bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
To build a fire
Authors: Sugiyama Michelle Scalise
Published: November 2024

Control of fire had profound impacts on human evolution; survival in the foraging niche depends heavily on mastery of fire technology for warmth and illumination, hunting and warfare, healing and hygiene, cooking and preserving food, and repelling insects and predators, among other things. Significantly, stories about the acquisition of fire occur in many forager societies, and often exhibit a similar plot structure, with anthropomorphic animals as the main characters. This plot entails the theft of fire by those who lack it because those who possess it refuse to share. Given that many foraging peoples regard their myths as teachings, these narratives may encode local knowledge critical to producing and using fire, as well as social norms related to resource sharing. Additionally, the anthropomorphic characters may encode information about animal traits. If so, we would expect fire acquisition narratives to contain references to: 1) materials for making fire; 2) locations where fire-making materials can be found; 3) fire-making procedures; 4) different uses of fire; (5) fire behaviour and properties; 6) hazards associated with fire use; 7) animal traits; 8) resource hoarding; 9) resource theft; and 10) social norms pertaining to hoarding and theft. To test these predictions, a sample of forager fire myths was analysed for the presence of this information. Results indicate that, across diverse forager cultures, fire acquisition narratives regularly encode local pyrotechnical and zoological knowledge.
The formation of natural persons and diversity of attachment relationships in hunter-gatherer child-rearing
Authors: Takada Akira
Published: November 2024

With a variety of conceptual intersections such as those of natural persons (ie people in their natural state), individual development, and socialisation, scholars have utilised examples of child-rearing practices in hunter-gatherer societies as a proxy for better understanding human origins in the dual sense of society and the individual. Significant diversity in child-rearing practices have been documented in a wide variety of hunter-gatherer populations. In particular, a range of forms of early childhood attachment has provoked active debates about humans’ original parenting practices and what might be considered natural for human child-rearing practices. No society represents living fossils of our ancestors nor can be seen as a singular representative for all human child-rearing practices in the past and present. Nevertheless, much can be learned about possible child-rearing practices in human history through the careful consideration of ethnographic data from modern foraging societies. Taking up the author’s studies of gymnastic behaviours (a series of behaviours displayed by caregivers such as holding infants on their laps early and often, holding them in a standing position, or moving them up and down) among San groups, this paper reconsiders the attachment relationships as a more dynamic system involving many people, based on intimate responsiveness. Gymnastic behaviours are performed by various caregivers, not only the mother, among San groups. Gymnastic behaviours thereby situate infants within a network of relationships with those around them long before they begin to use cognitive tools such as language to understand and engage in social situations. Flexibility and plasticity, which characterise child-rearing in hunter-gatherer societies, may also underlie parenting in other past and present societies. While most child-rearing practices, including gymnastic behaviours, might have left no archaeological trace, better understanding regarding who engages, and how, in a wide range of child-rearing practices in the present provides valuable insights for interpreting the archaeological record. The analysis of gymnastic behaviours among groups of the San indicates that rather than a singular focus on mother–infant relationships, non-maternal or allo-maternal care of infants might better reflect the flexibility and plasticity of child-rearing practices in human societies.
Children as playful artists
Authors: Wisher Izzy , Riede Felix , Matthews John , Pagnotta Murillo , Tylén Kristian
Published: November 2024

Children’s agential behaviours in the archaeological record have often been overlooked. Despite efforts to centre children in the past through ‘an archaeology of childhood’, there remains a fundamental challenge of rigorously distinguishing children’s behaviours from those of adults. In Upper Palaeolithic art, this has been addressed through the analysis of anatomical measurements of traces produced by hands and figures, demonstrating that children were often engaging in artistic behaviours. However, the dependency on anatomical measurements limits the cases for Upper Palaeolithic children’s art. We here integrate developmental psychological research on children’s drawings into a framework within which children’s art in the Upper Palaeolithic record can be identified, without needing to rely on anatomical measurements. This work emphasises the intangible dimensions of narrative and play inherent within modern children’s art making behaviours as a starting point for understanding children as artists in the Upper Palaeolithic. Focusing on a case study of the
Panel of the Masks
from Las Monedas cave (Cantabria, Spain), this approach is demonstrated to have significant potential in both detecting children’s art and appreciating the playful nature of its making. We further propose ways that this approach can be employed to identify additional cases of children’s art in the Upper Palaeolithic record through specific methods that facilitate in-depth analysis of the properties of possible cases of children’s art.
Toward a Unified Injection Model of Short-lived Radioisotopes in N-body Simulations of Star-forming Regions
Authors: Eatson Joseph W. , Parker Richard J. , Lichtenberg Tim
Published: November 2024

