular virus and EV release, while treatment in vivo with the TBK1-inhibitor Amlexanox exacerbated viral pancreatitis and EV spread. We further demonstrated that viral EV release is mediated by the autophagy modifier proteins GABARAPL1 and GABARAPL2 which facilitate autophagic flux. We observe that CVB infection stimulates autophagy and increases the release of GABARAPL1/2-positive EVs. We conclude that TBK1 plays additional antiviral roles by inducing autophagic flux during CVB infection independent of interferon signaling, and the loss of TBK1 better allows CVB-laden autophagosomes to circumvent lysosomal degradation, increasing the release of virus-laden EVs. This discovery sheds new light on the mechanisms involved in viral spread and EV propagation during acute enteroviral infection and highlights novel intracellular trafficking protein targets for antiviral therapy.
Flora of the disrupted habitats in the floodplain landscape of the Oka River and the sources of its formation
Authors: Egorova V. N.
Published: August 2022

From the second half of the 20th century and up to the present, the floodplain ecosystem has been under high anthropogenic pressure. During this period, various types of disruption appeared in the inner-landscape habitats as a result of human economic activity, which account for more than 50 % of the total area of the Oka River floodplain landscape. This paper conducts a biomorphological and taxonomic analysis of the flora of disrupted inner-landscape habitats, which are grouped into two types. The species composition of flora of disrupted habitats and natural communities of the floodplain during the period 1907-1910 and 1997-2005, which experienced low anthropogenic pressure, were compared. In the flora of inner-landscape disrupted habitats of types I and II, 92.3 % are common species of the flora of all disturbed habitats. It was established that native species play a key role in the formation of flora and vegetation of all the disrupted habitats. The role of adventive species in this process is less significant.
Micropropagation of Paulownia tomentosa (Thunb.) Steud
Authors: Zharassova D. N. , Tolep N. A.
Published: August 2022

Conservation of biological diversity is one of the most important tasks in the field of nature protection, which is given great attention all over the world. One of the pеrspective solutions to this problem in the world for strengthening soil structure and landscaping is the use of plants of the Paulownia species. Paulownia tomentosa is one of the fastest growing trees that is not demanding on soil quality. This type of trees has frost-resistant and winter-hardy qualities, which are necessary for the development and reproduction of plants in various soil and climatic conditions of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The introduction of effective technologies for micropropagation of perspective plants is relevant for the rational use of unique genetic resources, replenishment of the collection fund. The article presents experimental data on micropropagation of Paulownia tomentosa. Sterilization conditions for the introduction of various plant explants into in vitro culture have been selected. The best explants for introduction into in vitro culture and plant regeneration were the apical meristem and internodes of the plant. The well-established method of cultivating explants made it possible to carry out micropropagation in a short time and obtain clonal planting material for the MEBG collection fund.
Invasive alien species of woody and shrubby plants and assessment of their phytocenotic aggressiveness in the State Regional Nature Park “Medeu”
Authors: Massalova V. A. , Babai I. V. , Nabieva S. V. , Khusainova I. V. , Epictetov V. G. , Ishaeva A. N. , Zhanaev A. S.
Published: August 2022

The aim of the work was to determine the species composition of woody and shrubby plants of the State Natural Park “Medeu” and to identify invasive species. For the first time, an assessment of the aggressiveness of invasive species and their impact on the ecosystem was carried out. The article provides an analysis of the dendroflora of the GRPP “Medeu”. The species composition of native and invasive species was revealed, the degree of aggressiveness of the latter and the peculiarities of their distribution were analyzed using the species abundance assessment scale. It is shown that the uncontrolled spread by self-seeding and overgrowth of particularly aggressive plant species such as Acer campestre, Acer negundo, Fraxinus excelsior has a depressing effect on the local natural flora, leads to the homogenization of ecosystems and a decrease in the biodiversity of cenoses, by reducing the number of individual species and reducing their ranges. This may further lead to the complete destruction of wild fruit forests growing in this region, and disruption of the ecosystem of plant communities in which red Book plants grow. During the survey conducted on the territory of the Medeu State Regional Natural Park were identified 35 naturally growing species of trees and shrubs 5 of which are red-listed, 27 alien species, three of which are classified as aggressive, and 13 invasive species that may eventually become aggressive.
Bryoflora of the historical, cultural and Natural Landscape Museum-Reserve “S. N. Khudekov’s Estate” (Ryazan region)
Authors: Popova N. N.
Published: August 2022

