bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structure of local populations and phytocoenotic confinement of Elwendia persica in Turkestan Ridge, Uzbekistan
Authors: ABDURAIMOV O.S. , MAMATKULOVA I.E. , MAHMUDOV A.V.
Published: April 2023

Abstract. Abduraimov OS, Mamatkulova IE, Mahmudov AV. 2023. Structure of local populations and phytocoenotic confinement of Elwendia persica in Turkestan Ridge, Uzbekistan. Biodiversitas 24: 1621-1628. The study of ecological and biological features of cenotic and food plants is not only of important general biological significance, but also serves as a basis for the science-based study of resources and the preservation of species diversity. Elwendia persica (Apiaceae) grows in different regions of Central Asia and has been used regularly for several centuries, especially in traditional cuisines. In particular, local residents in mountainous areas collect this plant and benefit economically. This study aimed to assess the coenopopulation and phytocoenotic confinement of E. persica in Turkestan ridge, Djizakh region, Uzbekistan. The study was carried out between 2018 and 2022 and the ontogenetic structure of four coenopopulations of E. persica was studied. Evaluation of age (? - delta) and efficiency (? - omega) of coenopopulations revealed that the studied populations were classified as young (coenopopulations 1, 3, 4) and transient (coenopopulations 2). Analysis of demographic results shows that the density of individuals in the studied communities ranged 1.4-2.05 ind./m2, whereas the ecological density was 1.64-2.73 ind./m2. The coenopopulations had an index of recreation of 0.52-3.57 and ageing index 0 to 0.13. These indicators show that the coenopopulations are in a normal state. The state of coenopopulations was positively affected by a large amount of annual rainfall on the territory.
Macroalgae diversity in the Pari Island Cluster, Seribu Islands District, Jakarta, Indonesia
Authors: HANDAYANI SRI , WIDHIONO IMAM , WIDYARTINI DWI SUNU
Published: April 2023

Abstract. Handayani S, Widhiono I, Widyartini DS. 2023. Macroalgae diversity in the Pari Island Cluster, Seribu Islands District, Jakarta, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 24: 1659-1667. Macroalgae are primary producers of the ocean that support the life of other organisms at higher trophic levels in aquatic ecosystems. This study aimed to determine the diversity of macroalgae in the Pari Island cluster and the diversity of water quality. The research method used is the survey method, with the quadratic transect method. Ecological index analysis using PAST 4.0 software. The relationship between diversity correlation and water quality using PCA software. The results of the study found 22 species of macroalgae consisting of 3 divisions, namely Chlorophyta (11 species), Phaeophyta (4 species), and Rhodophyta (7 species). Diversity of Pari Island (H'=2.314, E=0.594, D=0.121) and Kongsi Island (H'=1.191, E=0.481, D=0.211). The largest species are Acanthophora spicifera (M.Vahl) Børgesen (Rhodophyta), with 396 individuals; Caulerpa racemosa (Forssk.) J.Agardh (Chlorophyta), with 343 individuals; and Padina australis Hauck (Phaeophyta), with an individual number of 130. Macroalgae diversity in the Pari Island Cluster belongs to the moderate category. The diversity of macroalgae in the Pari Island Cluster is influenced by physical factors of temperature, salinity, brightness, depth, and current speed, as well as chemical factors of nitrate, orthophosphate, dissolved oxygen, heavy metal levels of Pb, Cu, and pH.
Benthic macroinvertebrates functional feeding group community distribution in rivers connected to reservoirs in the midstream of Citarum River, West Java, Indonesia
Authors: ILMI FIKRI , MUNTALIF BARTI S. , CHAZANAH NURUL , SARI NAVISYA E. , BAGASKARA SATRIA W.
Published: April 2023

Abstract. Ilmi F, Muntalif BS, Chazanah N, Sari NE, Bagaskara SW. 2023. Benthic macroinvertebrates functional feeding group community distribution in rivers connected to reservoirs in the Midstream of Citarum River, West Java, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 24: 1773-1784. An imbalance in the composition of the feeding groups can indicate a disturbed environment; therefore, in recent years, feeding group composition analysis has been widely used by academics to assess the health of river ecosystems. This research aims to describe the general distribution of functional feeding groups related to their habitat condition. The research was conducted in the midstream of the Citarum River, around the Saguling, Cirata, and Jatiluhur Dams of West Java Province, Indonesia. The midstream Citarum region starts from the Margaasih Sub-district, Bandung District (before Saguling Dam) to the Jatiluhur Sub-district, Purwakarta District (after Jatiluhur Dam). The research was conducted from July to September 2022. Environmental data, including water and sediment samples, were taken monthly, whereas benthic macroinvertebrates samples were taken every two weeks using a Surber net. Benthic macroinvertebrates samples were then classified based on their species and feeding group. In addition, water pollution levels were classified based on Nemerow Pollution Index. Pollution levels and sediment characteristics were then tested for correlation with the benthic macroinvertebrate feeding group distribution. In general, in midstream Citarum, gathering collectors are the group with the highest relative abundance (82.64%), followed by scrapers (35.6%), predators (11.66%), and filtering collectors (2.14%). Based on Pearson's correlation, environmental conditions such as pollution and types of substrates have several negative correlations with the distribution of functional feeding groups. A dam in the midstream Citarum region has proven to affect environmental conditions. Differences in flow velocity, substrate characteristics, physicochemical quality of water, and pollution levels characterize this.
Destructive interference in N2+ lasing
Authors: Liu Hongbing , Xie Hongqiang , Li Guihua , Lei Hongbin , Zhang Qian , Chen Zhiming , Li Ziting , Wu Shuting , Huang Yihong , Zhao Zengxiu
Published: April 2023

