bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Implementation and evaluation of visitation procedures for patients hospitalised with COVID-19
Authors: Lopez-Picazo Julio J , Vidal-Abarca Inmaculada , Marin Juana M , García-Vázquez Elisa , López-Ibáñez Mercedes
Published: December 2023

Background/Aims

Visits from loved ones can be highly beneficial to the wellbeing of hospital inpatients, but this can be difficult to facilitate if the patient has a highly contagious disease such as COVID-19. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to implement and evaluate a set of visitation procedures for patients hospitalised with COVID-19.

Methods

A set of visitation procedures was developed by a panel of professionals from a range of healthcare disciplines, then implemented in a hospital in Spain. The procedures established three types of visitation options: virtual visits, short-term in-person visits and long-term in-person visits. Patients and visitors were asked to rate their likelihood of recommending their visitation method to a family member or colleague on a scale of 1–10, with results used to generate a net promoter score. Participants were also asked for qualitative information on what they would improve about the visitation procedures.

Results

A total of 20 patients and 51 visitors took part in the study. Among patient participants, the net promoter score was 90/100, with an individual score range of 8–10, indicating high satisfaction. Among visitors, individual scores ranged from 0–10, with a net promoter score of 41/100. There was little difference in scores between those who experienced a virtual and in-person visit. Suggestions for improvement included increasing the frequency of visits and providing technological support for virtual visits.

Conclusions

The visitation procedures used in this study could serve as a useful basis for other hospitals looking to implement safe visiting policies for patients with highly infectious diseases such as COVID-19.
Uncorking the bottleneck in anaesthesia training: novel approaches to a growing crisis
Authors: Hunt Adam , Walker David
Published: December 2023

Despite the growing demand for highly qualified anaesthetists, the lack of training posts in the UK is preventing many trainees from progressing. Anaesthetic specialist trainee Adam Hunt and consultant David Walker outline the reasons behind this issue and suggest novel approaches to uncorking the training bottleneck.
Comparing the reliability of the Goniometer Pro application and flexicurve for measuring thoracic kyphosis: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Pakeloğlu Ayşen Canan , Koç Meltem , Yılmaz Aydan Selen , Bayar Banu , Bayar Kılıçhan
Published: December 2023

Aims/Background

The most common spinal anomaly is thoracic kyphosis, which frequently occurs in adolescents and older people. The flexicurve is an instrument commonly used by physiotherapists to assess spinal curvature. However, advancing technology, particularly the rise of mobile applications, has resulted in the replacement of traditional methods. This study aimed to investigate and compare the intra-rater and inter-rater reliability of the smartphone-based Goniometer Pro application and the flexicurve in measuring the thoracic kyphosis angle among healthy university students.

Methods

A total of 30 participants were assessed by two independent raters using the flexicurve and the Goniometer Pro App to measure the thoracic kyphosis angle. Agreement was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients, standard error of measurement and minimal detectable change.

Results

The flexicurve demonstrated excellent intra-rater reliability (intraclass correlation coefficients=0.87 and intraclass correlation coefficients=0.85 for two raters) and good inter-rater reliability (intraclass correlation coefficients=0.60). Additionally, the standard error of measurement and the minimal detectable change values indicated small measurement errors for the flexicurve. Similarly, the Goniometer Pro application exhibited excellent intra-rater reliability (intraclass correlation coefficients=0.90 and intraclass correlation coefficients=0.89 for two raters) and inter-rater reliability (intraclass correlation coefficients=0.87), along with small measurement errors indicated by the standard error of the measurement and minimal detectable change values.

Conclusions

The Goniometer Pro app demonstrated higher inter-rater reliability than the flexicurve when measuring the thoracic kyphosis angle. Consequently, it stands out as a recommended, user-friendly, and time-efficient tool for clinicians involved in the assessment and monitoring of thoracic kyphosis.
Hip joint contact pressure and force: a scoping review of in vivo and cadaver studies
Authors: Dantas Pedro , Gonçalves Sergio R. , Grenho André , Mascarenhas Vasco , Martins Jorge , Tavares da Silva Miguel , Gonçalves Sergio B. , Guimarães Consciência José
Published: December 2023

Aims

Research on hip biomechanics has analyzed femoroacetabular contact pressures and forces in distinct hip conditions, with different procedures, and used diverse loading and testing conditions. The aim of this scoping review was to identify and summarize the available evidence in the literature for hip contact pressures and force in cadaver and in vivo studies, and how joint loading, labral status, and femoral and acetabular morphology can affect these biomechanical parameters.

Methods

We used the PRISMA extension for scoping reviews for this literature search in three databases. After screening, 16 studies were included for the final analysis.

Results

The studies assessed different hip conditions like labrum status, the biomechanical effect of the cam, femoral version, acetabular coverage, and the effect of rim trimming. The testing and loading conditions were also quite diverse, and this disparity limits direct comparisons between the different researches. With normal anatomy the mean contact pressures ranged from 1.54 to 4.4 MPa, and the average peak contact pressures ranged from 2 to 9.3 MPa. Labral tear or resection showed an increase in contact pressures that diminished after repair or reconstruction of the labrum. Complete cam resection also decreased the contact pressure, and acetabular rim resection of 6 mm increased the contact pressure at the acetabular base.

