bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conjugation of ATG8s to single membranes at a glance
Authors: Figueras-Novoa Carmen , Timimi Lewis , Marcassa Elena , Ulferts Rachel , Beale Rupert
Published: August 2024

Autophagy refers to a set of degradative mechanisms whereby cytoplasmic contents are targeted to the lysosome. This is best described for macroautophagy, where a double-membrane compartment (autophagosome) is generated to engulf cytoplasmic contents. Autophagosomes are decorated with ubiquitin-like ATG8 molecules (ATG8s), which are recruited through covalent lipidation, catalysed by the E3-ligase-like ATG16L1 complex. LC3 proteins are ATG8 family members that are often used as a marker for autophagosomes. In contrast to canonical macroautophagy, conjugation of ATG8s to single membranes (CASM) describes a group of non-canonical autophagy processes in which ATG8s are targeted to pre-existing single-membrane compartments. CASM occurs in response to disrupted intracellular pH gradients, when the V-ATPase proton pump recruits ATG16L1 in a process called V-ATPase–ATG16L1-induced LC3 lipidation (VAIL). Recent work has demonstrated a parallel, alternative axis for CASM induction, triggered when the membrane recruitment factor TECPR1 recognises sphingomyelin exposed on the cytosolic face of a membrane and forms an alternative E3-ligase-like complex. This sphingomyelin–TECPR1-induced LC3 lipidation (STIL) is independent of the V-ATPase and ATG16L1. In light of these discoveries, this Cell Science at a Glance article summarises these two mechanisms of CASM to highlight how they differ from canonical macroautophagy, and from each other.
Improving the rates of breastfeeding in Western Australian Aboriginal babies ‘The Bibi Study’: an interrupted time series protocol
Authors: R.McAullay Daniel , E.McKenzie Joanne , Jones Jocelyn , M.Edmond Karen , Scrine Clair , A.Strobel Natalie
Published: August 2024

Background In Australia, we are not meeting our goals in relation to breastfeeding overall, and in particular, promoting and supporting breastfeeding rates for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander babies especially breastfeeding to at least six months. The WHO has recognised the importance of exclusively breastfeeding a baby for a minimum of six months to ensure a healthy start to life. Breastfeeding has been shown to be a protective factor against asthma and allergy development, ear disease, infections, respiratory illness and gastrointestinal issues. This study aims to improve predominant breastfeeding rates of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander babies in the Perth Metropolitan area (Western Australia, Australia). Methods and analysis We will use an interrupted time series design to determine the effectiveness of a continuous quality improvement (CQI) program delivered over 6 months by selected community health staff. The intervention will be delivered at two community health regions and the remaining 17 community health regions will be the control group. The primary outcomes will be predominant breastfeeding rates at two and four months, and secondary outcomes will include any breastfeeding at two and four months, and hospital admissions, emergency department presentations and immunisation data at 6 months. Discussion The study will allow us to determine the breastfeeding rates of Aboriginal babies, identify the barriers and enablers to initiating and maintaining breastfeeding and determine whether a CQI program can achieve improvements in breastfeeding rates.
Efetivo exercício na educação básica e o ProUni:
Authors: Nalin Jaime Antônio , Felicetti Vera Lucia , Robayo Adriana Pineda
Published: August 2024

Este artigo apresenta os resultados de um processo investigativo voltado à análise das percepções sobre a (re)construção docente de uma professora egressa do ProUni do curso de licenciatura em letras, que, durante a graduação, esteve em efetivo exercício na educação básica da rede pública. A partir de uma análise quantitativa, chegou-se até a egressa a ser entrevistada. Da abordagem qualitativa compreensiva e hermenêutica, apoiada na análise textual discursiva, de Moraes e Galiazzi (2016), evidenciou-se que os processos reflexivos, concomitantes com a formação acadêmica, facilitam a fusão efetiva entre o financiamento à formação e o fazer e ser docente. Tais evidências mostram a importância de políticas e investimentos públicos na formação do professor da educação básica, colocando em cena a necessidade de o professor em exercício refletir a sua prática, fortalecendo, assim, os elos entre a teoria e o experienciado no contexto da sala de aula.
Análise retórica dos argumentos por uma educação inclusiva
Authors: Palmares Renata de Melo Cardoso , Alvarenga Claudia Helena Azevedo
Published: August 2024

Este artigo examina alguns argumentos recorrentes em favor de uma educação inclusiva. Para tanto, apresenta inicialmente os marcos legais a respeito da educação inclusiva, tanto em âmbito internacional quanto no Brasil. A Declaração Universal dos Direitos Humanos, estabelecida depois da Segunda Guerra Mundial, impulsionou a formulação de legislações específicas em cada país a respeito do convívio, da liberdade e da dignidade humana. No Brasil, alguns documentos foram definidos para nortear a educação inclusiva, entre os quais: a Lei Brasileira de Inclusão (LBI), o Plano Nacional de Educação (PNE) e a Base Nacional Comum Curricular (BNCC). A análise retórica, utilizada para examinar o material discursivo, fundamenta-se na proposta de Perelman e Olbrechts-Tyteca. Os autores resgatam a retórica aristotélica, focalizando o posicionamento do auditório diante dos argumentos que o orador enuncia. A análise retórica dos marcos legais e da argumentação de autores dedicados ao tema da inclusão de pessoas com deficiência expõe os raciocínios naturalizados a respeito da inclusão. Os argumentos que estabelecem a soma das partes para fortalecer o todo; a escola democrática como consequência da supressão das diferenças sociais; o caleidoscópio como metáfora para definir a educação inclusiva e a dissociação da noção de educação abrangem os raciocínios examinados. Por fim, a educação inclusiva, como um marco social contemporâneo, aciona os objetos de acordo na comunidade escolar, cuja adesão visa mobilizar um auditório universal.
As crianças no Visconde da Graça:
Authors: Soares Ribeiro Angelita , Mattos Pereira Fabiola
Published: August 2024