An annotated list of mossy species of the museum-reserve “S. N. Khudekov’s Estate”, including 71 species, as well as data on the analysis of occurrence and ecological-substrate distribution, is given. The level of biodiversity and the proportion of rare species are estimated as quite high. The conclusion about the essential role of the museum-reserve in the preservation of the moss component of the natural ecosystems of the northern forest-steppe and landscape gardening is substantiated. In order to increase the environmental significance of the museum-reserve, it is recommended to combine the arboretum park and the Yerlin Forest into a single protected area.
The current state of the Anabasis salsa pasture varieties in the Karakalpak Ustyurt (Uzbekistan)
Authors: Rakhimova N. K.
Published: August 2022

The article presents the current state of two pasture varieties of pasture types from Anabasis salsa: 1. Anabasis salsa with Caroxylon orientale, Artemisia terrae-albae, A. kemrudica; 2. Anabasis salsa with Caroxylon orientale, Artemisia terrae-albae and sparse-mixed shrubs (Convolvulus fruticosus, Lycium ruthenicum, Anabasis brachiata, Nanophyton erinaceum, Nitraria schoberi, Malacocarpus crithmifolius, Xylosalsola chiwensis), with single specimens of Crambe edentula in the Karakalpak Ustyurt. Their area, the nature of the soil cover, the percentage of projective cover, landscape plant species, their placement, forage yield, recommended seasonality of pasture varieties have been determined.
The current state of some types of pastures in Karakalpak Ustyurt (Uzbekistan)
Authors: Rakhimova T.
Published: August 2022

A modern classification of pastures in Karakalpak Ustyurt has been developed, which combines 7 pasture types (Anabasis salsa, Salsola arbusculiformis-Anabasis salsa, Artemisia terrae-albae-Anabasis salsa, Haloxylon ammodendron, Tamarix hispida-T. elongata, Kalidium caspicum, Halocnemum strobilaceum), 2 pasture classes (pastures of stratal plains on gray-brown soils and pastures of drainless depressions on solonchaks) and 42 pasture varieties, of which a brief description is given to the studied 5 types of pastures. Their productivity is determined and it is recommended to use them as autumn-winter pastures.
Assessment of the state of coenopopulations of Allium praemixtium Vved. in the Nurata Reserve
Authors: Saribaeva Sh. U.
Published: August 2022

The article is devoted to the rare and endemic species Allium praemixtium Vved. growing in the Nurata Reserve. Based on the analysis of demographic indicators, the state of the coenotic population of the species was assessed. As a result, it was revealed that the studied coenopopulations are depressed. The solution to this problem can be the strict protection of these territories until they are fully restored.
The current state of the Haloxylon ammodendron pasture varieties in the Ustyurt (Uzbekistan)
Authors: Sharipova V. K.
Published: August 2022

The article presents data on the study of forage yield, nutritional value of forage, landscape plant species in the pastures of the Karakalpak part of Ustyurt. The current state of two pasture varieties from Haloxylon ammodendron pasture type was revealed: 1 - Haloxylon ammodendron, Kalidium caspicum on gypsum salt marshes with the participation of Reaumuria fruticosa, R. songarica, Climacoptera transoxana in combination with Halocnemum strobilaceum in depressions on plump salt marshes; 2 - Haloxylon ammodendron, Kalidium caspicum on gypsum salt marshes in combination with Haloxylon strobilaceum, Tamarix hispida on chukalaks. As a result of the research, their area, the nature of the soil cover, the percentage of projective cover, landscape plant species, forage yield, recommended seasonality of pasture varieties have been determined.
Continuing Medical Education Questions: September 2022
Authors: Patnana Srikrishna V.
Published: August 2022