Conclusion

To date there is no standardized methodology to access hip contact biomechanics in hip arthroscopy, or with the preservation of the periarticular soft-tissues. A tendency towards improved biomechanics (lower contact pressures) was seen with labral repair and reconstruction techniques as well as with cam correction.

Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2023;12(12):712–721.
Organelle-specific phase contrast microscopy (OS-PCM) enables facile correlation study of organelles and proteins
Authors: Chen Chen , Smith Zachary J. , Fang Jingde , Chu Kaiqin
Published: December 2023

Current methods for studying organelle and protein interactions and correlations depend on multiplex fluorescent labeling, which is experimentally complex and harmful to cells. Here we propose to solve this challenge via OS-PCM, where organelles are imaged and segmented without labels, and combined with standard fluorescence microscopy of protein distributions. In this work, we develop new neural networks to obtain unlabeled organelle, nucleus and membrane predictions from a single 2D image. Automated analysis is also implemented to obtain quantitative information regarding the spatial distribution and co-localization of both protein and organelle, as well as their relationship to the landmark structures of nucleus and membrane. Using mitochondria and DRP1 protein as a proof-of-concept, we conducted a correlation study where only DRP1 is labeled, with results consistent with prior reports utilizing multiplex labeling. Thus our work demonstrates that OS-PCM simplifies the correlation study of organelles and proteins.
Experimental investigation of machine-learning-based soft-failure management using the optical spectrum
Authors: Kruse Lars E. , Kühl Sebastian , Dochhan Annika , Pachnicke Stephan
Published: December 2023

The demand for high-speed data is exponentially growing. To conquer this, optical networks have undergone significant changes, getting more complex and versatile. The increasing complexity necessitates that the fault management be more adaptive to enhance network assurance. In this paper, we experimentally compare the performance of soft-failure management of different machine learning algorithms. We further introduce a machine-learning-based soft-failure management framework. It utilizes a variational autoencoder-based generative adversarial network (VAE-GAN) running on optical spectral data obtained by optical spectrum analyzers. The framework is able to reliably run on a fraction of available training data as well as identify unknown failure types. The investigations show that the VAE-GAN outperforms the other machine learning algorithms when up to 10% of the total training data are available in identification tasks. Furthermore, the advanced training mechanism for the GAN shows a high F1-score for unknown spectrum identification. The failure localization comparison shows the advantage of a low complexity neural network in combination with a VAE over established machine learning algorithms.
QoT-aware tree selection, routing, modulation, and spectrum assignment for filterless EONs over the C + L-band
Authors: Ghasrizadeh Mohammad Sadegh , Arpanaei Farhad , Beyranvand Hamzeh
Published: December 2023

Filterless optical networks (FONs) as an economical solution use passive couplers/splitters rather than expensive active filter devices. In this way, after intermediate and destination nodes, lightpaths are dropped and continued, which generates leakage signals in other links and wastes spectrum. Thus, designing efficient resource allocation in FONs by considering the leakage signals and their interfering effects is of utmost importance. On the other hand, a gradual transition from wavelength division multiplexing optical networks to elastic optical networks (EONs) is occurring due to their efficient utilization of spectrum. Furthermore, utilizing the L-band beside the conventional C-band for spectrum assignment offers a wide range of frequency resources. Therefore, in this paper, we propose an integer linear program (ILP) to solve quality of transmission (QoT)-aware tree selection, routing, modulation, and spectrum assignment problems in filterless EONs over the C+L-band. Furthermore, we provide heuristic algorithms to deal with complex large-scale networks. The performance gap of the proposed ILP and heuristic algorithms is evaluated over a small-scale (5-node) network. The results show that the ILP and heuristic algorithms have almost the same performance in terms of spectrum usage and assigned modulation format, and ILP has a slightly higher generalized signal-to-noise-ratio (GSNR) (0.23 dB or 0.8% at optimum launch power). Furthermore, the heuristic algorithms are also examined over a large-scale network (TID region A topology). The results reveal that the GSNR estimation method severely affects the performance in terms of spectrum usage, blocking, and outage. Furthermore, by using the proposed MX5 method, as long as there is a fill margin of approximately 2 dB, there is no outage or blocking over the C+L-band, up to a network throughput of 110 Tbps and conventional C-band transmission with lower throughput (i.e., 40 Tbps). Finally, our extensive numerical results provide a rule of thumb for balancing blocking, outage, spectrum usage, and the number of expensive L-band transponders by selecting the appropriate modulation assignment method.
Spatiotemporal variability in the diffuse attenuation coefficient of sea ice
Authors: Xu Zhantang , Shi Zhen , Sun Fulin , Zhang Yu , Li Wei , Zhang Jilong , Yang Yuezhong , Zhou Wen , Yang Zeming , Li Cai , Zhang Yifan
Published: December 2023