Recent research provides compelling evidence that the decay of short-lived radioisotopes (SLRs), such as 26Al, provided the bulk of energy for heating and desiccation of volatile-rich planetesimals in the early solar system. However, it remains unclear whether the early solar system was highly enriched relative to other planetary systems with similar formation characteristics. While the solar system possesses an elevated level of SLR enrichment compared to the interstellar medium, determining SLR enrichment of individual protoplanetary disks observationally has not been performed and is markedly more difficult. We use N-body simulations to estimate enrichment of SLRs in star-forming regions through two likely important SLR sources: stellar winds from massive stars and supernovae (SNae). We vary the number of stars and the radii of the star-forming regions and implement two models of stellar-wind SLR propagation for the radioisotopes 26Al and 60Fe. We find that for 26Al enrichment the solar system is at the upper end of the expected distribution, while for the more SNae-dependent isotope 60Fe we find that the solar system is comparatively very highly enriched. Furthermore, combined with our previous research, these results suggest that the statistical role of 26Al-driven desiccation on exoplanet bulk composition may be underestimated in typical interpretations of the low-mass exoplanet census, and that 60Fe is even less influential as a source of heating than previously assumed.
Stellar Pulsation and Evolution: A Combined Theoretical Renewal and Updated Models (SPECTRUM). I. Updating Radiative Opacities for Pulsation Models of Classical Cepheid and RR-Lyrae
Authors: De Somma Giulia , Marconi Marcella , Cassisi Santi , Molinaro Roberto
Published: November 2024

Pulsating stars are universally recognized as precise distance indicators and tracers of stellar populations. Their variability, combined with well-defined relationships between pulsation properties and intrinsic evolutionary parameters such as luminosity, mass, and age, makes them essential for understanding galactic evolution and retrieving star formation histories. Therefore, accurate modeling of pulsating stars is crucial for using them as standard candles and stellar population tracers. This is the first paper in the “Stellar Pulsation and Evolution: a Combined Theoretical Renewal and Updated Models” project, which aims to present an update of Stellingwerf’s hydrodynamical pulsation code, by adopting the latest radiative opacity tables commonly used in stellar evolution community. We assess the impact of this update on pulsation properties, such as periods, instability strip topology, and light-curve shapes, as well as on period–Wesenheit and period–luminosity relations for Classical Cepheids and RR Lyrae stars, comparing the results with those derived using older opacity data. Our results indicate that the opacity update introduces only minor changes: instability strip boundary locations shift by no more than 100 K in effective temperature, and pulsation periods vary within 1σ compared to previous evaluations. Light curves exhibit slight differences in shape and amplitude. Consequently, the theoretical calibration of the Cepheid- or RRL-based extragalactic distance scale remains largely unaffected by the opacity changes. However, achieving consistency in opacity tables between stellar evolution and pulsation codes is a significant step toward a homogeneous and self-consistent stellar evolution and pulsation framework.
An Extreme Radio Fluctuation of Pulsar B1929+10
Authors: Wang Zhengli , Cao Shunshun , Lu Jiguang , Liu Yulan , Shi Xun , Jiang Jinchen , Liang Enwei , Wang Weiyang , Xu Heng , Xu Renxin
Published: November 2024

We report the detection of an extreme flux decrease accompanied by clear dispersion measure (DM) and rotation measure (RM) variations for pulsar B1929+10 during the 110 minute radio observation with the Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical radio Telescope. The radio flux decreases by 2–3 orders of magnitude within a rapid timescale of about 20 minutes. Meanwhile, the variations of DM and RM are approximately 0.05 pc cm−3 and 0.7 rad m−2, respectively. Frequency-dependent analysis of DM indicates an extremely weak chromatic DM feature, which does not notably affect the radiative behavior detected. Moreover, the pulsar timing analysis shows an additional time delay from 100 μs to 400 μs in the event. These results are speculated to be due to the eclipse and bend for the radio emission of pulsar B1929+10 by a highly dense outflow from the pulsar. This not only impacts the intrinsic radio emission feature but also affects the pulsar timing behavior. Nevertheless, a plasma lens effect lasting around 20 minutes could also be responsible for the event.
Composition and Provenance of the Chang′e-6 Lunar Samples: Insights from the Simulation of the Impact Gardening Process
Authors: Su Yanze , Xu Luyuan , Zhu Meng-Hua , Cui Xing-Li
Published: November 2024

In 2024 June, China’s Chang′e-6 (CE-6) mission successfully returned 1935.3 grams of samples from the lunar farside for the first time. The origin and composition of the unique samples could offer valuable insights into fundamental questions on the Moon’s evolutional history. Besides the local materials of mare basalts, a certain quantity of foreign ejecta materials are expected in the samples, while their percentage was mostly overestimated since the influence of impact gardening was not fully considered. In this study, we model the impact gardening process surrounding the CE-6 landing site by numerical simulations. Our simulations show that impact gardening played a key role in overturning the local materials and diluting the foreign ones in the top-meters-deep layer at the landing site. About 90% of the CE-6 drilled samples, which were sampled within the top ∼1 m deep layer, are predicted to be the local intermediate-Ti mare basalts originating in the deeper area of 1–60 m, and the underlying low-Ti basalts may make up <1%. The foreign materials in the CE-6 drilled samples likely constitute a minor portion, with an abundance of ∼3.0%. As the primary contributor (∼2.1%) of foreign materials, Chaffee S ejecta may contain lunar mantle materials excavated by the South Pole–Aitken basin.
Observational Signatures of Dust Traffic Jams in Polar-aligning Circumbinary Disks
Authors: Smallwood Jeremy L. , Nealon Rebecca , Yen Hsi-Wei , Pinte Christophe , Longarini Cristiano , Aly Hossam , Lin Min-Kai
Published: November 2024