Article Title: Association of Celiac Serology Normalization With The Risk of Hypothyroidism: A Cohort Study
Nutrition for prevention and treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases in pediatric patients
Authors: Nenartovich I. , Pochkailo A.
Published: August 2022

The genetic component and epigenetics are considered important in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel diseases today. Nutrition is being actively studied among epigenetic factors. This article presents a critical analysis of published data on the nutritional aspects of prevention and treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases in children. The data on the effectiveness of specific diets are summarized, nutrition schemes are given during the period of exacerbation, aiming for the induction of remission and for its maintenance.
Oral-pharyngeal and skin testing in the diagnosis of food allergy to tangerine
Authors: Derkach E. , Aliakhnovich N.
Published: August 2022

The purpose. To assess the diagnostic significance of the oral-pharyngeal challenge test with extract (1) and tangerine juice (2) in comparison with intradermal allergy test with tangerine extract and prick-prick test with fresh tangerine in patients with food allergy. Materials and methods. The peroxidase activity of the oral fluid was assessed in healthy individuals after breakfast. Patients with allergic reactions to tangerine (study group), patients with allergic rhinitis, bronchial asthma and hay fever, but without food allergy (risk group) and healthy individuals (control group) underwent oral-pharyngeal challenge test with tangerine allergen extract (20 PNU/ ml)/freshly squeezed tangerine juice (1 PNU/ml) followed by evaluation of peroxidase activity of the oral fluid, intradermal tests with tangerine extract and prick-prick tests with fresh tangerine were performed. Results. The majority of patients with food allergy to tangerine had polyvalent sensitization to household/epidermal (76%) and pollen allergens (39%). The most common manifestation of tangerine allergy were urticaria (48% of cases), bronchospasm (21% of cases) and oral allergy syndrome (10%) After breakfast, the optical density of the oral fluid decreased compared to the initial level in all healthy volunteers (p=0,001). After oral-pharyngeal challenge test with tangerine extract (1) and juice (2), the average increase of peroxidase activity of the oral fluid in patients with food allergy was М1=+23,5 [7,0;40,1], М2=+41,4 [4,2;78,6], which was significantly higher than in controls M1=-2,1 [-9,6;5,4], p1=0,038, M2=+4,4 [-9,6;18,4], p2=0,047 and in patients with chronic allergopathology, but without food allergy M2=+0,4 [-13,1;13,8], p2=0,049. The positive prick-prick test with fresh tangerine was observed in 44% of patients in the study group, the standard intradermal test with tangerine allergen extract - in 12%. The intradermal test with tangerine extract and prick-prick test with fresh tangerine were negative in patients without food allergy and healthy individuals. Conclusions. The oral-pharyngeal challenge test with extract (1) and tangerine juice (2), prick-prick test with fresh tangerine (3) can be used in the diagnosis of food allergy to tangerine. The sensitivity and specificity of the challenge test with tangerine allergen extract were 53% and 88%, with tangerine juice – 44% and 89%, prick-prick test with fresh tangerine – 44% and 100%. The proposed tests had a higher diagnostic efficiency than the standard intradermal test with tangerine allergen extract (p1=0,01, p2=0,03, p3=0,039).
COVID-19 associated invasive mycoses
Authors: Kutsevalova O. , Antonets A. , Krylov V. , Nifantiev N. , Miroshnichenko D. , Mikutin A.
Published: August 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed the new forms of invasive fungal infections. Without timely diagnosis and treatment, mortality reaches 100%. We analyzed 31 observed cases of invasive mucormycosis and aspergillosis in patients with COVID-19 to identify risk factors, the time sequence of the onset of clinical symptoms, and diagnostic features. Major predisposing factors were diabetes mellitus, immunosuppressive therapy, and oncological diseases.
Demographic characteristics of patients with genetically confirmed hereditary angioedema in the Republic of Belarus
Authors: Guryanova I. , Skapavets K. , Liubushkin A. , Polyakova E. , Ausianik I. , Aleshkevich S. , Salivonchik A. , Vertelko V. , Zharankova Yu. , Belevtsev M.
Published: August 2022