The diffuse attenuation coefficient (Kd) is known to be closely related to the light transmittance of sea ice, which plays a critical role in the energy balance and biological processes of the upper ocean. However, the commercial instruments cannot easily measure Kd in sea ice because sea ice is a solid. The authors of this study are developing an instrument with a high spectral solution to measure the irradiance profile of sea ice and the irradiance in the atmosphere. Three Kd experiments were carried out, including two in-situ experiments in the Liaodong Bay and one in the laboratory. The results showed that the Kd of the sea ice varied with depth, and the values in adjacent sea ice layers differed by up to 2 times. In addition, due to changes in the climate environment, the Kd of sea ice showed temporal variations. For example, there was a 1.38-fold difference in the Kd values of the surface layer of sea ice at different times in 2022. The values in different sea ice layers also showed different trends over time, and the coefficient of determination (R2) of Kd between adjacent layers over time was as low as 0.008. To explain the driving mechanism of spatio-temporal variability of Kd, an additional experiment focusing on the physical microstructure of sea ice was conducted in Liaodong Bay in 2022. The result shows that the change in air bubbles in the sea ice may be the main the reason for the change in Kd. For example, when the sea ice was exchanging brine and bubbles with the atmosphere above and the seawater below, the highly absorbent particles in it tend to remain in their original position. Considering that the total absorption coefficient changed slightly, the bubbles with the characteristic of intense scattering were found to be the main factor influencing the Kd changes. This conclusion is supported by the fact that the value of R2 between the bubbles and Kd was 0.52. If climatic changes have led to an increase in the volume of bubbles, the more bubbles will increase the scattering properties of sea ice and lead to an increase in Kd. Conversely, the reduced bubble volume would reduce the scattering properties of sea ice, which in turn would reduce Kd.
Absorption-based hyperspectral thermal ranging: performance analyses, optimization, and simulations
Authors: Dorken Gallastegi Unay , Rueda-Chacón Hoover , Stevens Martin J. , Goyal Vivek K
Published: December 2023

The wavelength dependence of atmospheric absorption creates range cues in hyperspectral measurements that can be exploited for passive ranging using only thermal emissions. In this work, we present fundamental limits on absorption-based ranging under a model of known air temperature and wavelength-dependent attenuation coefficient, with object temperature and emissivity unknown; reflected solar and environmental radiance is omitted from our analysis. Fisher information computations illustrate how performance limits depend on atmospheric conditions such as air temperature and humidity; temperature contrast in the scene; spectral resolution of measurement; and distance. These results should prove valuable in sensor system design.
Spectrally resolved ultrafast transient dynamics of a femtosecond fiber-feedback optical parametric oscillator
Authors: Floess Moritz , Steinle Tobias , Giessen Harald
Published: December 2023

We report on spectrotemporal transient dynamics in a femtosecond fiber-feedback optical parametric oscillator (FFOPO) system. Burst modulation of the pump beam in combination with dispersive Fourier transformation sampling allows to record single-pulse signal spectra at 41 MHz sampling rate. Therefore, each individual pulse of the signal transients can be spectrally resolved. We characterize the signal output behavior for anomalous as well as for normal intra-cavity dispersion. Amongst steady state output we observed period-doubling cycles and other attractors, which occured at higher intra-cavity nonlinearity levels. The experimental findings are supported by numerical simulations, in order to identify the linear and nonlinear effects, which govern the wavelength tuning behavior of this FFOPO system. We find that steady state operation is preferred and that the wavelength tuning stability of the FFOPO dramatically increases when using a normal dispersion feedback fiber.
Swept-wavelength null polarimetry for highly sensitive birefringence laser scanning microscopy
Authors: Theillier Xavier , Rivet Sylvain , Dubreuil Matthieu , Le Grand Yann
Published: December 2023

We have recently demonstrated a high-speed null polarimeter [Opt. Express 30, 18889 (2022)10.1364/OE.454193OPEXFF1094-4087] based on passive polarization optics and using a fast swept-wavelength laser source. We report here its implementation in a laser-scanning microscope setup, enabling highly sensitive linear retardance imaging with a pixel dwell time of 10 μs. The instrument is also able to measure light depolarization induced by the sample. Images of biological samples, including cancerous tissue and cells, illustrate its performances.
Easily scalable multi-color DMD-based structured illumination microscopy
Authors: Gong Daozheng , Cai Chufan , Strahilevitz Eli , Chen Jing , Scherer Norbert F.
Published: December 2023

Structured illumination microscopy (SIM) achieves super-resolution imaging using a series of phase-shifted sinusoidal illumination patterns to down-modulate high spatial-frequency information of samples. Digital micromirror devices (DMDs) have been increasingly used to generate SIM illumination patterns due to their high speed and moderate cost. However, a DMD micromirror array’s blazed grating structure causes strong angular dispersion for different wavelengths of light, thus severely hampering its application in multicolor imaging. We developed a multi-color DMD-SIM setup that employs a diffraction grating to compensate the DMD’s dispersion and demonstrate super-resolution SIM imaging of both fluorescent beads and live cells samples with four color channels. This simple but effective approach can be readily scaled to more color channels, thereby greatly expanding the application of SIM in the study of complex multi-component structures and dynamics in soft matter systems.
Spatial frequency shift super-resolution imaging based on quasiperiodic grating and deep learning
Authors: Liu Xingyu , Yu Jiang , Liu Fubin , Liu Yong , Guo HongMei , Ye Yong-Hong
Published: December 2023

In this study, we propose a pioneering spatially frequency-shifted super-resolution microscopy technique that utilizes the synergy of quasiperiodic gratings and deep learning. First, a quasiperiodic grating capable of converting evanescent waves into propagating waves is designed. The grating is positioned between the object under investigation and the objective lens, and the high-frequency information carried by the evanescent waves in the near-field region of the object is shifted into the detection window and becomes accessible in the far field for imaging. Subsequently, we provide two deep learning models for image and video reconstructions to achieve the reconstruction of static and dynamic samples respectively. Simulation results demonstrate the high feasibility of the proposed method, and both static and dynamic objects with sub-wavelength features can be resolved. The developed method paves the way to the realization of super-resolution imaging by using a traditional bright-field microscope without the need for an extensive optical system design.
High-speed k-linear swept laser using acousto-optic deflectors with Doppler shift compensation for optical coherence tomography
Authors: Hu Zhangwei , He Bin , Shi Yejiong , Wang Chengming , Chen Zhengyu , Yin Zichen , Liu Xiaomeng , Zhang Xiao , Zhang Ning , Jing Linkai , Wang Guihuai , Xue Ping
Published: December 2023