e Pesquisa em Educação, Memória e Cultura (NEPEC), vinculado ao Câmpus Pelotas-Visconde da Graça (CaVG), do Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia Sul-rio-grandense (IFSul). Na guarda de um acervo institucional, há dez anos o NEPEC vem abrindo e fechando caixas das quais saltam vidas que passam pela instituição desde sua fundação, em 1923, como Patronato Agrícola Visconde da Graça (PAVG). Por meio da etnografia documental, como Penélopes, vamos exercendo e disputando o trabalho da memória. Des-tecemos histórias daqueles contados como heróis e tensionamos promessas societárias que se cumprem como barbárie. E, ao mesmo tempo, exercitamos o trabalho da tecitura de histórias que ecoam de silêncios em gritaria e de rostos anônimos que exigem nome próprio. Neste texto, crianças mencionadas nos documentos e imagens acervados como menores desvalidos assumem seu devido protagonismo, reviram narrativas históricas, nos convocam a pensar sobre as exigências do presente e sobre quais histórias ainda podemos contar.
El magisterio en México: entre la educación socialista y la “escuela del amor” 1940-1943
Authors: Lopez de Lara Alejandro
Published: August 2024

El presente artículo tiene como propósito analizar la transición de la Educación Socialista a la Escuela del Amor, producto de un contexto histórico en que los procesos de transformación se ven afectados al instaurarse un nuevo gobierno en 1940 en México, del cual los sectores conservadores adquirieron mayor presencia y disputaron los alcances conquistados por los sectores populares.
No obstante, las experiencias educativas como es el de la socialista de raigambre popular, lograron instituir elementos y valores esenciales del sentido de educación pública en México, y al ser el magisterio el sector que lo hizo posible se convirtió también en guardián de dichos valores, a pesar de los intentos conservadores por desmantelar el sentido público de manera violenta.
Editorial
Authors: Leonardi Paula , Firmina Seixas Conceição
Published: August 2024

Quais as cores e nuances dos espaços? “Uma vez que a colonialidade se estabeleceu e categorizou pessoas, formando identidades e usando nossas diferenças biológicas (...) o território se apresenta como cenário fiel dessas representações” (Berth, 2023, p. 115). Os artigos da Seção Temática do novo número de Teias, “As gentes na História da Educação: das margens dos rios às periferias urbanas”, situam personagens esquecidos pelas pesquisas na modernidade que organiza as diferenças com o fim de estabelecer privilégios. Composta por 16 artigos, a Seção traz gente negra, gente pequena, gente gay, gente mulher, nas ruas, nas cidades, nos campos, nos museus, no quilombo.
Acompanhando esse rico panorama de pesquisadoras de diferentes regiões do país e também da América Latina, a Seção de Demanda Contínua, com dez artigos, e a Seção Elos, seguem apresentando um mosaico de gentes.
Convidamos os leitores a navegarem pelo sumário e descobrirem as mais recentes discussões propostas por Teias, que segue compromissada com a produção de um conhecimento articulado com as ações e movimentos das gentes que lutam por um mundo mais justo, entendendo que todo fazer epistemológico abarca uma dimensão política em torno da disputa da produção de sentidos, teorias, subjetividades e lugares no mundo.
Understanding the diagnostic challenges of Miller Fisher syndrome in children: a case report from an ophthalmological perspective
Authors: Chow Bing Jie , Raharja Antony , Dahir Ruqiya , Khaier Ayman , Posner Marcus
Published: August 2024

We report a case of a 6-year-old boy with autism spectrum disorder presenting with new-onset squint and ‘ptosis’ following a recent infection. Clinical examination revealed ataxia and areflexia alongside a dilated pupil poorly reactive to light. Subsequently, his eye movements deteriorated to near-complete ophthalmoplegia at 1-week review. Further investigations inclusive of a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain scan, a computed tomography (CT) venogram and a lumbar puncture were conducted to consider and rule out differential diagnoses. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis revealed an albuminocytologic dissociation. The clinical triad of progressive ophthalmoplegia, areflexia and areflexia alongside albuminocytologic dissociation led to the diagnosis of Miller Fisher syndrome. The patient was commenced on intravenous immunoglobulin and his symptoms showed significant improvement. We use this interesting case to provide context for key learning points about diagnosing Miller Fisher syndrome in children.
Meningoencephalitis-like presentation of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis and long-term complications at 5-year follow-up
Authors: Sivanathan Shayndhan , Sivagnanaratnam Aravinth
Published: August 2024