Misaligned circumbinary disks will produce dust traffic jams during alignment or antialignment to the binary orbital plane. We conduct a hydrodynamical simulation of an initially misaligned circumbinary disk undergoing polar alignment with multiple dust species. Due to differential precession between the gas and dust components, multiple dust traffic jams are produced within the disk during polar alignment. The radial locations of the dust traffic jams depend on the Stokes number of the grains, which depends on grain size. We compute the dust temperature structure using postprocessing radiative transfer to produce continuum images at centimeter wavelengths. Multiple distinct rings emerge in the continuum images, corresponding to the dust traffic jams. The angular resolution of upcoming observations from the Square Kilometre Array and the next-generation Very Large Array will be sufficient to detect centimeter-sized grains in protoplanetary disks and resolve the widths of dust traffic jams. Therefore, dust traffic jams resulting from the differential precession of gas and dust in misaligned circumbinary disks will be a prime target for more extended wavelength observations.
Thermophysical Diversity of Young Lunar Crater Ejecta Revealed with LRO Diviner Observations
Authors: Gallinger Cailin L. , Williams Jean-Pierre , Neish Catherine D. , Powell Tyler M. , Elder Catherine M. , Ghent Rebecca R. , Hayne Paul O. , Paige David A.
Published: November 2024

Young (<1 Ga) craters on the Moon are known to host diverse mixtures of ejecta with varying spectral and physical properties. In this work, we examine 13 yr of bolometric surface temperature data from the Diviner Lunar Radiometer on board the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter over the ejecta blankets of 10 lunar craters of varying sizes (D = 5–43 km) and ages (<10 to ∼200 Ma) to study the spatial variation in their thermophysical characteristics. We find that a one-dimensional thermal model with two free parameters—the bottom-layer bulk density, ρ

d
, and the transition height between the surface and bottom-layer densities, H—is able to accurately fit these data over our study regions, in contrast to previous models that assumed a constant ρ

d
. Based on the best-fit model parameters, young crater ejecta can be divided into three classes: (1) “blocky” regions with a high abundance of boulders >1 m in diameter, (2) “clastic” ejecta with varying levels of vertical density stratification, and (3) “impact melts” with high thermal inertia materials buried under a layer of less dense material. These thermophysically derived classes correlate strongly with observed morphology in high-resolution images and polarimetric signatures in decimeter-wavelength radar, and their thermophysical properties evolve distinctly with crater age. This technique represents the first time impact melt in many forms can be quantitatively distinguished by its physical properties from other types of ejecta using remote-sensing data and could have applications in validating models of impact ejecta production and deposition.
Morphological and molecular identification of Hymenolepis spp. in Rattus rattus and children with diarrhea from Upper Egypt
Authors: Abd-Elrahman Menna-Tala Zakaria , Sayed Amal SM , Younes Doaa Abdelhafez , Ahmed Alam El-Din Mohamed Abdallah , Alghamdi Samia Qasem , Saleh Amira A , Alzaylaee Hind , El-khadragy Manal F , Kotb Elmahallawy Ehab
Published: November 2024

Introduction: Hymenolepiasis remains among the most common parasitic zoonoses in developing countries. Little information is available about hymenolepiasis in children in Upper Egypt and rodents’ contribution to maintaining the disease`s epidemiology.
Methodology: A cross-sectional study was carried out to investigate the occurrence of Hymenolepis spp. in Rattus rattus and children in Asyut Governorate, Egypt. Rodents (n = 100) were randomly trapped from various localities in Asyut Governorate, and stool samples from 120 children were collected from the same localities. Laboratory examination of the collected samples involved investigation of the small intestine of R. rattus for adult worm detection by morphological examination, followed by examination of stool samples of children using direct smear, formol-ether sedimentation technique, and Sheather’s sugar flotation technique. Confirmation of Hymenolepis spp. positive samples were performed using polymerase chain reaction targeting the internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS-1) and restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP).
Results: This study revealed the occurrence of Hymenolepis spp. in 45% of the examined R. rattus, comprising 43% positivity for H. diminuta and 2% for mixed infection by H. nana and H. diminuta. Hymenolepis nana was detected in 28.3% of the examined children. PCR–RFLP confirmed these findings, showing 100% sensitivity. Collectively, these findings reveal the potential contribution of R. rattus as an important reservoir for Hymenolepis infection in Upper Egypt.
Conclusions: This study concluded that personal education, periodical deworming of children, rodent control, and hygienic measures should be implemented by governmental and nongovernmental organizations to reduce the incidence of infection.
Demographic and epidemiological characteristics of COVID-19 epidemic in Albania
Authors: Gaxhja Elona , Koja Gjergji , Elezi Brunilda , Rada Elvin , Hidri Shkelqim
Published: November 2024