We report an unexpected experimental observation in rotation-resolved N2+ lasing that the R-branch lasing intensity from a single rotational state in the vicinity of 391 nm can be greatly stronger than the P-branch lasing intensity summing over the total rotational states at suitable pressures. According to a combined measurement of the dependence of the rotation-resolved lasing intensity on the pump-probe delay and the rotation-resolved polarization, we speculate that the destructive interference can be induced for the spectrally-indistinguishable P-branch lasing due to the propagation effect while the R-branch lasing is little affected due to its discrete spectral property, after precluding the role of rotational coherence. These findings shed light on the air-lasing physics, and provide a feasible route to manipulate air lasing intensity.
Leaky-Vivaldi antenna covered with metasurface with leaky wave radiation and aperture radiation
Authors: Cheng Houyuan , Yang Helin , Wu Jiong , Li Yujun , Fu Yang , Zhang Aidong , Jin Jing
Published: April 2023

A leaky-Vivaldi antenna covered with metasurface (LVAM) is proposed in this paper. The traditional Vivaldi antenna covered with metasurface realizes backward frequency beam-scanning from −41∘ to 0∘ in the high-frequency operating band (HFOB) and retains aperture radiation in the low-frequency operating band (LFOB). In the LFOB, the metasurface can be regarded as a transmission line to realize a slow-wave transmission. In the HFOB, the metasurface can be considered a 2D periodic leaky-wave structure to realize a fast-wave transmission. The simulated results show that LVAM has the -10 dB return loss bandwidths of 46.5% and 40.0%, and the realized gain of 8.8–9.6 dBi and 11.8–15.2 dBi cover the 5 G Sub-6 GHz band (3.3–5.3 GHz) and the X band (8.0–12.0 GHz), respectively. The test results are in good agreement with the simulated results. As a dual-band antenna covering the 5 G Sub-6 GHz communication band and military radar band, the proposed antenna can guide the future integrated design of communication and radar antenna systems.
110 MW thin-disk oscillator
Authors: Goncharov Semyon , Fritsch Kilian , Pronin Oleg
Published: April 2023

A compact Kerr-lens mode-locked thin-disk oscillator reproducibly delivering 110 MW output peak power, the highest among all oscillators, is reported. This simple and stable femtosecond oscillator delivering a unique combination of high average power (202 W) and peak power, is an ideal driver and an important milestone for the development of extreme ultraviolet transportable frequency comb sources.
Enhanced light-field image resolution via MLA translation
Authors: Shi Shengxian , Zhou Hongyu , Yu Chengshuai , Xu Shengming , Wang Rui , Ji Yu , New T. H. , Zhao Zhou
Published: April 2023

This work describes a method that effectively improves the spatial resolution of light-field images without sacrificing angular resolution. The method involves translating the microlens array (MLA) linearly in both x- and y-directions in multiple steps to achieve 4 ×, 9 ×, 16 × and 25 × spatial resolution improvements. Its effectiveness was firstly validated through simulations with synthetic light-field images, demonstrating that distinct spatial resolution increments can be achieved by shifting the MLA. An MLA-translation light-field camera was built based on an industrial light-field camera, with which detailed experimental tests were carried out on a 1951 USAF resolution chart and a calibration plate. Qualitative and quantitative results prove that MLA translations can significantly improve measurement accuracy in x- and y- directions while preserving z-direction accuracy. Finally, the MLA-translation light-field camera was used to image a MEMS chip to demonstrate that finer structures of the chip can be acquired successfully.
High uniformity red µ-LED array with a current efficiency of 2.6 cd/A and ns-level response time
Authors: Yee Chee-Keong , Lin Jia-Ming , Wu Ming-June , Cheng Hao-Tien , Huang Chun-Wei , Lee Chia-An , Lin Kuan-Heng , Wu Chung-Chih , Wu Chao-Hsiu
Published: April 2023

This paper demonstrates an AlGaInP-based 620-nm red micro-light-emitting-diode (µ-LED) array and studies the enhancement effect of the surface treatments using (NH4)2S
x
solutions by comparing the characteristics of µ-LED arrays with and without the (NH4)2S
x
treatment. Furthermore, our µ-LED array demonstrates a measurement of the current efficiency (2.6 cd/A), which improves the light output uniformity. Also, we apply a setup for measuring the response time at the fast ns-level to analyze the effect of passivation in AlGaInP-based µ-LED arrays.
Effects of a variable linewidth laser and variable linewidth shape laser on coherent FMCW LiDAR
Authors: Zhou Yu , Zheng Chen , Weng Zu-Kai , Inagaki Keizo , Kawanishi Tetsuya
Published: April 2023

To investigate the tolerance of laser linewidth, a stable and variable light source is essential. This study proposes a novel method for generating a variable linewidth and variable light source using a lithium niobite phase modulator, achieved through the application of white Gaussian noise and random walk noise with a limited wall. The proposed approach was thoroughly examined through equations, simulations, and experiments. Further, a practical application was demonstrated while investigating the effects of variable linewidth and shape on FMCW LiDAR performance. The results highlight the importance of optimizing the light source for LiDAR applications to ensure the maximum accuracy and resolution.
The representational hierarchy in human and artificial visual systems in the presence of object-scene regularities
Authors: Bracci Stefania , Mraz Jakob , Zeman Astrid , Leys Gaëlle , Op de Beeck Hans
Published: April 2023