A 21-year-old gentleman presented with low responsiveness and an unwitnessed tonic-clonic seizure. A 3-day history of fevers, headaches, and poor sleep was reported. He was initially treated for meningoencephalitis. Subsequently, he developed an erythematous rash over the face and chest. He had three generalised tonic-clonic seizures and his Glasgow Coma Score (GCS) deteriorated to 8 out of 15 requiring intubation and ventilation, and antiepileptics. Lumbar puncture (LP) results were unremarkable; however, the computed tomography (CT) head concluded bilateral haemorrhages and commented on the possibility of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST). Computed tomography venogram (CTV) confirmed CVST in the superior sagittal sinus, cortical vein and left transverse sinus. Repeat CT head revealed no new changes. Clinically, he exhibited residual left-sided weakness following stroke secondary to CVST. The patient was discharged with lifelong warfarin due to unprovoked CVST. He re-presented ten months later with persistent headaches. Clinical review noted bilateral papilloedema and he required LP to relieve raised intracranial pressure (ICP). In a 5-year follow-up, he continues to have raised ICP and associated headaches requiring further LPs. He continues to take warfarin, levetiracetam and topiramate, for headaches. This is an atypical case of CVST presenting initially with meningoencephalitis-like symptoms, demonstrating diverse clinical presentation. Ergo, this encourages an early multidisciplinary approach in presentations of headaches and seizures as clinical suspicion for CVST is high. Ultimately, this will appropriately identify patients for neuroimaging with computed tomography/magnetic resonance venogram. Furthermore, 5-year follow-up is presented in this case highlighting the importance of long-term follow-up in view of variable long-term complications that remain difficult to predict.
Positive Effects of Group Drawing Therapy on Self-Cognition and Self-Acceptance in College Students
Authors: Dai Xiatong , Yu Guilin , Lu Sha , Zhu Jinli , Qin Yang
Published: August 2024

Abstract: Self-cognition and self-acceptance are essential for mental health development and emotion in college students. The study investigated the efficacy of group drawing therapy in improving Chinese college students' positive self-cognition and self-acceptance. It is worth noting that Chinese college students in a collectivist culture have systematic and fluid conceptualizations of the self, such as "self in relation to others" and "self in background." In this study, the intervention group participated in group drawing therapy, and the control group did not participate in any mental health care. Our results demonstrated promising effects in improving the level of self-cognition and self-acceptance among college students. Group drawing therapy was beneficial to the growth-oriented development of college students. Additionally, it may provide an innovative direction for student development professionals and help mental health educators promote self-growth in psychologically disturbed college students.
Efficient distributed architecture and optimized subarray control strategy to facilitate large-scale coherent beam combination
Authors: Qi Jiaqin , Zheng Wenhui , Jiang Wenjun , Dou Jiazhen , Zhong Liyun , Di Jianglei , Qin Yuwen
Published: August 2024

Traditional coherent beam combination (CBC) system architecture has revealed inadequacies in meeting the concurrent demands of large-scale deployment and high-bandwidth requirements. Addressing this challenge, we propose a distributed CBC system architecture based on the optimized stochastic parallel gradient descent (SPGD) algorithm. Our strategy segments the large-scale laser array into multiple independent smaller-scale subarrays, ensuring their efficient phase convergence through the introduction of corresponding reference lasers while avoiding interference when integrating different subarrays. Moreover, the piecewise SPGD algorithm is proposed and the intensity of the reference laser is modulated to further improve the convergence speed and accuracy within subarrays, enhancing the algorithm's compatibility across laser arrays of varying scales. We have validated the feasibility of the distributed CBC architecture through numerical analysis and assessed the strategy's performance in both static and dynamic environments using simulation software. The simulation findings indicate that, compared to traditional CBC systems, distributed architecture with 3, 7, and 19 subarrays and utilizing the piecewise SPGD algorithm, has experienced phase control bandwidth enhancements by factors of approximately 3.6, 10.4, and 32.5 respectively, maintaining superior average power output in dynamic noise environments. The proposed architecture and strategy also accommodate subarrays of variable scales and obviates the necessity for large-aperture optical components on the emitted plane, demonstrating exceptional scalability and adaptability.
Enhanced optical gain of c-plane InGaN laser diodes via a strain relaxed template with reduced threading dislocation density
Authors: Chang Hsun-Ming , Lim Norleakvisoth , Rienzi Vincent , Gordon Michael J. , DenBaars Steven P. , Nakamura Shuji
Published: August 2024

In this work, we demonstrate a method to reduce the threading dislocation density (TDD) of the previously reported strain relaxed template (SRT) on c-plane. Through the processes of nano-patterning/etching and epitaxial lateral overgrowth (ELO) of GaN, the TDD was reduced from beyond measurable level to 1.8 × 109/cm2. The electrically pumped blue edge emitting laser diodes (EELDs) exhibit much improved device performance than previously reported results, where a threshold current density (Jth) of 7.4 kA/cm2 is demonstrated, with the internal loss as low as 8–10 cm-1. Additionally, the thresholds outperform conventional c-plane EELDs without SRT as the cavity length scales below 1200 µm. Moreover, a more than 50% enhanced material gain than conventional c-plane devices is experimentally demonstrated.
Ground-to-UAV sub-terahertz channel measurement and modeling
Authors: Li Da , Li Peian , Zhao Jiabiao , Liang Jianjian , Liu Jiacheng , Liu Guohao , Lei Yuanshuai , Liu Wenbo , Deng Jianqin , Liu Fuyong , Ma Jianjun
Published: August 2024

Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) assisted wireless communications have been expected to play a vital role in the next generation of wireless networks. UAVs can serve as either repeaters or data collectors within the communication link, thereby potentially augmenting the efficacy of communication systems. Despite their promise, the channel analysis and modeling specific to terahertz (THz) wireless channels leveraging UAVs remain under-explored. This work delves into a ground-to-UAV channel at 140 GHz, with a specific focus on the influence of UAV hovering behavior on channel performance. Employing experimental measurements through an unmodulated channel setup and a geometry-based stochastic model (GBSM) that integrates three-dimensional positional coordinates and beamwidth, this work evaluates the impact of UAV dynamic movements and antenna orientation on channel performance. Our findings highlight the minimal impact of UAV orientation adjustments on channel performance and underscore the diminishing necessity for precise alignment between UAVs and ground stations as beamwidth increases.
Photonic defect modes in cholesteric liquid crystal resonators with embedded isotropic layers
Authors: Zaplotnik Jaka , Mur Urban , Muševič Igor , Ravnik Miha
Published: August 2024

Photonic defect modes are explored as a viable alternative to standard photonic band edge modes in photonic crystal applications, especially due to their typically high Q-factors and local density of states. For example, they can be used in nonlinearity enhancement, lasing, and cavity quantum electrodynamics. However, they are strongly dependent on any structural change and need to be well-controlled to ensure the desired resonance frequency. Here, we present a study of the photonic defect modes that appear in a structure where a layer of isotropic material is embedded between two layers of cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC), using full electrodynamics numerical simulations. We present typical transmission spectra and electric field profiles of selected defect modes and then analyze the influence of geometrical and material parameters on the eigenfrequencies and Q-factors of the modes within and around the photonic bandgap, including refractive indices and thicknesses of isotropic and liquid crystal layers, and different anchoring orientations at the boundaries of the isotropic defect layer. Additionally, a connection of such defect modes to previously extensively analyzed twist defect modes is given. Eigenmodes in asymmetric resonators are also presented, where CLC layers surrounding the intermediate isotropic layer are not equally thick, enabling biasing of specific directional light emission. More generally, this work aims to contribute to the understanding and design capability in topological soft matter photonics where defect mode lasing could be realized in CLC geometries with different singular and solitonic topological defect structures.
Identification of pathways to high-level vancomycin resistance in Clostridioides difficile that incur high fitness costs in key pathogenicity traits
Authors: Buddle Jessica E. , Thompson Lucy M. , Williams Anne S. , Wright Rosanna C. T. , Durham William M. , Turner Claire E. , Chaudhuri Roy R. , Brockhurst Michael A. , Fagan Robert P.
Published: August 2024

Clostridioides difficile is an important human pathogen, for which there are very limited treatment options, primarily the glycopeptide antibiotic vancomycin. In recent years, vancomycin resistance has emerged as a serious problem in several gram-positive pathogens, but high-level resistance has yet to be reported for C. difficile, although it is not known if this is due to constraints upon resistance evolution in this species. Here, we show that resistance to vancomycin can evolve rapidly under ramping selection but is accompanied by fitness costs and pleiotropic trade-offs, including sporulation defects that would be expected to severely impact transmission. We identified 2 distinct pathways to resistance, both of which are predicted to result in changes to the muropeptide terminal D-Ala-D-Ala that is the primary target of vancomycin. One of these pathways involves a previously uncharacterised D,D-carboxypeptidase, expression of which is controlled by a dedicated two-component signal transduction system. Our findings suggest that while C. difficile is capable of evolving high-level vancomycin resistance, this outcome may be limited clinically due to pleiotropic effects on key pathogenicity traits. Moreover, our data identify potential mutational routes to resistance that should be considered in genomic surveillance.
Rationalizing risk aversion in science: Why incentives to work hard clash with incentives to take risks
Authors: Gross Kevin , Bergstrom Carl T.
Published: August 2024

Scientific research requires taking risks, as the most cautious approaches are unlikely to lead to the most rapid progress. Yet, much funded scientific research plays it safe and funding agencies bemoan the difficulty of attracting high-risk, high-return research projects. Why don’t the incentives for scientific discovery adequately impel researchers toward such projects? Here, we adapt an economic contracting model to explore how the unobservability of risk and effort discourages risky research. The model considers a hidden-action problem, in which the scientific community must reward discoveries in a way that encourages effort and risk-taking while simultaneously protecting researchers’ livelihoods against the vicissitudes of scientific chance. Its challenge when doing so is that incentives to motivate effort clash with incentives to motivate risk-taking, because a failed project may be evidence of a risky undertaking but could also be the result of simple sloth. As a result, the incentives needed to encourage effort actively discourage risk-taking. Scientists respond by working on safe projects that generate evidence of effort but that don’t move science forward as rapidly as riskier projects would. A social planner who prizes scientific productivity above researchers’ well-being could remedy the problem by rewarding major discoveries richly enough to induce high-risk research, but in doing so would expose scientists to a degree of livelihood risk that ultimately leaves them worse off. Because the scientific community is approximately self-governing and constructs its own reward schedule, the incentives that researchers are willing to impose on themselves are inadequate to motivate the scientific risks that would best expedite scientific progress.
Quantifying the risk of spillover reduction programs for human health
Authors: Nuismer Scott L. , Basinski Andrew J. , Schreiner Courtney L. , Eskew Evan A. , Fichet-Calvet Elisabeth , Remien Christopher H.
Published: August 2024