Introduction: This study provides a general overview of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in Albania. The aim was to assess the spread of COVID-19 in the country by describing the demographic and epidemiological characteristics.
Methodology: We performed a 12-month national observational, epidemiological study. The data were extracted from the national digital system of Infectious Diseases Information and included all reported COVID-19 cases. Demographic data, number of tests, number of confirmed positive cases, and number of deaths were analyzed to build a general overview of the pandemic in Albania.
Results: The database comprised 251,139 tested individuals and 250,926 were reported as confirmed cases. The average age of the tested cases was 44.83 years; 19.8% of the studied individuals were 51–60 years old and this group had the highest proportion (51.7%) of females. The estimated prevalence of COVID-19 in Albania was 51.31% (110,397 cases). Tirana, the capital of Albania, had the highest percentage of COVID-19 positive cases (44.9%) with an incidence rate 3,879.02 individuals/100,000 inhabitants. The COVID-19 curve reached its peak in February 2021 with 54,046 cases. The mortality rate was 1.18/1000 inhabitants.
Conclusions: This demographic and epidemiological analysis provides a better understanding of the COVID-19 pandemic, and. the findings can contribute towards perception and re-investigation of the spread of COVID-19 in Albania, However, further studies covering longer periods and deeper analysis are needed for developing an epidemiological mathematical model, as a tool to develop and implement specific strategies for monitoring future pandemics.
Comparison of clinical and para-clinical characteristics between children and adults with the Omicron variant of COVID-19
Authors: Peng Yuchen , Shi Yufei , Zhu Wentao , Li Xiaopeng , Fu Jiwei , Wu Xincheng , Shi Pei , Wu Xiaoping
Published: November 2024

Introduction: The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Omicron variant is associated with higher transmissibility, but lower disease severity, compared to some other variants. However, its exact pathogenicity among children is still largely unknown. This study was conducted to determine the differences in clinical characteristics between children and adults infected with this variant.
Methodology: A total of 327 Omicron-infected patients admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, between 7 December 2022 and 10 March 2023 were retrospectively evaluated. They were divided into two groups: children (0–18 years, n = 149) and adults (> 18 years, n = 178). Differences in clinical classifications, symptoms, imaging features, biochemical markers, and positive nucleic acid test durations were compared between the groups.
Results: Age had a significant impact on children in terms of clinical classifications (p < 0.05). Fever was the most common symptom among children (123/149), while coughing (151/178) was the most common among adults. The adults also had higher frequencies for pathological imaging features. The children had significantly higher white blood cell counts, and lymphocyte counts, while the adults had higher neutrophil percentages and C-reactive protein. Positive nucleic acid test durations were shorter among the children, compared to the adults. The children also had higher cumulative negative conversion and improvement rates (p < 0.05).
Conclusions: Overall, children with Omicron had milder clinical classifications, significantly different symptoms and biochemical indices, as well as lower occurrence of pathological imaging features and shorter positive nucleic acid test durations, compared to adults.
The impact of HIV antiretroviral therapy on gut microbiota: the need for well-designed longitudinal studies
Authors: Dolo Oumar , Coulibaly Fousseini , Somboro Anou M , Fofana Djeneba B , Togo Josue , Balde Aliou , Diallo Dramane , Maiga Aminata , Diarra Bassirou , Murphy Robert L , Balam Saidou , Holl Jane , Sylla Mariam , Maiga Mamoudou , Maiga Almoustapha I
Published: November 2024

Introduction: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection remains a major public health concern despite a significant decline in HIV-related mortality and morbidity. These significant advances are linked mostly to effective antiretroviral therapy (ART). However, these treatments are not without consequences on other microorganisms in our body, especially when they must be used for life. Balanced gut microbiota is essential for maintaining human health through symbiotic relationship with the host cells.
Aims and methodology: This review focuses on ART and its potential impact on the intestinal microbial population of HIV-infected individuals. Therefore, we retrieved studies focusing on the impact of HIV ART on the gut microbiota, that were published from 2010 to 2021.
Results: It was observed that most studies on HIV ART and associated gut microbiota have been cross-sectional, and the findings, in general, showed significant damages caused by the ART to the gut microbial community (dysbiosis), with the impact varying in different studies. These changes also revealed dysfunction in microbial translocation and some immune markers, including T lymphocyte rates and the overall inflammation balance.
Conclusions: There are significant gaps in our understanding of the impact of HIV ART on gut microbiota. Thus, a longitudinal study is likely needed with a considerable sample size from different settings and classes of ART to better understand the impact of HIV ART on the gut microbiota, and develop remedial (restorative) and adjunctive host-directed strategies during HIV ART.
Identification of lipid metabolism-related biomarkers and prognostic analysis in geriatric patients with sepsis
Authors: Bian Yeping , Xu Jian , Deng Xiaojing , Zhou Suming , Tong Jiayi
Published: November 2024

Introduction: This study aimed to find the lipid metabolism-associated biomarkers in geriatric patients with sepsis.
Methodology: The gene expression profiles of specimens from geriatric patients with sepsis were retrieved from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Differentially expressed genes were obtained via “limma” R package, and modules and genes highly associated with geriatric patients with sepsis were screened via “WGCNA” R package. The study also involved conducting enrichment analyses using Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes, as well as analyzing protein-protein interaction networks. The receiver operating characteristic curves were employed to determine the diagnostic values of hub genes.
Results: A total of 73 differentially expressed lipid metabolism-related genes (DELRGs) were retained from the 1,317 differentially expressed genes, 8,335 module genes, and 1,045 lipid metabolism-related genes. The Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes results showed that DELRGs were mostly related to lipid metabolism. We identified ten hub genes from the protein-protein interaction network of DELRGs. The result of receiver operating characteristic validation indicated that seven hub genes (PPARG, ACSL1, IRS2, PLA2G4A, ALOX5, SPTLC1, and JAK2) worked as the biomarkers of geriatric patients with sepsis. The prognostic nomogram suggested that the set of seven hub genes can be utilized to evaluate the mortality risk.
Conclusions: We screened seven lipid metabolism-related hub genes with diagnostic values. These molecules may exert a pivotal influence on the progression of sepsis in geriatric patients, as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
Identification, genotyping, and genomic comparison of Streptococcus porcinus isolated from diseased swine in Brazil
Authors: Matajira Carlos EC , Moreno Luisa Z , Poor Andre P , Monteiro Matheus S , Gomes Vasco TdM , Dutra Maurício C , Barbosa Mikaela RF , Sato Maria IZ , Moreno Andrea M
Published: November 2024