Human vision is still largely unexplained. Computer vision made impressive progress on this front, but it is still unclear to which extent artificial neural networks approximate human object vision at the behavioral and neural levels. Here, we investigated whether machine object vision mimics the representational hierarchy of human object vision with an experimental design that allows testing within-domain representations for animals and scenes, as well as across-domain representations reflecting their real-world contextual regularities such as animal-scene pairs that often co-occur in the visual environment. We found that DCNNs trained in object recognition acquire representations, in their late processing stage, that closely capture human conceptual judgements about the co-occurrence of animals and their typical scenes. Likewise, the DCNNs representational hierarchy shows surprising similarities with the representational transformations emerging in domain-specific ventrotemporal areas up to domain-general frontoparietal areas. Despite these remarkable similarities, the underlying information processing differs. The ability of neural networks to learn a human-like high-level conceptual representation of object-scene co-occurrence depends upon the amount of object-scene co-occurrence present in the image set thus highlighting the fundamental role of training history. Further, although mid/high-level DCNN layers represent the category division for animals and scenes as observed in VTC, its information content shows reduced domain-specific representational richness. To conclude, by testing within- and between-domain selectivity while manipulating contextual regularities we reveal unknown similarities and differences in the information processing strategies employed by human and artificial visual systems.
Virtual care use prior to emergency department admissions during a stable COVID-19 period in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Stamenova Vess , Chu Cherry , Borgundvaag Emily , Fleury Cathleen , Brual Janette , Bhattacharyya Onil , Tadrous Mina
Published: April 2023

Background

The increased use of telemedicine to provide virtual outpatient visits during the pandemic has led to concerns about potential increased emergency department (ED) admissions and outpatient service use prior to such admissions. We examined the frequency of virtual visits use prior to ED admissions and characterized the patients with prior virtual visit use and the physicians who provided these outpatient visits.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective, population-based, cross-sectional analysis using linked health administrative data in Ontario, Canada to identify patients who had an ED admission between July 1 and September 30, 2021 and patients with an ED admissions during the same period in 2019. We grouped patients based on their use of outpatient services in the 7 days prior to admission and reported their sociodemographic characteristics and healthcare utilization.

Results

There were 1,080,334 ED admissions in 2021 vs. 1,113,230 in 2019. In 2021, 74% of these admissions had no prior outpatient visits (virtual or in-person) within 7 days of admission, compared to 75% in 2019. Only 3% of ED admissions had both virtual and in-person visits in the 7 days prior to ED admission. Patients with prior virtual care use were more likely to be hospitalized than those without any outpatient care (13% vs 7.7.%).

Interpretation

The net amount of ED admissions and outpatient care prior to admission remained the same over a period of the COVID-19 pandemic when cases were relatively stable. Virtual care seemed to be able to appropriately triage patients to the ED and virtual visits replaced in-person visits ahead of ED admissions, as opposed to being additive.
Antenatal physical exercise level and its associated factors among pregnant women in Hawassa city, Sidama Region, Ethiopia
Authors: Belachew Dereje Zeleke , Melese Teshome , Negese Ketemaw , Abebe Gossa Fetene , Kassa Zemenu Yohannes
Published: April 2023

Background

Antenatal physical exercise has roles in health maintenance, prevention, and treatment of disease for pregnant women and fetuses. Different organizations and medical institutions prescribe regular physical exercise during the antenatal period. Despite this, the pregnant populations are less active and decrease their exercise levels during pregnancy than in their non-pregnant state. Therefore, this study aimed to assess antenatal physical exercise level and its associated factors among pregnant women in Hawassa city, Sidama regional state, Ethiopia.

Methods

Institutional based cross-sectional study design was employed, and 600 study participants were interviewed using a systematic sampling technique from 25th September/2021 to 25th November/2021. Data entry was made using Epi-Data software version 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 25 for analysis. A bivariate logistic regression assessed the association between each independent variable and the outcome variable. Explanatory variables with a p-value of less than 0.25 were a candidate for the multivariable logistic regression. Finally, variables with a p-value of less than 0.05 were declared as statistically significant and reported with their AOR and 95% CI.

Result

In this study, 25.5% of pregnant women had an adequate practice of antenatal physical exercise while 43.7% of pregnant women had an adequate level of knowledge on antenatal physical exercise An adequate practice of women’s antenatal exercise is more likely to occur in women who are exposed to mass media (AOR: 2.43, 95% CI: 1.57, 3.78), Husband college and above educational level (AOR 1.57, 95% CI: 1.05, 6.12), having an adequate level of knowledge (AOR 2.12, 95% CI: 1.13, 3.37), and have of supporting facility (AOR: 2.29, 95% CI: 1.49, 3.51).

Conclusion

In this study, three fourth of the study participants had an inadequate level of practice in antenatal physical exercise than the global standard. It shall be beneficial if the city health administration works towards improving pregnant women’s knowledge and practice level on physical exercise by providing information using different media outlets. Healthcare providers should broadcast antenatal physical exercise prescriptions in integration with health-related programs.
SARS-CoV-2 viremia and COVID-19 mortality: A prospective observational study
Authors: Giacomelli Andrea , Righini Elena , Micheli Valeria , Pinoli Pietro , Bernasconi Anna , Rizzo Alberto , Oreni Letizia , Ridolfo Anna Lisa , Antinori Spinello , Ceri Stefano , Rizzardini Giuliano
Published: April 2023

Background

SARS-CoV-2 viremia has been found to be a potential prognostic factor in patients hospitalized for COVID-19.