Introduction. Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is a rare, difficult to diagnose, and life-threatening genetic disorder with an expected incidence of about 1:30 000. Purpose. To study the demographic characteristics in a cohort of patients with genetically confirmed hereditary angioedema in the Republic of Belarus. Materials and methods. The study included 92 Belarusian patients from 34 unrelated families with genetically confirmed HAE, the ratio of male and female patients was 1:1.3. Clinical and demographic data was taken from patient questionnaires and/or medical records. Results. The median age of tpatients was 32 years, and the median age at diagnosis was 28 years. The onset of the disease in 72% of patients occurred before the age of 18 years (median 13 years), the median delay from the onset of the first symptoms and the diagnosis of HAE was 12.5 years. Half of male patients develop first attacks before the age 9, and 90% by the age of 20. Of female patients, 50 and 90% have first attacks before the age of 15 and 23, respectively.
Possibilities of quantiferon test in detection of latent tb infection
Authors: Surkova L. , Strinovich A. , Budnik O. , Bahtina A.
Published: August 2022

Objective: to determine the capabilities of the quantiferon test in detecting latent tuberculosis infection in patients with comorbid pathology. Materials and methods. A retrospective analysis of the quantiferon test results was carried out in 420 patients with suspected tuberculosis or with a hyperergic Mantoux or Diaskintest reaction using the QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus test system (Qiagen, Germany). Results. Different levels of tuberculosis infection were established in different age groups of patients with comorbid pathology, with a higher infection rate at a young age – 21.42%. The shift of tuberculosis infection to an older age group (61-70 years) was determined – 16.32%. Latent tuberculosis infection was significantly more often detected in patients with comorbid pathology compared to healthy individuals (59.0% and 32.78%, respectively, χ2=8.45, p=0.004). Conclusion. The data obtained confirms the assumption of a high level of latent tuberculosis infection in patients with comorbid pathology.
Quantitative determination of circular DNA fragments of the T- and B-cell receptor TREC/KREC in patients with ataxia-telangiectasia with a mutation in the ATM gene
Authors: Polyakova E. , Guryanova I. , Stegantseva M. , Sharapova S. , Sakovich I. , Kupchinskaya A. , Aleshkevich S. , Zharankova Y. , Kazak V. , Volodashchik T. , Belevtsev M.
Published: August 2022

Purpose. Evaluate the diagnostic significance of quantitative determination of T- and B-cell receptor DNA ring fragments in peripheral blood of patients for diagnosis of ataxia-teleangiectasia. Materials and methods. The subjects of the study were peripheral blood samples from 14 patients diagnosed with ataxia-teleangiectasia aged 4.9 (1.6; 14.4) years with mutations in the ATM gene and from 40 healthy children aged 11.0 (6.7; 14.8) years. Results and discussion. Patients with ataxia-teleangiectasia revealed a significant decrease in TREC and KREC values (p<0.05) compared to the control group of healthy children. Diagnostic sensitivity and specificity concerning the use of TREC determination (92.8% and 93.4% respectively) and KREC (85.7% and 96.7% respectively) in patients with ataxia-telangioectasia allow the use of this analysis in laboratory practice. Conclusion. The method of quantitative determination of TREC and KREC due to high values of sensitivity and specificity of the applied technique can be used in the diagnosis of ataxia-teleangiectasia.