Introduction: Streptococcus porcinus is considered a zoonotic opportunistic pathogen for several animal species, including swine, and can cause systemic clinical conditions. There are morphological similarities between streptococcal species, leading to possible incorrect diagnosis and inappropriate treatment choice. Here, we describe the identification, and genotypic and genomic characterization of S. porcinus isolated from 5 adult sick pigs from Minas Gerais and São Paulo (Brazil) between 2010–2017.
Methodology: Streptococcus spp. strains were isolated from vaginal discharge, joint abscess, and brain tissue received for routine diagnosis. They were identified as S. porcinus by mass spectrometry and partial sequencing of the groEL gene. Genotypic characterization by amplified fragment length polymorphism was performed. In addition, the genome of one of the S. porcinus invasive strains was sequenced and comparative analyses were performed.
Results: Genotyping revealed that the nervous system and joint abscess invasive strains had higher genetic similarity and clustered separately from vaginal discharge strains. Genome sequencing of one of the invasive strains revealed the presence of genes conferring resistance to erythromycin, tetracycline, lincosamides, and macrolides. A high level of similarity of the Brazilian strain genome with British and American strains was found. However, these strains also presented higher variation in their accessory genomes.
Conclusions: The circulation of S. porcinus invasive and resistant strains, and the lack of its identification demands attention, posing a risk for animals and workers in the swine industry.
Effect of N-acetylcysteine on apoptosis and autophagy of macrophages infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Su Renchun , Qiao Min , Gao Tianhui , Gao Jingtao , Nie Lihui , Li Shanshan , Wang Yufeng , Pang Yu , Li Qi
Published: November 2024

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to observe the effect of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on oxidative stress (OS), intracellular Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) load, apoptosis, and autophagy of macrophages infected with H37Rv MTB. In addition, we explored the possible mechanism of action, to provide a rationale for the use of NAC in the treatment of tuberculosis.
Methodology: We divided THP-1 macrophages into four groups: control, control + NAC, H37Rv, and H37Rv + NAC. OS, apoptosis, autophagy and intracellular MTB colony-forming unit (CFU) indexes were measured at 0, 4, 24, and 48 hours, respectively. Then, various indicator changes were systematically compared.
Results: The levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), apoptosis rate, and LC3II/ β-actin ratio in the H37Rv group increased at 4 hours and reached their peak at 48 hours. The ROS and MDA in the H37Rv + NAC group were lower than those in the H37Rv group. CFU in the H37Rv + NAC group increased at 24 hours and decreased at 48 hours after treatment with NAC, relative to the H37Rv group. In addition, the H37Rv + NAC group showed a decrease in LC3II/β-actin ratio 48 hours after NAC treatment, compared to the H37Rv group.
Conclusions: MTB infection can lead to an increase in macrophage OS, apoptosis, and autophagy levels. However, after treatment with NAC, the growth of MTB in macrophages is inhibited, and OS and autophagy levels are reduced. The antioxidant effect and inhibitory effect of NAC on MTB are related to MTB-mediated macrophage OS and autophagy.
G1 and G2 variants of apolipoprotein L1 among Central African population in Trypanosoma brucei gambiense endemic rural area
Authors: Mupepe Dominique M , Wameso Marie-Noelle NL , Situakibanza Hippolyte N , Ekulu Pépé M , Makulo Jean Robert R , Kayembe Jean Marie N , Nkoy Agathe B , Mvibudulu Raggue ZM , Van den Heuvel Lambertus P , Levtchenko Elena N , Karume Kevin L , Bikoumou Victoire A , Buila Nathan B , Longo Benjamin M , Mumba Dieudonné N , M’Buyamba-Kabangu Jean René
Published: November 2024

Introduction: Apolipoprotein L1 (APOL1) risk variants (G1, G2) are known to enhance the protective ability against human African trypanosomiasis (HAT), in addition to their role in kidney and cardiovascular disease. The effects of these variants on trypanosome infection could differ regionally owing to local adaptations of the host and pathogen. This study explored APOL1 risk variants distribution in HAT-infected and non-infected populations from a rural Trypanosoma brucei gambiense (T. b. gambiense) endemic area in Central Africa.
Methodology: We conducted a cross-sectional study with 124 participants in Masimanimba, a HAT-endemic region in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Student’s and Pearson`s Chi-square test or Fisher’s exact tests were used as appropriate. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05, based on two-tailed test.
Results: 71 participants (57%) were infected by Trypanosoma, 65 (52%) of whom were symptomatic and 6 (5%) asymptomatic. The overall frequency of risk alleles was 16.5% for G1 and 8.8% for G2. Neither variant was associated with the susceptibility to T. b. gambiense infection (for G1: 19.7% vs. 26.4 %; OR: 0.68 [95% CI: 0.29–1.62], p = 0.394; for G2: 11.3% vs. 13.2% 0.83 [0.27–2.58], p = 0.786). All of the G2 variants were found in symptomatic patients
Conclusions: APOL1 variants are common in populations living in T. b. gambiense endemic areas of the DRC. Neither variant was associated with susceptibility to T. b. gambiense. The G2 variant was the only one associated with symptomatic HAT.
Uniform boundedness of $ (SL_2(\mathbb{C}))^{n} $ and $ (PSL_2(\mathbb{C}))^{n} $
Authors: Aseeri Fawaz
Published: November 2024