Objective

We aimed to assess the association between SARS-CoV-2 viremia and mortality in COVID-19 hospitalized patients during different epidemic periods.

Methods

A prospective COVID-19 registry was queried to extract all COVID-19 patients with an available SARS-CoV-2 viremia performed at hospital admission between March 2020 and January 2022. SARS-CoV-2 viremia was assessed by means of GeneFinderTM COVID-19 Plus RealAmp Kit assay and SARS-CoV-2 ELITe MGB® Kit using <45 cycle threshold to define positivity. Uni and multivariable logistic regression model were built to assess the association between SARS-CoV-2 positive viremia and death.

Results

Four hundred and forty-five out of 2,822 COVID-19 patients had an available SARS-CoV-2 viremia, prevalently males (64.9%) with a median age of 65 years (IQR 55-75). Patients with a positive SARS-CoV-2 viremia (86/445; 19.3%) more frequently presented with a severe or critical disease (67.4% vs 57.1%) when compared to those with a negative SARS-CoV-2 viremia. Deceased subjects (88/445; 19.8%) were older [75 (IQR 68-82) vs 63 (IQR 54-72)] and showed more frequently a detectable SARS-CoV-2 viremia at admission (60.2% vs 22.7%) when compared to survivors. In univariable analysis a positive SARS-CoV-2 viremia was associated with a higher odd of death [OR 5.16 (95% CI 3.15-8.45)] which was confirmed in the multivariable analysis adjusted for age, biological sex and, disease severity [AOR 6.48 (95% CI 4.05-10.45)]. The association between positive SARS-CoV-2 viremia and death was consistent in the period 1 February 2021–31 January 2022 [AOR 5.86 (95% CI 3.43-10.16)] and in subgroup analysis according to disease severity: mild/moderate [AOR 6.45 (95% CI 2.84-15.17)] and severe/critical COVID-19 patients [AOR 6.98 (95% CI 3.68-13.66)].

Conclusions

SARS-CoV-2 viremia resulted associated to COVID-19 mortality and should be considered in the initial assessment of COVID-19 hospitalized patients.
The contrasting role of climate variation on the population dynamics of a native and an invasive insect pest
Authors: Shope James , Polk Dean , Mansue Carrie , Rodriguez-Saona Cesar
Published: April 2023

Since 2008, spotted-wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii, has become a major pest of soft, thin-skinned fruits in the USA, causing significant annual yield losses. Historically, the native blueberry maggot fly, Rhagoletis mendax, has been a key blueberry pest in eastern North America and a driver of insecticide usage. After its invasion in 2011 into New Jersey (USA), D. suzukii has supplanted R. mendax as the main target of insecticide applications in the state. However, the impact of D. suzukii on the native R. mendax has not been documented, particularly in relation to local climate. Historical monitoring data from New Jersey blueberry farms were used to assess the role of climate on R. mendax and D. suzukii populations. Seasonal trap captures of R. mendax adults have decreased after D. suzukii invasion, while D. suzukii trap captures have increased. Similarly, D. suzukii first captures have occurred earlier each year, while R. mendax has been captured later in the growing season. Winter freezing and summer growing degree days were found to significantly correlate with D. suzukii activity. Using downscaled climate simulations, we projected that D. suzukii will arrive in New Jersey blueberry fields up to 5 days earlier on average by 2030 and 2 weeks earlier by 2050 with warming temperatures, exacerbating yield losses and insecticide usage. As regional temperatures are projected to warm and the invasive range continues to expand, we predict the rate of phenological development of the invasive D. suzukii and its impact on native insects to change noticeably, bringing new challenges for pest management strategies.
California’s Public Safety Realignment Act and prisoner mortality
Authors: Rowe Christopher L. , Hubbard Alan , Ahern Jennifer
Published: April 2023

In 2011, a historic Supreme Court decision mandated that the state of California substantially reduce its prison population to alleviate overcrowding, which was deemed so severe as to preclude the provision of adequate healthcare. To comply, California passed the Public Safety Realignment Act (Assembly Bill [AB] 109), representing the largest ever court-ordered reduction of a prison population in U.S. history. AB109 was successful in reducing the state prison population; however, although the policy was precipitated by inadequate healthcare in state prisons, no studies have examined its effects on prisoner health. As other states grapple with overcrowded prisons and look to California’s experience with this landmark policy, understanding how it may have impacted prisoner health is critical. We sought to evaluate the effects of AB109 on prison mortality and assess the extent to which policy-induced changes in the age distribution of prisoners may have contributed to these effects. To do so, we used prison mortality data from the Bureau of Justice Statistics and the California Deaths in Custody reporting program and prison population data from the National Corrections Reporting Program to examine changes in overall prison mortality, the age distribution of prisoners, and age-adjusted prison mortality in California relative to other states before and after the implementation of AB109. Following AB109, California prisons experienced an increase in overall mortality relative to other states that attenuated within three years. Over the same period, California experienced a greater upward shift in the age distribution of its prisoners relative to other states, suggesting that the state’s increase in overall mortality may have been driven by this change in age distribution. Indeed, when accounting for this differential change in age distribution, mortality among California prisoners exhibited a greater reduction relative to other states in the third year after implementation. As other states seek to reduce their prison populations to address overcrowding, assessments of California’s experience with AB109 should consider this potential improvement in age-adjusted mortality.
Establishment and optimization of an in vitro guinea pig oocyte maturation system
Authors: Yao Minhua , Gong Zhaoqing , Xu Weizhen , Shi Xinlei , Liu Xiaocui , Tang Yangyang , Xuan Siyu , Su Yanping , Xu Xinghua , Luo Mingjiu , Sui Hongshu
Published: April 2023