Reducing spillover of zoonotic pathogens is an appealing approach to preventing human disease and minimizing the risk of future epidemics and pandemics. Although the immediate human health benefit of reducing spillover is clear, over time, spillover reduction could lead to counterintuitive negative consequences for human health. Here, we use mathematical models and computer simulations to explore the conditions under which unanticipated consequences of spillover reduction can occur in systems where the severity of disease increases with age at infection. Our results demonstrate that, because the average age at infection increases as spillover is reduced, programs that reduce spillover can actually increase population-level disease burden if the clinical severity of infection increases sufficiently rapidly with age. If, however, immunity wanes over time and reinfection is possible, our results reveal that negative health impacts of spillover reduction become substantially less likely. When our model is parameterized using published data on Lassa virus in West Africa, it predicts that negative health outcomes are possible, but likely to be restricted to a small subset of populations where spillover is unusually intense. Together, our results suggest that adverse consequences of spillover reduction programs are unlikely but that the public health gains observed immediately after spillover reduction may fade over time as the age structure of immunity gradually re-equilibrates to a reduced force of infection.
A guide for the generation of repositories of clinical samples for research on Chagas disease
Authors: Martínez-Peinado Nieves , Gabaldón-Figueira Juan Carlos , Rodrigues Ferreira Roberto , Carmen Thomas María , López Manuel Carlos , Cremonini Araújo-Jorge Tania , Alarcón de Noya Belkisyolé , Berón Soledad , Ramsey Janine , Losada Galván Irene , Schijman Alejandro Gabriel , González Martínez Adriana , Mariano Ruiz Andrés , Rojas Gimena , Magalhães Saraiva Roberto , Noya-González Oscar , Gómez Andrea , Maldonado Rosa A. , Pinto Jimmy , Torrico Faustino , Scandale Ivan , Agüero Fernán , Pinazo María-Jesús , Gascón Joaquim , Hasslocher-Moreno Alejandro Marcel , Alonso-Padilla Julio ,   On behalf of the NHEPACHA Network (New Tools for the Diagnosis and Evaluation of Chagas Disease)
Published: August 2024

Chagas disease, caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, affects over 6 million people, mainly in Latin America. Two different clinical phases, acute and chronic, are recognised. Currently, 2 anti-parasitic drugs are available to treat the disease (nifurtimox and benznidazole), but diagnostic methods require of a relatively complex infrastructure and trained personnel, limiting its widespread use in endemic areas, and the access of patients to treatment. New diagnostic methods, such as rapid tests (RDTs) to diagnose chronic Chagas disease, or loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), to detect acute infections, represent valuable alternatives, but the parasite’s remarkable genetic diversity might make its implementation difficult. Furthermore, determining the efficacy of Chagas disease treatment is complicated, given the slow reversion of serological anti-T. cruzi antibody reactivity, which may even take decades to occur. New biomarkers to evaluate early therapeutic efficacy, as well as diagnostic tests able to detect the wide variety of circulating genotypes, are therefore, urgently required. To carry out studies that address these needs, high-quality and traceable samples from T. cruzi-infected individuals with different geographical backgrounds, along with associated clinical and epidemiological data, are necessary. This work describes the framework for the creation of such repositories, following standardised and uniform protocols, and considering the ethical, technical, and logistic aspects of the process. The manual can be adapted according to the resources of each laboratory, to guarantee that samples are obtained in a reproducible way, favouring the exchange of data among different work groups, and their generalizable evaluation and analysis. The main objective of this is to accelerate the development of new diagnostic methods and the identification of biomarkers for Chagas disease.
A standardized clinical database for research in Chagas disease: The NHEPACHA network
Authors: González Martínez Adriana , Losada-Galván Irene , Gabaldón-Figueira Juan Carlos , Martínez-Peinado Nieves , Saraiva Roberto Magalhães , Fernández Marisa Liliana , Ramsey Janine M. , Noya-González Oscar , Alarcón de Noya Belkisyole , Schijman Alejandro Gabriel , Berón Soledad , Abril Marcelo , Gascón Joaquim , Sosa-Estani Sergio , Pinazo María Jesús , Alonso-Padilla Julio , Hasslocher-Moreno Alejandro Marcel ,   On behalf of the NHEPACHA network (Nuevas Herramientas para el diagnóstico y la evaluación del paciente con enfermedad de Chagas)
Published: August 2024

The NHEPACHA Iberoamerican Network, founded on the initiative of a group of researchers from Latin American countries and Spain, aims to establish a research framework for Chagas disease that encompasses diagnosis and treatment. For this purpose, the network has created a questionnaire to gather relevant data on epidemiological, clinical, diagnostic, and therapeutic aspects of the disease. This questionnaire was developed based on a consensus of expert members of the network, with the intention of collecting high-quality standardized data, which can be used interchangeably by the different research centers that make up the NHEPACHA network. Furthermore, the network intends to offer a clinical protocol that can be embraced by other researchers, facilitating comparability among published studies, as well as the development of therapeutic response and progression markers.
An enhanced round robin using dynamic time quantum for real-time asymmetric burst length processes in cloud computing environment
Authors: Zohora Most. Fatematuz , Farhin Fahiba , Kaiser M. Shamim
Published: August 2024