Let $ G $ be a group and $ S $ be a subset of $ G. $ We say that $ S $ normally generates $ G $ if $ G $ is the normal closure of $ S $ in $ G. $ In this situation, every element $ g\in G $ can be written as a product of conjugates of elements of $ S $ and their inverses. If $ S\subseteq G $ normally generates $ G, $ then the length $ \| g\|_{S}\in \mathbb{N} $ of $ g\in G $ with respect to $ S $ is the shortest possible length of a word in $ \text{Conj}_{G}(S^{\pm 1}): = \{h^{-1}sh | h\in G, s\in S \, \text{or} \, s{^{-1}}\in S \} $ expressing $ g. $ We write $ \|G\|_{S} = \text{sup}\{\|g\|_{S} \, |\, \, g\in G\} $ for any normally generating subset $ S $ of $ G. $ The conjugacy diameter of any group $ G $ is $ \Delta(G): = \sup\{ {\|G\|_{S}}\, \, | S\ \text{is a finite normally generating subset of } G \}. $ We say that $ G $ is uniformly bounded if $ \Delta(G) < \infty. $ This concept is a strengthening of boundedness. Motivated by previously known results approximating $ \Delta(G) $ for any algebraic group $ G, $ we find the exact values of the conjugacy diameters of the direct product of finitely many copies of $ SL_2(\mathbb{C}) $ and the direct product of finitely many copies of $ PSL_2(\mathbb{C}). $ We also prove that if $ G_1, \dots, G_n $ be quasisimple groups such that $ G_i $ is uniformly bounded for each $ i\in \{1, \dots, n\}, $ then $ G_1\times\dots \times G_n $ is uniformly bounded. This is also a generalization of some previously known results in the literature.
Improving process aspect of oral examination as assessment tool in undergraduate biochemistry by introducing structured oral examination: an observational study in India based on a survey among stakeholders
Authors: Loomba Rinchu , Jindal Nandita Maini
Published: November 2024

Purpose: The traditional method of oral examination, though a good tool for assessing the depth and breadth of student’s knowledge, has its shortcomings. A variable number of questions with variable difficulty levels by different examiners with different expectations can introduce bias in scores. The process aspect of oral examinations of first-year undergraduate medical students was improved by structuring them and by creating uniformity in the number, time, and difficulty level of questions for assessment, and feedback was taken regarding its acceptance as an improved tool of assessment.Methods: After finalizing the topics, questions from a viva viewpoint were structured and categorized into three difficulty levels covering all aspects of chosen topics validated by subject experts. The number of questions asked per difficulty level, time, and marks given to each question was pre-decided. After briefing the students, the structured viva was conducted, and feedback was taken from students and examiners.Results: The majority (87%) of first-year undergraduate students undertook the structured viva and filled in the feedback form. Nearly all students felt that the structured oral examination was a fair and unbiased assessment tool with less subjectivity compared to traditional viva. Most students (83.9%) felt that the topics were comprehensively covered, and 96.4% of students felt less stressed. Among examiners, there was 100% agreement on the uniformity of questions asked, topics covered, less subjectivity, and no carryover effect.Conclusion: The examiners have accepted it as one of the formative assessment tools for future batches of students and are ready to explore its utility as a summative assessment tool.
Personality traits and academic attitudes of medical students in the COVID-19 pandemic: a person-centered approach, empirical research, Korea
Authors: Hwang Jaesang , Yu Ji Hye , Lee Janghoon , Kim Ikhan , Chae Su Jin , Lee Mijin , Park Janghee
Published: November 2024

Purpose: Since the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the educational environment has moved toward online-based education, which may significantly impact medical students’ educational experiences. However, the same events may be understood differently by different individuals depending on their personalities. Therefore, the changing educational environment during the COVID-19 pandemic may not have been perceived equally by all students. This study aimed to investigate medical students’ personality profiles and the difference between academic burnout and engagement according to their personality profiles.Methods: During the 2021–2022 academic year, when online-based education was implemented due to the pandemic, a survey was conducted among medical students in Korea (N=325). First, we used latent profile analysis to identify the sub-types of the Big Five personalities. Second, we used analysis of variance and post hoc comparisons to study the difference between academic burnout and engagement among these sub-types.Results: The Big Five personality traits of medical students in our sample were classified into three profiles. Profiles with relatively high neuroticism, while other personality traits were low, had both the highest academic burnout and academic engagement. Alternatively, the profiles showing relatively low neuroticism, while other personality traits were high, had the lowest academic burnout and the highest academic engagement.Conclusion: Personality is a stable trait that affects an individual’s behavior and response to the environment. Thus, individuals with specific personalities differ in their reactions to their environment. This may provide an advantage to some medical students’ careers.
ANÁLISE DO DESEMPENHO DE EGRESSOS DO PROFMAT DO PARANÁ NO CONCURSO SEED PARANÁ 2023: UMA AVALIAÇÃO DO IMPACTO DA FORMAÇÃO MATEMÁTICA
Authors:   Secretaria da Educação - PR, de Brito Cristina Kozan , Calegari Rogério Santana ,   Secretaria da Educação - PR
Published: November 2024