Guinea pigs are a valuable animal model for studying various diseases, including reproductive diseases. However, techniques for generating embryos via embryo engineering in guinea pigs are limited; for instance, in vitro maturation (IVM) technique is preliminary for guinea pig oocytes. In this study, we aimed to establish and optimize an IVM method for guinea pig oocytes by investigating various factors, such as superovulation induced by different hormones, culture supplementation (e.g., amino acids, hormone, and inhibitors), culture conditions (e.g., oocyte type, culture medium type, and treatment time), and in vivo hCG stimulation. We found that oocytes collected from guinea pigs with superovulation induced by hMG have a higher IVM rate compared to those collected from natural cycling individuals. Moreover, we found that addition of L-cysteine, cystine, and ROS in the culture medium can increase the IVM rate. In addition, we demonstrated that in vivo stimulation with hCG for 3–8 h can further increase the IVM rate. As a result, the overall IVM rate of guinea pig oocytes under our optimized conditions can reach ~69%, and the mature oocytes have high GSH levels and normal morphology. In summary, we established an effective IVM method for guinea pig oocytes by optimizing various factors and conditions, which provides a basis for embryo engineering using guinea pigs as a model.
Physical literacy as a determinant of physical activity level among late adolescents
Authors: Öztürk Özgül , Aydoğdu Onur , Kutlutürk Yıkılmaz Seval , Feyzioğlu Özlem , Pişirici Pelin
Published: April 2023

Background/Objectives

This study aimed to investigate the level of physical literacy among late adolescents according to the current physical activity level and to examine the relationship between current physical activity, barriers to engaging in physical activity, and enjoyment of physical activity and physical literacy.

Methods

A total of 568 university students (405 women) aged from 18 to 20 were involved in this study. The physical literacy, physical activity level, enjoyment from activity, and barriers to physical activity were assessed with the Perceived Physical Literacy Instrument (PPLI), the International Physical Activity Questionnaire–Short Form (IPAQ–SF), Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PACES), and the Physical Activity Barriers Questionnaire (PABQ), respectively. Multinomial and binary logistic regression analyses were employed to explore the association between physical literacy and physical activity level.

Results

Highly physically active adolescents had better scores on the PPLI, PACES, and PABQ than moderately active and inactive participants. The PPLI total score was significantly moderately correlated with PACES total, positive, and negative scores and the PABQ score. There were significant poor correlations between the IPAQ-MET value and the PPLI scores. Adjusted logistic regression analysis revealed the PPLI total score and the PACES positive sub-scale scores, and gender (men) were associated with being highly active relative to moderately active.

Conclusions

The findings highlight the evidence that physical literacy, gender, and enjoyment from activity can be determinants of high or moderate physical activity levels. Therefore, improving physical literacy among late adolescence may be key to achieving increased physical activity level.
IL-17 cytokines preferentially act on naïve CD4+ T cells with the IL-17AF heterodimer inducing the greatest functional changes
Authors: Crawford Michael P. , Borcherding Nicholas , Karandikar Nitin J.
Published: April 2023

CD4+ T-helper 17 (Th17) T cells are a key population in protective immunity during infection and in self-tolerance/autoimmunity. Through the secretion of IL-17, Th17 cells act in promotion of inflammation and are thus a major potential therapeutic target in autoimmune disorders. Recent reports have brought to light that the IL-17 family cytokines, IL-17A, IL-17F and IL-17AF, can directly act on CD4+ T-cells, both in murine and human systems, inducing functional changes in these cells. Here we show that this action is preferentially targeted toward naïve, but not memory, CD4+ T-cells. Naïve cells showed transcriptome changes as early as 48 hours post-IL-17 exposure, whereas memory cells remained unaffected as late as 7 days. These functional differences occurred despite similar IL-17 receptor expression on these subsets and were maintained in co-culture/transwell systems, with each subset maintaining its functional response to IL-17. Importantly, there were differences in downstream transcriptional signaling by the three IL-17 cytokines, with the IL-17AF heterodimer conferring both the greatest transcriptional change and most altered functional consequences. Detailed transcriptome analysis provides important insights into the genes and pathways that are modulated as a result of IL-17-mediated signaling and may serve as targets of future therapies.
Results of the first German external quality assessment scheme for the detection of monkeypox virus DNA
Authors: Vierbaum Laura , Wojtalewicz Nathalie , Kaufmann Anne , Goseberg Sabine , Kaiser Patricia , Grunert Hans-Peter , Dühring Ulf , Zimmermann Anika , Scholz Annemarie , Michel Janine , Nitsche Andreas , Rabenau Holger F. , Obermeier Martin , Schellenberg Ingo , Zeichhardt Heinz , Kammel Martin
Published: April 2023

Background

In May 2022, the monkeypox virus (MPXV) spread into non-endemic countries and the global community was quick to test the lessons learned from the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Due to its symptomatic resemblance to other diseases, like the non-pox virus varicella zoster (chickenpox), polymerase chain reaction methods play an important role in correctly diagnosing the rash-causing pathogen. INSTAND quickly established a new external quality assessment (EQA) scheme for MPXV and orthopoxvirus (OPXV) DNA detection to assess the current performance quality of the laboratory tests.