Swept laser based on the acousto-optic deflector (AOD) is a promising swept source in optical coherence tomography (OCT) applications for its high wavenumber linear sweep without mechanical motion. However, the poor coherence length and the elongated cavity of the laser imposed limitations on the acquisition of high-quality images with adequate imaging depth and high imaging speed. In this Letter, we demonstrate a compact high-speed wavenumber linear swept laser based on AOD using Doppler shift compensation, achieving a high linearity of Pearson’s R of 0.999991, a duty cycle of ∼100%, an extended coherence length of 5.7 mm, an output power of 18 mW, and excellent phase stability at a sweep speed of 500 kHz. OCT structural images with a system sensitivity of 103.2 dB and OCT angiography (OCTA) of human palm in vivo have been successfully performed, serving as a compelling demonstration of the excellent performance of this swept laser. We believe that the proposed laser will be of high potential in various clinical and industrial applications in the future.
Ultra-broadband quantum infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Tashima Toshiyuki , Mukai Yu , Arahata Masaya , Oda Norihide , Hisamitsu Mamoru , Tokuda Katsuhiko , Okamoto Ryo , Takeuchi Shigeki
Published: December 2023

Spectroscopy in the mid-infrared region is an indispensable tool for
identifying molecular types in various fields, including physics,
chemistry, and medical sciences. However, conventional infrared light
sources, detectors, and noise from blackbody radiation have been the
obstacles to miniaturization and higher sensitivity of infrared
spectrometers. Quantum infrared spectroscopy, which uses visible and
infrared photon pairs in a quantum entangled state, has attracted
attention as a new sensing technology that enables infrared
spectroscopy with detectors in the visible range. However, the
bandwidth of conventional quantum entangled light sources is at most
1 µm or less, which hinders broadband measurements, which are
important in spectroscopic applications. Here we have realized an
ultra-broadband entangled state of visible–infrared photons with
wavelengths from 2 to 5 µm, harnessing a specially designed
nonlinear crystal with chirped poling structure inside. Furthermore,
we constructed a nonlinear quantum interferometer using the
ultra-broadband quantum entangled photons and realized broadband
infrared spectroscopy of inorganic and organic materials using a
visible detector made of silicon. Our results show that quantum
infrared spectroscopy can achieve ultra-broadband spectroscopic
measurements and pave the way for the highly sensitive, ultra-compact
infrared spectrometers using quantum entangled photons.
A cell-and-plasma numerical model reveals hemodynamic stress and flow adaptation in zebrafish microvessels after morphological alteration
Authors: Maung Ye Swe Soe , Phng Li-Kun
Published: December 2023

The development of a functional cardiovascular system ensures a sustainable oxygen, nutrient and hormone delivery system for successful embryonic development and homeostasis in adulthood. While early vessels are formed by biochemical signaling and genetic programming, the onset of blood flow provides mechanical cues that participate in vascular remodeling of the embryonic vascular system. The zebrafish is a prolific animal model for studying the quantitative relationship between blood flow and vascular morphogenesis due to a combination of favorable factors including blood flow visualization in optically transparent larvae. In this study, we have developed a cell-and-plasma blood transport model using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to understand how red blood cell (RBC) partitioning affect lumen wall shear stress (WSS) and blood pressure in zebrafish trunk blood vascular networks with altered rheology and morphology. By performing live imaging of embryos with reduced hematocrit, we discovered that cardiac output and caudal artery flow rates were maintained. These adaptation trends were recapitulated in our CFD models, which showed reduction in network WSS via viscosity reduction in the caudal artery/vein and via pressure gradient weakening in the intersegmental vessels (ISVs). Embryos with experimentally reduced lumen diameter showed reduced cardiac output and caudal artery flow rate. Factoring in this trend into our CFD models, simulations highlighted that lumen diameter reduction increased vessel WSS but this increase was mitigated by flow reduction due to the adaptive network pressure gradient weakening. Additionally, hypothetical network CFD models with different vessel lumen diameter distribution characteristics indicated the significance of axial variation in lumen diameter and cross-sectional shape for establishing physiological WSS gradients along ISVs. In summary, our work demonstrates how both experiment-driven and hypothetical CFD modeling can be employed for the study of blood flow physiology during vascular remodeling.
Spatiotemporal changes in exposition risk to leishmaniases vector in residences within a fishing tourism area of Pantanal wetland
Authors: Souza Daiana Alovisi , Oliveira-Santos Luiz Gustavo Rodrigues , Infran Jucelei de Oliveira Moura , Fernandes Wagner de Souza , Arrua Aline Etelvina Casaril , Piranda Eliane Mattos , Oliveira Alessandra Gutierrez de
Published: December 2023