Este estudo investiga o desempenho dos egressos do Programa de Mestrado
Profissional em Matemática em Rede Nacional (ProfMat) das instituições associadas no
estado do Paraná no concurso de 2023 da Secretaria de Estado da Educação e do Esporte
(SEED), com 1548 aprovados dos 8537 inscritos para professor de Matemática.
Notavelmente, os 145 concluintes do ProfMat do Paraná apresentaram uma taxa de
aprovação 84,16% (122 aprovados) surpreendente. Frequentemente 49 egressos
nomeados das 236 vagas nomeadas ocupam as primeiras posições em diferentes Núcleos
Regionais. Os resultados indicam que a formação específica do ProfMat, focada na
prática pedagógica e resolução de problemas, indicam a necessidade de disseminar o
Programa para enriquecer a formação de professores em todo o país.
Vertebra-pediculoplasty to Prevent Cement Dislodgment in Coronary Split or Severe Osteoporotic Vertebral Fracture after Cement Augmentation
Authors: Wu Tsung-Mu , Chang Wen-Shuo , Chen Kuan-Ting , Chien Chi-Sheng , Lin Chun-Li , Wong Kin-Weng
Published: November 2024

Background:

Although balloon kyphoplasty serves as a minimally invasive surgical technique for patients who are refractory to conservative treatment, cement dislodgment and anterior dislocation have been reported in specific type of fractures and patients with severe osteoporosis. The concept of vertebra-pediculoplasty was introduced as a minimally invasive treatment to prevent the aforementioned complications.

Objectives:

In this article, we report our method of vertebra-pediculoplasty accomplished with fenestrated pedicle screw augmentation in step-by-step detail.

Materials and Methods:

The procedure starts with a balloon kyphoplasty which is done through a more convergent trajectory. An additional negative pressure suction tube is utilized during the cement injection stage. In this way, the cement injected from both sides has a better chance to coalesce and unify inside the vertebral body. Before the cement hardens, the fenestrated pedicle screws are applied with the aid of a guidewire. Cement is again injected through the fenestrated pedicle screws to augment the screw–cement interface and fill the rest of the cavities.

Results:

In our series, no implant failure occurred in any patient. Ten patients had improved to minimal disability. The remaining four patients were classified as having a moderate level of disability. At the latest follow-up, no loss of reduction or dislocation of cement was observed.

Conclusions:

Vertebra-pediculoplasty is a minimally invasive surgery with a favorable biomechanical structure compared with traditional balloon kyphoplasty in certain types of vertebral fractures. Vertebra-pediculoplasty accomplished with fenestrated pedicle screw augmentation offers the advantages of secure fixation, favorable cement–implant integration, and a rod anchoring point for future spinal fixation.
Oropharyngeal Colostrum Administration in Premature Infants: Impact on Immune Status and Incidence of Common Morbidities
Authors: Mohammadizadeh Majid , Jafari Azadeh , Barekatain Behzad
Published: November 2024

Background:

Enteral feeding of preterm infants with maternal colostrum has well-known effects on protecting them, especially against serious infections. This study was conducted to determine whether oropharyngeal administration of colostrum to these infants, soon after birth, has any additional effect on their clinical outcomes and stimulation of their immune system.

Methods:

In this double-blind randomized clinical trial, 60 preterm infants ≤30 weeks’ gestation with birth weight ≤1500 g were randomly assigned to receive oropharyngeal colostrum (OAC group) or distilled water (DW group). Primary outcomes were urinary concentration of IgA on days 1, 8, and 15 of birth and incidence of late onset sepsis (LOS) and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). Data were analyzed by independent samples t-test, repeated measures ANOVA, and Chi-square test using SPSS v. 25.

Results:

The frequency of LOS, NEC, CLD, and mortality and the mean duration of hospitalization and the time to reach full enteral feeding were similar in both groups (P > 0.05). The mean of urinary IgA levels increased significantly from the 1st day of birth to the 15th day of birth in the OAC group (P = 0.013) but decreased significantly from the 1st day of birth to the 8th and 15th days of birth in the DW group (P = 0.04). Results of repeated measures ANOVA test regarding the impact of the two interventions during the studied times on the level of IgA showed that the differences between the means were statistically significant [F (2,116) = 5.12, P = 0.007].

Conclusions:

Oropharyngeal administration of colostrum within the first days of life in preterm infants increases the concentration of IgA in urine. The impact of this immune response on common morbidities of these infants, particularly extremely low gestational age neonates, still needs to be investigated more in other larger studies.
The Efficacy of Zinc Gluconate Supplementation in the Improvement of Malnutrition Indices and Skin Abnormalities in Hemodialysis Patients: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Tavassoli Mohammad , Shahidi Shahrzad , Askari Gholamreza , Tavakoli Naser , Clark Cain C. T. , Rouhani Mohammad Hossein
Published: November 2024

Background:

Hemodialysis patients often suffer from several complications such as malnutrition and skin abnormalities. We hypothesized that zinc supplementation may improve these complications. The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of zinc gluconate supplementation on malnutrition and skin abnormalities.