Methods

We analyzed quantitative and qualitative data of the first German EQA for MPXV and OPXV DNA detection. The survey included one negative and three MPXV-positive samples with different MPX viral loads. The threshold cycle (Ct) or other measures defining the quantification cycle (Cq) were analyzed in an assay-specific manner. A Passing Bablok fit was used to investigate the performance at laboratory level.

Results

141 qualitative datasets were reported by 131 laboratories for MPXV detection and 68 qualitative datasets by 65 laboratories for OPXV detection. More than 96% of the results were correctly identified as negative and more than 97% correctly identified as positive. An analysis of the reported Ct/Cq values showed a large spread of these values of up to 12 Ct/Cq. Nevertheless, there is a good correlation of results for the different MPXV concentrations at laboratory level. Only a few quantitative results in copies/mL were reported (MPXV: N = 5; OPXV: N = 2), but the results correlated well with the concentration differences between the EQA samples, which were to a power of ten each.

Conclusion

The EQA results show that laboratories performed well in detecting both MPXV and OPXV. However, Ct/Cq values should be interpreted with caution when conclusions are drawn about the viral load as long as metrological traceability is not granted.
Digital health in fragile states in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region: A scoping review of the literature
Authors: El-Jardali Fadi , Bou-Karroum Lama , Jabbour Mathilda , Bou-Karroum Karen , Aoun Andrew , Salameh Sabine , Mecheal Patricia , Sinha Chaitali
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Conflict, fragility and political violence, that are taking place in many countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region have devastating effects on health. Digital health technologies can contribute to enhancing the quality, accessibility and availability of health care services in fragile and conflict-affected states of the MENA region. To inform future research, investments and policy processes, this scoping review aims to map out the evidence on digital health in fragile states in the MENA region.

Method

We conducted a scoping review following the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) guidelines. We conducted descriptive analysis of the general characteristics of the included papers and thematic analysis of the key findings of included studies categorized by targeted primary users of different digital health intervention.

Results

Out of the 10,724 articles identified, we included 93 studies. The included studies mainly focused on digital health interventions targeting healthcare providers, clients and data services, while few studies focused on health systems or organizations managers. Most of the included studies were observational studies (49%). We identified no systematic reviews. Most of the studies were conducted in Lebanon (32%) followed by Afghanistan (13%) and Palestine (12%). The first authors were mainly affiliated with institutions from countries outside the MENA region (57%), mainly United Kingdom and United States. Digital health interventions provided a platform for training, supervision, and consultation for health care providers, continuing education for medical students, and disease self-management. The review also highlighted some implementation considerations for the adoption of digital health such as computer literacy, weak technological infrastructure, and privacy concerns.

Conclusion

This review showed that digital health technologies can provide promising solutions in addressing health needs in fragile and conflict-affected states. However, rigorous evaluation of digital technologies in fragile settings and humanitarian crises are needed to inform their design and deployment.
Glucuronoxylomannan intranasal challenge prior to Cryptococcus neoformans pulmonary infection enhances cerebral cryptococcosis in rodents
Authors: Lee Hiu Ham , Carmichael Dylan J. , Ríbeiro Victoria , Parisi Dana N. , Munzen Melissa E. , Charles-Niño Claudia L. , Hamed Mohamed F. , Kaur Ettiman , Mishra Ayush , Patel Jiya , Rooklin Rikki B. , Sher Amina , Carrillo-Sepulveda Maria A. , Eugenin Eliseo A. , Dores Michael R. , Martinez Luis R.
Published: April 2023

The encapsulated fungus Cryptococcus neoformans is the most common cause of fungal meningitis, with the highest rate of disease in patients with AIDS or immunosuppression. This microbe enters the human body via inhalation of infectious particles. C. neoformans capsular polysaccharide, in which the major component is glucuronoxylomannan (GXM), extensively accumulates in tissues and compromises host immune responses. C. neoformans travels from the lungs to the bloodstream and crosses to the brain via transcytosis, paracytosis, or inside of phagocytes using a “Trojan horse” mechanism. The fungus causes life-threatening meningoencephalitis with high mortality rates. Hence, we investigated the impact of intranasal exogenous GXM administration on C. neoformans infection in C57BL/6 mice. GXM enhances cryptococcal pulmonary infection and facilitates fungal systemic dissemination and brain invasion. Pre-challenge of GXM results in detection of the polysaccharide in lungs, serum, and surprisingly brain, the latter likely reached through the nasal cavity. GXM significantly alters endothelial cell tight junction protein expression in vivo, suggesting significant implications for the C. neoformans mechanisms of brain invasion. Using a microtiter transwell system, we showed that GXM disrupts the trans-endothelial electrical resistance, weakening human brain endothelial cell monolayers co-cultured with pericytes, supportive cells of blood vessels/capillaries found in the blood-brain barrier (BBB) to promote C. neoformans BBB penetration. Our findings should be considered in the development of therapeutics to combat the devastating complications of cryptococcosis that results in an estimated ~200,000 deaths worldwide each year.
Existence of nontrivial weak solutions for nonuniformly elliptic
equation with mixed boundary condition in a variable exponent Sobolev space
Authors: Aramaki Junichi
Published: April 2023