Miranda Municipality of Mato Grosso do Sul, borders the Pantanal wetland, a famous fishing destination visited by tourists from all over the world, and is a location where visceral leishmaniasis has been reported. To assess the risk of Leishmania infantum transmission, we studied the sandfly community, focusing on known vector and parasite presence. We conducted light trap collections twice per month at nine sites within the city (including two forested areas) for one year. We collected a total of 12,727 sand flies, 10,891 males and 1,836 females belonging to 11 species: Brumptomyia avellari, Evandromyia aldafalcaoae, Ev. evandroi, Ev. lenti, Ev. sallesi, Ev. walkeri, Lu. longipalpis, Nyssomyia whitmani, Psathyromyia bigeniculata, Pa. hermanlenti and Pa. punctigeniculata. Lutzomyia longipalpis, the proven vector of Leishmania infantum, was captured each month, and was the most abundant species observed, accounting for more than 99% of sand flies captured in most sites, especially where chicken coops were present. Evidence of Leishmania infantum infection was detected in 0.40% of Lu. longipalpis tested. We developed a generalized mixed multilevel model for Lu. longipalpis, that includes within-year seasonality, location of capture (indoors vs. outdoors), vector abundance, and sex ratio. The VL vector was abundant both inside and outside houses. Large numbers of Lu. longipalpis were observed in outdoor sites where domestic animals were present but were absent from forest sites. Our findings suggest high vector populations and Le. infantum presence in a city where tourists could be exposed to visceral leishmaniasis, with significant implications for more surveillance and control activities.
Effects of temperature on the life history traits of intermediate host snails of fascioliasis: A systematic review
Authors: Dube Agrippa , Kalinda Chester , Manyangadze Tawanda , Mindu Tafadzwa , Chimbari Moses John
Published: December 2023

Background

The impact of climate change has led to variations in various biological processes, leading to altered transmission dynamics of infectious diseases, including snail-borne diseases (SBDs). Fascioliasis is one of the neglected zoonotic tropical snail-borne diseases caused by the trematode of the genus Fasciola. This review focused on laboratory experimental and model studies that evaluate the potential effect of temperature change on the ecology and biology of the intermediate host snails (IHS) of Fasciola.

Methods

A literature search was conducted on Google Scholar, EBSCOhost, and PubMed databases using predefined medical subject heading terms, Boolean operators, and truncation symbols in combination with direct keywords: Fasciolosis AND Temperature, Lymnaea OR Austropeplea OR Radix OR Galba OR Fossaria OR Pseudosuccinea AND growth, fecundity, AND survival at the global scale. Other search terms used were (Fascioliasis AND Temperature), (Lymnaea AND Temperature), (Austropeplea AND Temperature), (Fossaria AND Temperature), (Galba AND Temperature), (Pseudosuccinea AND Temperature), and (Radix AND Temperature).

Results

The final synthesis included thirty-five published articles. The studies reviewed indicated that temperature rise may alter the distribution, and optimal conditions for breeding, growth, and survival of IHS, ultimately resulting in changing the transmission dynamics of fascioliasis. The literature also confirmed that the life history traits of IHS and their interaction with the liver fluke parasites are driven by temperature, and hence climate change may have profound outcomes on the population size of snails, parasite density, and disease epidemiology.

Conclusion

We concluded that understanding the impact of temperature on the growth, fecundity, and survival of IHS may broaden our knowledge of the possible effects of climate change and hence inform fascioliasis control programs.
Trichinella spiralis cathepsin L damages the tight junctions of intestinal epithelial cells and mediates larval invasion
Authors: Liu Ruo Dan , Meng Xiang Yu , Li Chen Le , Lin Xin Zhi , Xu Qiu Yi , Xu Han , Long Shao Rong , Cui Jing , Wang Zhong Quan
Published: December 2023

Background

Cathepsin L, a lysosomal enzyme, participates in diverse physiological processes. Recombinant Trichinella spiralis cathepsin L domains (rTsCatL2) exhibited natural cysteine protease activity and hydrolyzed host immunoglobulin and extracellular matrix proteins in vitro, but its functions in larval invasion are unknown. The aim of this study was to explore its functions in T. spiralis invasion of the host’s intestinal epithelial cells.

Methodology/principal findings

RNAi significantly suppressed the expression of TsCatL mRNA and protein with TsCatL specific siRNA-302. T. spiralis larval invasion of Caco-2 cells was reduced by 39.87% and 38.36%, respectively, when anti-TsCatL2 serum and siRNA-302 were used. Mice challenged with siRNA-302-treated muscle larvae (ML) exhibited a substantial reduction in intestinal infective larvae, adult worm, and ML burden compared to the PBS group, with reductions of 44.37%, 47.57%, and 57.06%, respectively. The development and fecundity of the females from the mice infected with siRNA-302-treated ML was significantly inhibited. After incubation of rTsCatL2 with Caco-2 cells, immunofluorescence test showed that the rTsCatL2 gradually entered into the cells, altered the localization of cellular tight junction proteins (claudin 1, occludin and zo-1), adhesion junction protein (e-cadherin) and extracellular matrix protein (laminin), and intercellular junctions were lost. Western blot showed a 58.65% reduction in claudin 1 expression in Caco-2 cells treated with rTsCatL2. Co-IP showed that rTsCatL2 interacted with laminin and collagen I but not with claudin 1, e-cadherin, occludin and fibronectin in Caco-2 cells. Moreover, rTsCatL2 disrupted the intestinal epithelial barrier by inducing cellular autophagy.