Cloud computing is a popular, flexible, scalable, and cost-effective technology in the modern world that provides on-demand services dynamically. The dynamic execution of user requests and resource-sharing facilities require proper task scheduling among the available virtual machines, which is a significant issue and plays a crucial role in developing an optimal cloud computing environment. Round Robin is a prevalent scheduling algorithm for fair distribution of resources with a balanced contribution in minimized response time and turnaround time. This paper introduced a new enhanced round-robin approach for task scheduling in cloud computing systems. The proposed algorithm generates and keeps updating a dynamic quantum time for process execution, considering the available number of process in the system and their burst length. Since our method dynamically runs processes, it is appropriate for a real-time environment like cloud computing. The notable part of this approach is the capability of scheduling tasks with asymmetric distribution of burst time, avoiding the convoy effect. The experimental result indicates that the proposed algorithm has outperformed the existing improved round-robin task scheduling approaches in terms of minimized average waiting time, average turnaround time, and number of context switches. Comparing the method against five other enhanced round robin approaches, it reduced average waiting times by 15.77% and context switching by 20.68% on average. After executing the experiment and comparative study, it can be concluded that the proposed enhanced round-robin scheduling algorithm is optimal, acceptable, and relatively better suited for cloud computing environments.
Engineering receptor-binding domain and heptad repeat domains towards the development of multi-epitopes oral vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 variants
Authors: Arshad Nur Farhanah , Nordin Fariza Juliana , Foong Lian Chee , In Lionel Lian Aun , Teo Michelle Yee Mun
Published: August 2024

The inability of existing vaccines to cope with the mutation rate has highlighted the need for effective preventative strategies for COVID-19. Through the secretion of immunoglobulin A, mucosal delivery of vaccines can effectively stimulate mucosal immunity for better protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection. In this study, various immunoinformatic tools were used to design a multi-epitope oral vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 based on its receptor-binding domain (RBD) and heptad repeat (HR) domains. T and B lymphocyte epitopes were initially predicted from the RBD and HR domains of SARS-CoV-2, and potential antigenic, immunogenic, non-allergenic, and non-toxic epitopes were identified. Epitopes that are highly conserved and have no significant similarity to human proteome were selected. The epitopes were joined with appropriate linkers, and an adjuvant was added to enhance the vaccine efficacy. The vaccine 3D structure constructs were docked with toll-like receptor 4 (TLR-4) and TLR1-TLR2, and the binding affinity was calculated. The designed multi-epitope vaccine construct (MEVC) consisted of 33 antigenic T and B lymphocyte epitopes. The results of molecular dockings and free binding energies confirmed that the MEVC effectively binds to TLR molecules, and the complexes were stable. The results suggested that the designed MEVC is a potentially safe and effective oral vaccine against SARS-CoV-2. This in silico study presents a novel approach for creating an oral multi-epitope vaccine against the rapidly evolving SARS-CoV-2 variants. These findings offer valuable insights for developing an effective strategy to combat COVID-19. Further preclinical and clinical studies are required to confirm the efficacy of the MEVC vaccine.
The quorum sensing regulator RhlR positively controls the expression of the type III secretion system in Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1
Authors: Montelongo-Martínez Luis Fernando , Díaz-Guerrero Miguel , Flores-Vega Verónica Roxana , Soto-Aceves Martín Paolo , Rosales-Reyes Roberto , Quiroz-Morales Sara Elizabeth , González-Pedrajo Bertha , Soberón-Chávez Gloria , Cocotl-Yañez Miguel
Published: August 2024

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunist bacterium that causes acute and chronic infections. During acute infections, the type III secretion system (T3SS) plays a pivotal role in allowing the bacteria to translocate effectors such as ExoS, ExoT, and ExoY into host cells for colonization. Previous research on the involvement of quorum sensing systems Las and Rhl in controlling the T3SS gene expression produced ambiguous results. In this study, we determined the role of the Las and Rhl systems and the PqsE protein on T3SS expression. Our results show that in the wild-type PAO1 strain, the deletion of lasR or pqsE do not affect the secretion of ExoS. However, rhlI inactivation increases the expression of T3SS genes. In contrast to the rhlI deletion, rhlR inactivation decreases both T3SS genes expression and ExoS secreted protein levels, and this phenotype is restored when this mutant is complemented with the exsA gene, which codes for the master regulator of the T3SS. Additionally, cytotoxicity is affected in the rhlR mutant strain compared with its PAO1 parental strain. Overall, our results indicate that neither the Las system nor PqsE are involved in regulating the T3SS. Moreover, the Rhl system components have opposite effects, RhlI participates in negatively controlling the T3SS expression, while RhlR does it in a positive way, and this regulation is independent of C4 or PqsE. Finally, we show that rhlR, rhlI, or pqsE inactivation abolished pyocyanin production in T3SS-induction conditions. The ability of RhlR to act as a positive T3SS regulator in the absence of its cognate autoinducer and PqsE shows that it is a versatile regulator that controls different virulence traits allowing P. aeruginosa to compete for a niche.
GPT-4 as an X data annotator: Unraveling its performance on a stance classification task
Authors: Liyanage Chandreen R. , Gokani Ravi , Mago Vijay
Published: August 2024