In In this paper, we consider a mixed boundary value problem for
nonuniformly elliptic equation in a variable exponent Sobolev space
containing
p
(
⋅
)
-Laplacian and mean curvature operator. More
precisely, we are concerned with the problem with the Dirichlet condition
on a part of the boundary and the Steklov boundary condition on an another
part of the boundary. We show the existence of a nontrivial weak solution
and at least two nontrivial weak solutions according to some hypotheses on
given functions.
tudomány színre lép.
Authors: Horváthné Fazekas Erika , Lakatos Ferenc , Lángné Juhász Szilvia , Varga Katalin , Zalai Edina
Published: April 2023

Az, hogy milyen lesz egy ember természettudományok iránti affinitása, jelentősen függ attól, hogy milyen élmények érik kisgyermekkorában. Lehetséges a természettudomány oktatása óvodásoknak? Igen, ha játékosan csináljuk. A kisgyermekek általában nagyon nyitottak a kísérletezésre, a játékos megismerésre. Szívesen állítanak fel hipotéziseket, melyeket igazol vagy cáfol az elvégzett kísérlet. Tanulmányunkban olyan, a természettudományokhoz és a matematikához kapcsolódó kísérleteket, játékokat mutatunk be, melyek jól illeszthetők az óvodai nevelési programban megfogalmazott követelményekhez.
Aquatic Weed Derived SnO2 Nanoparticle: Synthesis, Characterization and
its Application for Degradation of Dyes and Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Pandey Shivam , Singh Ajay , Ahmad Waseem , Panwar Rituraj , Anand Shaina
Published: April 2023

The spread and destruction of freshwater ecosystems by aquatic invasive organisms poses a threat to
economic, social and environmental processes. Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms, commonly known
as water hyacinth, is globally distributed, toxic and floating watery plant. Its rapid development causes
an abundance of the plant to float on the surface of water, reducing the amount of oxygen in water and
destroying the aquatic ecosystem. Thus, its invasive growth has become a global concern. Green
synthesis method was used to synthesize stannous oxide nanoparticles from water hyacinth as a
precursor. The plant extract acted as a reducing agent due to presence of carboxyl, hydroxyl and
carbonyl groups. The UV-Vis analysis, XRD, SEM coupled with EDX and FT-IR were utilized for
characterization of the nanoparticles. The results indicated that the nanoparticles produced have high
potential to degrade the methyl orange and methylene blue dyes. The use of metal nanoparticles has
also shown reduction of various pollutants varying from 60-90% in wastewater. When the concentration
of these nanoparticles was doubled, they were found to be more effective under optimized conditions
from wastewater.
Isoquinoline Containing Azo Schiff Derivatives as Potential Antitubercular Agents:
Synthesis, Characterization, Molecular Docking, PASS Prediction and ADME Studies
Authors: Sahana S. , Vijayakumar G.R.
Published: April 2023

A series of isoquinoline containing novel azo Schiff base derivatives (3a-l) were synthesized and
characterized by FT-IR, NMR (1H NMR & 13C NMR) and mass spectral analysis. The synthesized
title compounds were evaluated for in vitro antitubercular activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis
(MTB) H37Rv strain by microplate alamar blue assay (MABA) method. Among the synthesized
series of compounds, the compounds 3a, 3b, 3c and 3d were emerged as excellent antitubercular
agents. Compound 3b showed the lowest MIC value of 1.6 μg/mL with a potency equivalent to the
standards, isoniazid and ethambutol. Compounds 3a & 3c showed MIC value of 3.125 μg/mL, which
is equivalent to the activity of a reference standard pyrazinamide. Compound 3d showed significant
activity with MIC of 6.25 μg/mL and other compounds showed good to moderate activity ranging
from 12.5 to 50 μg/mL. The four potent components were further tested for in vitro cytotoxicity using
MTT assay against MCF-7 and HeLa cell lines to check the selectivity index. Among the tested series,
compound 3b possessed the highest cytotoxicity against both MCF-7 (IC50, 7.09 ± 0.41) and HeLa
(IC50, 9.04 ± 0.34) cell lines. Additionally, in silico molecular docking was performed to study its
binding interaction with Mycobacterium tuberculosis enoyl reductase (InhA) and drug-like features
were studied using Swiss ADME tool. PASS analysis of all the compounds showed greater Pa than Pi
value for the antituberculosis activity. The results suggested that the synthesized isoquinoline containing
azo Schiff base derivatives becomes promising for developing new drugs to treat tuberculosis.
An Efficient, One-Pot Synthesis of 1,3-Disubstituted imidazo[1,5-a]pyridines,
Fe(OTf)3 Mediated C-C Bond Formation
Authors: Raveesha T.C. , Kemparajegowda  , Swarup Hassan A. , Kempegowda B.K. , Demappa T.
Published: April 2023

A vital approach of Fe(OTf)3 and MS3Å (molecular sieves 3Å) mediated one pot synthesis of
1,3-disubstituted imidazo[1,5-a]pyridines from dithioester, 2-methylaminopyridine and alcohol. This
methodology involves the intramolecular cyclization and C–C bond formation under mild condition
and operates in a single step yielding the products in good to excellent yields. This protocol was
compatible to construct various 1,3-disubstituted imidazo[1,5-a] pyridines derivatives.
A Catalyst Free and Sustainable Synthesis of Quinazolinones in Glycerol as Green Solvent
Authors: Prakash Gaurav , Das Ajay Kumar , Tripathi V.D.
Published: April 2023