Conclusions

rTsCatL2 disrupts the intestinal epithelial barrier and facilitates T. spiralis larval invasion.
The Gβ-like protein Bcgbl1 regulates development and pathogenicity of the gray mold Botrytis cinerea via modulating two MAP kinase signaling pathways
Authors: Tang Jiejing , Sui Zhe , Li Ronghui , Xu Yuping , Xiang Lixuan , Fu Shiying , Wei Jinfeng , Cai Xuan , Wu Mingde , Zhang Jing , Chen Weidong , Wei Yangdou , Li Guoqing , Yang Long
Published: December 2023

The fungal Gβ-like protein has been reported to be involved in a variety of biological processes, such as mycelial growth, differentiation, conidiation, stress responses and infection. However, molecular mechanisms of the Gβ-like protein in regulating fungal development and pathogenicity are largely unknown. Here, we show that the Gβ-like protein gene Bcgbl1 in the gray mold fungus Botrytis cinerea plays a pivotal role in development and pathogenicity by regulating the mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases signaling pathways. The Bcgbl1 deletion mutants were defective in mycelial growth, sclerotial formation, conidiation, macroconidial morphogenesis, plant adhesion, and formation of infection cushions and appressorium-like structures, resulting in a complete loss of pathogenicity. Bcgbl1 interacted with BcSte50, the adapter protein of the cascade of MAP kinase (MAPK). Bcgbl1 mutants had reduced phosphorylation levels of two MAPKs, namely Bmp1 and Bmp3, thereby reducing infection. However, deletion of Bcgbl1 did not affect the intracellular cAMP level, and exogenous cAMP could not restore the defects. Moreover, Bcgbl1 mutants exhibited defects in cell wall integrity and oxidative stress tolerance. Transcriptional profiling revealed that Bcgbl1 plays a global role in regulation of gene expression upon hydrophobic surface induction. We further uncovered that three target genes encoding the hydrophobic surface binding proteins (HsbAs) contributed to the adhesion and virulence of B. cinerea. Overall, these findings suggest that Bcgbl1 had multiple functions and provided new insights for deciphering the Bcgbl1-mediated network for regulating development and pathogenicity of B. cinerea.
Contemporary Black Urban Music: The Revolution of Hip-Hop, Ron Westray (2023)
Authors: Zamora-Pasquier Jarelys
Published: December 2023

Review of: Contemporary Black Urban Music: The Revolution of Hip-Hop, Ron Westray (2023)

London: First Hill Books, 250 pp.,

ISBN 978-1-83998-527-0, h/bk, $49.95
GIS “SIBERIAN DEFENSIVE LINES” AS A FORM OF PRESENTATION OF CULTURAL HERITAGE SITES: EXPERIENCE OF CREATION AND DEVELOPMENT PROSPECTS
Authors:   Omsk Scientific Center SB RAS, Yu. GERASIMOV , D. ZAGORODNIKOVA ,   Omsk Scientific Center SB RAS, M. ZDOR ,   Omsk Scientific Center SB RAS, M. KORUSENKO ,   Omsk Scientific Center SB RAS, D. PAVLOV ,   Omsk Scientific Center SB RAS
Published: December 2023

The article presents historical and educational geoinformation system “Siberian Defensive Lines” created by the authors. The development was based on the archival, bibliographic and field research results. At the first stage, the Tara distance of the New Ishim Line, located within the modern borders of the Omsk region, became the object of research. The publication concisely describes the main stages and results of studying the boundary lines of Siberia. The main prerequisites and a brief history of the construction of fortifications on the border of the Russian Empire and the world of steppe nomads are shown. The structure, content and basic functionality of the created GIS are described, prospects for its development are indicated.
DEFINING THE BOUNDARIES OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL HERITAGE SITES IN UST’-KALMANSKY, LOKTEVSKY AND SHIPUNOVSKY DISTRICTS OF THE ALTAI TERRITORY: ORGANIZATION OF WORK
Authors:   Altai State Pedagogical University, N. GOLOVCHENKO , A. TELEGIN ,   Altai State Pedagogical University
Published: December 2023

The article is devoted to the generalization of the experience of the Steppe detachment of the archaeological expedition of Altai State Pedagogical University to determine the boundaries of objects of archaeological heritage. New statistical data on the 2020-2022 studies conducted on the territory of Ust’-Kalmansky, Loktevsky and Shipunovsky districts are presented. The authors stress the correct approach of the Department of State Protection of Cultural Heritage objects of the Altai Territory, which included in the list of objects to be delimitated in 2022, on the territory of Shipunovsky district, the largest in three years percentage of mounds subject to destruction. At the same time, a significant and unaccounted issue in the organization of these works was the choice of time and terms of their implementation.
PSEUDO-HERALDIC RING FROM THE COLLECTION OF THE BARNAUL MUSEUM “GOROD”
Authors:   Museum “Gorod”, D. KALASHNIKOV , O. CHEKRYZHOVA ,   Altai State University
Published: December 2023