Data annotation in NLP is a costly and time-consuming task, traditionally handled by human experts who require extensive training to enhance the task-related background knowledge. Besides, labeling social media texts is particularly challenging due to their brevity, informality, creativity, and varying human perceptions regarding the sociocultural context of the world. With the emergence of GPT models and their proficiency in various NLP tasks, this study aims to establish a performance baseline for GPT-4 as a social media text annotator. To achieve this, we employ our own dataset of tweets, expertly labeled for stance detection with full inter-rater agreement among three annotators. We experiment with three techniques: Zero-shot, Few-shot, and Zero-shot with Chain-of-Thoughts to create prompts for the labeling task. We utilize four training sets constructed with different label sets, including human labels, to fine-tune transformer-based large language models and various combinations of traditional machine learning models with embeddings for stance classification. Finally, all fine-tuned models undergo evaluation using a common testing set with human-generated labels. We use the results from models trained on human labels as the benchmark to assess GPT-4’s potential as an annotator across the three prompting techniques. Based on the experimental findings, GPT-4 achieves comparable results through the Few-shot and Zero-shot Chain-of-Thoughts prompting methods. However, none of these labeling techniques surpass the top three models fine-tuned on human labels. Moreover, we introduce the Zero-shot Chain-of-Thoughts as an effective strategy for aspect-based social media text labeling, which performs better than the standard Zero-shot and yields results similar to the high-performing yet expensive Few-shot approach.
Detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis from tongue swabs using sonication and sequence-specific hybridization capture
Authors: Yan Alexander J. , Olson Alaina M. , Weigel Kris M. , Luabeya Angelique K. , Heiniger Erin , Hatherill Mark , Cangelosi Gerard A. , Yager Paul
Published: August 2024

Tongue swabs hold promise as a non-invasive sample for diagnosing tuberculosis (TB). However, their utility as replacements for sputum has been limited by their varied diagnostic performance in PCR assays compared to sputum. The use of silica-based DNA extraction methods may limit sensitivity due to incomplete lysis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) cells and co-extraction of non-target nucleic acid, which may inhibit PCR. Specificity may also be compromised because these methods are labor-intensive and prone to cross-contamination. To address these limitations, we developed a sample preparation method that combines sonication for MTB lysis and a sequence-specific MTB DNA capture method using hybridization probes immobilized on magnetic beads. In spiked tongue swabs, our hybridization capture method demonstrated a 100-fold increase in MTB DNA yield over silica-based Qiagen DNA extraction and ethanol precipitation. In a study conducted on clinical samples from South Africa, our protocol had 74% (70/94) sensitivity and 98% (41/42) specificity for detecting active pulmonary TB with sputum Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra as the reference standard. While hybridization capture did not show improved sensitivity over Qiagen DNA extraction and ethanol precipitation, it demonstrated better specificity than previously reported methods and was easier to perform. With integration into point-of-care platforms, these strategies have the potential to help enable rapid non-sputum-based TB diagnosis across key underserved patient populations.
Impact of blood meals taken on ivermectin-treated livestock on survival and egg production of the malaria vector Anopheles coluzzii under laboratory conditions
Authors: Pooda Sié Hermann , Hien Domonbabele François de Salle , Pagabeleguem Soumaïla , Heinrich Andre Patrick , Porciani Angélique , Sagna André Barembaye , Zela Lamidi , Percoma Lassane , Lefèvre Thierry , Dabiré Roch Kounbobr , Koffi Amnan Alphonsine , Düring Rolf-Alexander , Pennetier Cédric , Moiroux Nicolas , Mouline Karine
Published: August 2024

Treatment of livestock with endectocides such as ivermectin is viewed as a complementary vector control approach to address residual transmission of malaria. However, efficacy of this treatment may vary between animal species. Hence, our purpose was to investigate the effects of ivermectin treatments of common livestock species on life history traits of the opportunistic malaria vector Anopheles coluzzii. Sheep, goats and pigs were treated using injectable veterinary ivermectin formulation at the species-specific doses (recommended dose for all species and high dose in pig). Mosquito batches were exposed to treated and control (not injected) animals at different days after treatment. Daily mosquito mortality was recorded and fecundity assessed through the count of gravid females and the number of eggs they developed. The recommended dose of ivermectin induced a significant decrease in mosquito survival for up to 7 days after injection (DAI), with a decrease of 89.7%, 66.7%, and 48.4% in treated pigs, goats and sheep, respectively, compared to control animals. In treated pigs, the triple therapeutic dose decreased mosquito survival of 68.97% relatively to controls up to 14 DAI. The average number in gravid females Anopheles that survived after feeding on treated animals were reduced when blood-meals were taken on sheep (2.57% and 42.03% at 2 and 7 DAI), or on goats (decrease of the 28.28% and 73.64% respectively at 2 and 7 DAI). This study shows that ivermectin treatments to animals negatively impacts An. coluzzii life history traits and could reduce vector densities in areas where livestock live near humans. However, due to short-term efficacy of single dose treatments, repeated treatments and potentially increased dosages would be required to span the transmission season. The use of long-acting ivermectin formulations is discussed as a mean for extending efficacy while remaining cost effective.
Development of Laminated Knitted Fabrics with Improved Performance Properties for Automotive Upholstery
Authors: Özcan Berber Reyhan , Marmaralı Arzu , Ertekin Gözde
Published: August 2024