In this article, glycerol was employed in a quest to develop an environmentally benign and sustainable
synthetic protocol for synthesis of quinazolinone and spiro-quinazolinone derivatives. These studies
were performed to investigate the effect of electron-rich and electronegative groups on the synthetic
route of an established protocol. Different substituted isatin and benzaldehyde derivatives have been
incorporated to synthesize analogues of two series of quinazolinones in order to investigate the efficacy
of the developed methodology and substrate tolerance. A total of 12 derivatives were synthesized and
characterized by spectroscopic techniques.
A Failed Cocrystallization Attempt Resulted in Novel First Polymorphic
Structure: Crystal Structure and Hirshfeld Surface Analysis of the
Polymorph of 4-Oxo-4-(pyridin-2-ylamino)butanoic Acid
Authors: Radha G.K. , Mahesha  , Naveen S. , Lokanath N.K. , Suchetan P.A.
Published: April 2023

An attempt to cocrystallize 4-oxo-4-(pyridin-2-ylamino)butanoic acid (APS) with adipic acid in the
ratio 1:1 was made. Solvent assisted grinding followed by solvent evaporation technique using ethanol
as solvent yielded single crystals. Single crystal X-ray diffraction (SCXRD) studies of the obtained
crystals showed that an attempt to obtain cocrystals has failed and instead has yielded a novel and very
first polymorphic structure of APS (1). Compound 1 crystallizes with one molecule in the asymmetric
unit in monoclinic P21/n system, whereas, the earlier reported polymorph, 2, crystallizes in triclinic
P-1 system with two molecules in the asymmetric unit. The crystal structure of 1 features
aminopyridine···carboxylic O-H···N and N-H···O=C interactions between molecules resulting in R2
2(8)
supramolecular hetero-synthon, similar to that observed in polymorph 2. The R2
2(8) dimer propagates
into a 2D sheet along the body diagonal plane (intersecting a and c axis) via a pair of C-H···O
intermolecular interactions having R2
2(14) motif. Polymorph 2, on the other hand, features several
C-H···O intermolecular interactions that extends the R2
2(8) supramolecular architecture into complex
1D columns. The Hirshfeld surface analyses including dnorm plots and two dimensional fingerprint
analyses were conducted to confirm the presence of various hydrogen bonds/intermolecular interactions
existing in the crystal structure of 1. H···H contacts (dispersion interactions) contributes most to the
Hirshfeld surface with a contribution of 40.8%, followed by O···H/H···O (28.4%), C···H/H···C (12.4%),
N···H/H···N (9.3%) and others (9.1%). Further, the molecular structure, crystal structure and Hirshfeld
surfaces including dnorm and fingerprint plots of 1, 2 and a positional isomer 4-oxo-4-(pyridin-3-
ylamino)butanoic acid (3) were compared to observe the similarities and differences in the three
compounds.
Applications of Nanotechnology in Agriculture and Food Science: A Review
Authors: Singh Ajay , Imtiyaz Asima
Published: April 2023

Nanotechnology acquires great attentions in the last few years because of its broad applications in the
medicines and drugs like tumor detection, cosmetics and materials. Nanotechnology is memorized as
a growing technology because of its applications and functions due to nanoparticles’ size range between
1-100 nm. Nanomaterials are gaining popularity as an alternative to conventional pesticides, with
promising results in the roles of plant growth stimulants, insecticides and fertilizers. Nanotechnology
has been applied to several areas of agriculture, including crop enhancement, plant disease detection,
weed and pest management, soil, water remediation, animal health and breeding, and more.
Simultaneously, nanotechnology has also become increasingly significant in the food industries too.
Particularly engaging for food packaging purposes are silver nanoparticles, and nanotechnology is
currently being utilized to use in the food business for purposes among them processing, quality
monitoring and packaging. As a result, this review concentrates on the synthesis and uses of
nanoparticles in the food and agricultural industries. Despite several studies suggesting that nanoparticles
have applications in the food and agriculture industries, more studies are needed to convey the
significance of nanoparticles in these fields.
Electrochemical Sensing of Dopamine at Biogenic Gold Nanoparticles Interface
Authors: Kamble Sachin J. , Tawade Anita K. , Pawar Kiran D. , Kamble Jayashri B. , Kamble Prakash D. , More Vikram B. , Naik Nitin M. , Koli Valmiki B. , Kamble Ganesh S. , Patil Jaykumar M.
Published: April 2023

A simple biogenic synthetic route for the development of gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) from the fresh
pods of Lablab purpureus was carried out. Further, Au NPs modified electrode employed for the selective
sensing of dopamine. The stability, surface morphologies, microstructure and elemental compositions
of the nanoparticles were probed by dynamic light scattering (DLS) with zeta potential, transmission
electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive X-ray diffraction (EDX) and X-ray diffraction (XRD).
The electrochemical features of dopamine at Au NPs modified glassy carbon electrodes (GCEs) was
investigated in 0.1 M phosphate buffer solution (pH 7.4) by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential
pulse voltammetry (DPV). Gold nanoparticles modified GCEs in comparison with bare electrodes
shows the significant catalytic activity towards dopamine from CV and DPV with limit of detection
5.9 nM and 7.7 nM, respectively. Additionally, the peak current response of dopamine does not interfered
with the coexistence of ascorbic acid, uric acid and glucose.