In the collection of the Barnaul museum “Gorod” there is a small selection of rings with various images on the work site. The ring with the image of the heraldic coat of arms aroused the greatest interest. This article provides a description of the actual ring and the analysis of the image on it. Initially perceived as the personal seal of a representative of a certain noble family, the ring, as it turned out as a result of his research, turned out to be a sample of the so-called “pseudo-heraldry” (the term originated among dactylophilists) - a popular hobby for making rings and rings decorated with the image of heraldic figures, but having nothing to do with either heraldry or a specific generic coat of arms. The manufacture of pseudo-heraldic products, the beginning of which dates back to the XVIII century, has become quite widespread in Russia.
THE LEGACY OF THE PEOPLE’S ARTIST OF RUSSIA MIKHAIL YAKOVLEVICH BUDKEEV: 100 YEARS SINCE HIS BIRTH
Authors:   Altai State University, A. PASHKOVA ,   Museum “City”
Published: December 2023

Currently, it is becoming relevant to analyze the activities of the artists who stood at the origins of the formation of the traditions of painting in the Altai Krai. To do this, it is important to explore the creative legacy of predecessors. The article presents the results of the joint work of the author of the article, the employees of the exhibition hall of the “City” museum and S.M. Budkeev on the organization of a personal exhibition dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the birth of the only People’s Artist of the Russian Federation in the Altai Krai, M.Ya. Budkeev. The article for the first time publishes the materials obtained during an interview about Mikhail Yakovlevich’s sketch collection, which has not been exhibited before. More than 200 works were presented at the artist’s personal exhibition, which reflect only a small part of his creative heritage. The favorite themes of the People’s Artist of the Russian Federation, his attitude to art, the search for himself and his individual style, are presented according to the memoirs of his son.
MATERIALS ABOUT THE ALTAI MINES AND THE CULTURAL HERITAGE OF THE RUSSIANS OF ALTAI
Authors:   Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography SB RAS, S. Tikhonov
Published: December 2023

The materials on mining, stored in the archive of M.P. Gryaznov at Omsk State University, was collected by the scientist from various sources before 1950. These are brief descriptions of the mines, their location, the amount of metal extracted, their content in the rock, drawings of the tools of labor of ancient miners. Based on the available data, assumptions were made about the existence of periods of the most active mining, the existence of a system of “industrial” settlements of Russian miners, which exists while the mine is operating. After its development, the settlement ceases to exist.
ARCHAEOLOGICAL MICRODISTRICT “MALAYA RECHKA”: THE KALININO-I SETTLEMENT
Authors:   -, V. KOBZEV , A. KUNGUROV ,   Altai State Museum of Local Lore
Published: December 2023

The article is devoted to the substantiation of the allocation of two archaeological microdistricts located in the floodplain zone of the right bank of the Ob river in the vicinity of Barnaul and characterization of their geographical features. These complexes - microdistricts of the channels of the Zalomnaya and Malaya Rechka - are associated, first of all, with the presence of such a characteristic phenomenon of the Ob floodplain as the remnants of the right bedrock and floodplain sand dunes. These formations are usually confined to the system of water floodplain structures - channels, oxbow lakes, oxbow and spring lakes, as well as small rivers. The saturation of this territory with biological and mineral resources has attracted people here since the Stone Age. It is to the end of this era that the settlement of Kalinino I, located on the protruding cape of the indigenous right bank, belongs.
THE STUDY OF MULTILAYERED MULTICULTURAL COMPLEXES OF THE UPPER CHUMYSH REGION: SITES IN THE KUYUK AREA (SHIROKY LOG-I-II, KUYUK-III-V, OKTYABRSKY-I)
Authors:   Altai State Museum of Local Lore, A. Kungurov , O. KUNGUROVA ,   Altai State Museum of Local Lore
Published: December 2023

The article is devoted to the completion of the publication characterizing the location and features of archaeological sites located in the Upper Chumysh region on the northwestern border of the Tselinny and Eltsovsky regions of the Altai Territory. The described complexes are located in the right-bank zone of the Chumysh river valley. This side of the valley belongs to the spurs of the Salair Ridge. The tract, the name of which was determined by the socle cape of Mount Kuyuk, is bounded by the Shamonikha (Chumanikha) river on the south side, and the valley of the Tatarka river on the north. In addition to these names, a place is known in the mouth zone of the Tatarka River, where the village of Oktyabrskoye was previously located. In front of Cape Kuyuk, the coast forms a bend in an easterly direction, indented with logs, the largest has the name Shirokiy Log. All these toponyms and hydronyms were used to form the names of the sites discovered in this region: localities, quarry sites (Kuyuk-V), settlements (Shiroky log-I, Kuyuk-III, Oktyabrsky-I) and burial mounds (Shiroky Log-II, Kuyuk-IV).
STONE PRODUCTS FROM ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES OF SOUTHWESTERN ALTAI KRAI: PETROGRAPHIC OBSERVATIONS
Authors:   -, A. ONNIKOV
Published: December 2023

Many ancient sites and settlements are known on the territory of the southwestern regions of Altai Krai. A significant number of artifacts made of various stone rocks have been found there. Of particular importance is the large settlement of Rubtsovskoe, where a large collection of Neolithic tools, as well as fragments from pottery and animal bones have been collected. In addition, other locations dating back to the Paleolithic and Neolithic are indicated. The collected collections have allowed us to begin the search for the locations of the necessary raw materials and their use. The author’s experience and his petrographic observations allow him to consider the noted sources more thoroughly. The information presented in the article will help archaeologists to solve a number of scientific problems when studying the accumulated materials in detail.
ACCIDENTAL DISCOVERY OF THE BRONZE POMMEL OF THE GOLDEN HORDE MACE IN THE SAMARA REGION
Authors:   Novosibirsk State University of Economics and Management, S. PILIPENKO , P. LOMEYKO ,   Samara University, V. SKARBOVENKO ,   Samara University
Published: December 2023