Methods:

In this parallel randomized, double-blind, clinical trial, patients in the zinc group received 210 mg zinc gluconate (equivalent to 30 mg elemental zinc) per day. Skin abnormalities (i.e. xerosis and pruritus), body composition, anthropometric variables, handgrip strength, and appetite (including hunger, fullness, desire to eat, and prospective food consumption) were measured at the beginning and end of the study.

Results:

Eighty-seven hemodialysis patients were randomly assigned to the zinc (n = 44) or placebo (n = 43) group for 12 weeks, After this period, 75 patients (N = 38 in the zinc group and 37 in the placebo group) remained in the study. In this study, no specific side effects of zinc supplementation were observed and twelve participants were lost to follow-up (n = 6 in each group) because of migration, kidney transplantation, death, dialysis access infection, and personal reasons. Zinc supplementation had beneficial effects on hunger) 95% CI: 9/55 (3/67-15/42)), desire to eat) 95% CI: 7/03 (1/82-12/24)), and prospective food consumption) 95% CI: 3/46 (0/3-14/1)) compared with placebo. Also, zinc improved pruritus) 95% CI: −0/52 (−0/82 to − 0/22)). We observed no changes in body composition, anthropometric variables, handgrip strength, and xerosis in the zinc group compared with the placebo.

Conclusions:

This randomized clinical trial showed that zinc supplementation yielded beneficial effects on appetite and pruritus in hemodialysis patients.
Diagnostic accuracy of sino-nasal outcome test-22 and lund-kennedy endoscopic score for chronic rhinosinusitis in pre-bone marrow transplantation assessment
Authors: Taheri Abolfazl , Shahzamani Arvin , Asadi Mahboobe
Published: November 2024

Background:

The diagnosis of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a crucial and challenging entity in bone marrow transplantation candidates. We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) and Lund-Kennedy endoscopic score for the diagnosis of CRS in bone marrow transplantation candidates.

Materials and Methods:

We conducted a single-center, observational study evaluating bone marrow transplantation candidates by paranasal sinus computed tomography (CT) scan without contrast to measure the Lund Mackay score. Patients with a Lund Mackay score higher than or equal to four or with any evidence of sino-nasal fungus ball in their paranasal sinus CT were considered CRS. The Lund Kennedy endoscopic score and SNOT-22 were also calculated for all participants.

Results:

This study included 495 patients, of which 63 were diagnosed with CRS. Participants had a median age of 40 (30, 57) years old and 51.3% were male. The Lund Kennedy score and SNOT-22 were correlated with the Lund Mackay score. Furthermore, both SNOT-22 and Lund Kennedy scores were the predictors of CRS based on univariate logistic regression (odds ratio [95% confidence interval (CI)]: 1.10 [1.06, 1.15], 1.37 [1.22, 1.56], respectively). Lund Kennedy score ≥1 had a sensitivity of 0.78 (95% CI: 0.66, 0.87) and a specificity of 0.76 (95% CI: 0.52, 0.83) (AUC [95% CI]: 0.81 [0.75, 0.87]), while SNOT-22 did not yield a remarkable diagnostic accuracy.

Conclusion:

The Lund-Kennedy endoscopy score could diagnose CRS in bone marrow transplantation candidates with satisfactory accuracy, whereas SNOT-22 lacks enough accuracy to be employed as an independent sino-nasal assessment modality in these patients.
Diversity of mosquito natural enemies and their feeding efficacy on Aedes vectors
Authors: Dissanayake Dinithi Shyamalee , Wijekoon Chandana Dammika , Wegiriya Hemantha
Published: November 2024

Background & objectives:

Mosquito-bome diseases are a major health issue among communities in Asia, and dengue has become a serious public health concern in Sri Lanka with varying magnitude since 1960. With the realization of the failures and limitations of current vector control strategies, the authorities are moving towards simple, low- cost, and eco-friendly vector management methods. Thus, the present study was devised to evaluate the potential densities of mosquito natural enemies in natural water habitats in Galle district, Sri Lanka, and to investigate the feeding efficacy of prominent mosquito natural enemies on main dengue vectors (Aedes sp.) in a laboratory setting.

Methods:

The survey was carried out using eight sentinel sites in Galle district, and samples of mosquito natural enemies and mosquito larvae were collected, and identified using taxonomic keys.

Results:

Study records, the aquatic insects of family Hydrometridae, Belostomatidae, Notonectidae, Nepidae, Ranat- ridae, and Corixidae as dominant mosquito natural enemies, and Libellulidae and Dytiscidae insects as sub-dominant families. The highest density of the family Hydrometridae was recorded in rural, natural inland, and rocky study sites. The order Hemiptera was recorded as the key order of the mosquitos’ natural enemies in Galle district. The family Hydrometridae had the highest density of recorded mosquito natural enemies.

Interpretation & conclusion:

Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus were recorded as abundant vector mosquitoes. Family Nepidae is the most effective natural mosquito predator on Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus, and this knowledge will be vital for implementing future biological control strategies for Aedes vectors in Sri Lanka.