The aim of this study was to develop car seat fabrics with better thermal properties than the conventional automotive upholstery fabrics currently used in cars. For this purpose, knitted fabrics were produced using three different special polyester yarns, with high thermal properties and produced in three different fabric structures, to determine the effects of material type and fabric structure. Conventional polyester yarn was also used for comparison purposes. In order to examine the performance properties of the upholstery fabrics in real conditions, the fabrics were laminated with foam and scrim. The automotive upholstery laminated fabrics were then tested for various performance and thermal properties. The results revealed that all samples met the requirements of automotive upholstery performance tests. In addition, the laminated fabric knitted with Type C yarn using an eyelet-12 structure demonstrated the best thermal properties. This laminated fabric could be suggested for car seats due to its higher thermal conductivity, higher air permeability, good water vapour permeability, and lighter, thinner structure.
THE L(2,1)-LABELING OF MONGOLIAN TENT, LOBSTER, TRIANGULAR SNAKE, AND KAYAK PADDLE GRAPH
Authors: Ningrum Lisa Damayanti , Abrar Ahmad Muchlas
Published: August 2024

Let G = (V,E) be a simple graph. L(2, 1)−labeling defined as a functionf : V (G) → N0 such that, x and y are two adjacent vertices in V, then if x andy are adjacent to each other, |f(y) − f(x)| ≥ 2 and if x and y have the distance 2,|f(y) − f(x)| ≥ 1. The L(2, 1)-labeling number of G, called λ2,1(G), is the smallestnumbermof G. In this paper, we will further discuss the L(2, 1)-labeling of mongoliantent, lobster, triangular snake, and kayak paddle.Keywords: L(2,1)-Labeling, mongolian tent, lobster, triangular snake, kayak paddle.
Study of natural antagonists of potato cyst nematode “Globodera sp.” in west Algeria: Nematological analysis
Authors: Boubkar Ahlem Yasmina , Righi Kada , Mokrani Slimane
Published: August 2024

Potato (Solanum tuberosum) is among the most dominant crops in Algeria. However, it is confronted by many pests like potato cyst nematodes (PCN) Globodera sp. It is among the most important pests that can cause enormous damage and loss of yield each year. This study highlighted morpho-identification and PCN density in 4 different regions of west Algeria, including Tiaret, Saida, Mascara and El Bayadh as well as its association with some microorganisms (bacteria identified by Maldi-TOF-MS method) and fungi (identified by macroscopic and microscopic examinations) that might have biological control activity on PCN. Identification of 8 bacterial isolates by MALDI-TOF-MS technique revealed that 50 % of isolated bacteria belong to the genus Bacillus; B. megaterium for the isolates B15 with a score of 1.994 and B1 with a score of 1.882 and B. cereus for the isolate B20 the score value is 1.892 and 50 % to the genus Pseudomonas with different score values; P1 for a score of 2.294 identify as P. fulva P4 showed a score value of 1.974 to P. corrugata, P2 with a score of 2.148 P. stutzeri and P3 with a score of 2.009, P. kilonensis. Macroscopic and microscopic examination of fungal flora revealed high diversity: 7 orders were isolated, among which the most frequent were Trichocomaceae (30 %) and Pleosporaceae (22 %), while the less frequent were Pythiaceae (5 %) and Davidiellaceae (5 %). The genus Aspergillus recorded a frequency of 59.38 % and the genus Penicillium sp. was detected in 46.88 % of the cyst populations studied.
Integrated disease management of Rhizoctonia Blight of Groundnut caused by Rhizoctonia solani
Authors: Pranaballava Sahani , Gayatri Biswal , Mihira Kumar Mishra , Shyama Sundar Mahapatra , Abhiram Dash , Jayanta Kumar Mahalik , Kartik Chandra Pradhan , Sweta Shikta Mahapatra , Debashis Dash
Published: August 2024

Groundnut (Arachis hypogea L.) is among the world's principal oilseed crops. Millions of small farmers cultivate it as a valuable cash crop because of its nutritional and economic value. Rhizoctonia Blight of Groundnut caused by Rhizoctonia solani, is the most destructive disease that causes huge economic losses in most of the groundnut growing regions. An integrated management strategy was used to combine the use of bio-control agents, organic amendments, and fungicides alone as well as in combinations with various delivery methods. The results revealed that application of Neem seed cake to the soil @ 500 kg/ha + application of Mustard seed cake to the soil @ 500 kg/ha + treatment of seeds with Tebuconazole @ 1.5g/kg of seed + treatment of seeds with T. asperellum @ 10g/kg of seed was found to be effective with the lowest PDI (17.00 %), maximum germination percentage (97.10%), shoot length (35.3 cm), root length (9.83 cm), number of pods per plant (30.00) and pod yield (3978.86 kg ha-1) with the highest Benefit-Cost ratio (B:C ratio) of 4.60, followed by application of Neem seed cake to the soil @ 500 kg/ha + application of Mustard seed cake to the soil @ 500 kg/ha + treatment of seeds with T. asperellum @ 10g/kg of seed with PDI (19.2 %), germination percentage (94.7 %), shoot length (30.6cm), root length (9.61cm), number of pods per plant (27.00) and pod yield (3490.44kg ha-1) with the Benefit-Cost ratio (B:C ratio) of 3.96. All the treatments showed effectiveness in controlling the disease to some extent, but better control and increased yield were recorded in combination treatments compared to single treatments.