The purpose of the publication is to introduce into scientific circulation information about the bronze pommel of the mace, accidentally found in the valley of the Samara River near the village of Guards of the Samara region. The mace belongs to a relatively rare type of melee weapon, which in the epochs of antiquity and the Middle Ages often acted simultaneously as a symbol of power. The pommel of a mace from the vicinity of the village of Gvardeytsy is the first and so far the only find of this type of weapon in the Samara Volga region, dating back to the period of the Mongol domination in the steppes of Eurasia, and from this point of view, undoubtedly deserves the attention of specialists both in the field of weapons history and in the field of studying the history of the Golden Horde as a whole. This work is the first in a series of upcoming publications devoted to the materials of the Golden Horde period from the territory of the Samara region. This series will complement the characteristics of the Zolotordyn monuments of the Samara Volga region, in comparison with other regions (Myskov, 2015, p. 117).
“DEER” STONES USED BY THE TURKS: A NEW LOOK AT THE PRESERVED IMAGES (FROM THE MATERIALS OF THE HISTORICAL AND ARCHITECTURAL OPEN-AIR MUSEUM OF THE IAET SB RAS)
Authors:   Altai State University, A. Tishkin , S. BONDARENKO ,   Altai State University
Published: December 2023

Modern digital technology makes it possible to study the “deer” stones in detail at a new research level. However, certain difficulties arise when they have been redecorated at a later time. Such a situation is often observed when considering Turkic statues. Using the example of two finds from Tuva, which are now located on the territory of the Historical-Architectural Open-Air Museum of the Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography (Novosibirsk, Russia), a complex of methods was implemented that allow to reproduce the images, which refer to different periods of their creation. This approach was reflected in the given illustrations and allowed to carry out the comparative analysis with results of the previous fixations. Performed photogrammetry provided the creation of 3D models, as well as obtaining the necessary characteristics and parameters.
“DEER” STONES IN THE LOCAL HISTORY MUSEUM OF ULZIIT SOMON ARKHANGAY AIMAK (MONGOLIA)
Authors:   Altai State University, E. PUREVDORJ
Published: December 2023

The Khangai Mountains in Central Mongolia are rich in historical and cultural relics left by ancient nomads. In recent years new sites have been intensively discovered there, and the re-examination of already known sites has been carried out. In the summer of 2022 the complex of ancient sculptures of Khushuutiin dange in Ulziyt somon of Arkhangai aimag was examined. In the local history museum, located in the center of the somon, there was a damaged “deer” stone, information about which had not been published before. Judging by the images, it has analogies among statues of the Mongolian-Transbaikalia type. The Khushuutiin dange was first studied by the Soviet archaeologist V. V. Volkov. Since then, this complex has changed greatly. In this article the author outlines some issues of preserving the “deer” stones as important historical and archaeological sources.
EXPERIENCE IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF PROJECTS OUTSIDE THE MUSEUM OF THE ALTAI STATE MUSEUM OF LOCAL LORE (ON THE EXAMPLE OF THE EXHIBITION “THE ALTAI TERRITORY. A VIEW THROUGH TIME”)
Authors:   Altai State Museum of Local Lore, Yu. ABRAMOVA , D. EMELYANOV ,   Altai State Museum of Local Lore
Published: December 2023

The article describes the experience of implementing projects outside the museum of the Altai State Museum of Local Lore on the example of a large-scale traveling exhibition in 2022 “The Altai Territory. A view through time” at the site of the Military-patriotic recreation park of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation “Patriot” (Moscow). Holding exhibitions outside the museum allows expanding the target audience, partnership relations of the museum, promotes the popularization of historical and cultural heritage and patriotic sentiments of society. The purpose, methods and techniques of the exposition construction of the exhibition, the sections presented
FORMATION OF ANTHROPOLOGICAL COLLECTIONS FROM THE SITES OF THE SROSTKI CULTURE OF THE FOREST-STEPPE ALTAI IN ALTAI STATE UNIVERSITY
Authors:   Altai State University-, V. ALEKSEEVA
Published: December 2023

The paper presents the history of the formation of anthropological collections of carriers of the Srostkin archaeological culture. The publication was prepared on the basis of entries in the inventory book “Craniological Collections of the ASU Anthropology Cabinet”. The accumulation of osteological materials began in 1987, thanks to the work of archaeologists of Altai State University on the Srostkin necropolises. The analysis of the data showed that currently there are 109 storage units of osteological material belonging to the Srostkin population from the burial complexes of the Forest-Steppe Altai in the collection of the ASU Anthropology cabinet.
REDUCED COPIES OF BRONZE AXES FROM THE COLLECTIONS OF THE BIYSK MUSEUM OF LOCAL LORE NAMED AFTER V.V. BIANCHI
Authors:   Altai State University, O. LIKHACHEVA
Published: December 2023

The presented work publishes two battle axes from the funds of the Biysk Museum of Local Lorenamed after VV Biachi. These products, according to the preserved information, originate from the Minusinsk basin and were transferred to the museum by S.M. Sergeev. Both items are small in size, which allows them to be treated as reduced copies. Of particular interest is an instance that imitates, in all likelihood, specific Chinese products of the “ge” type. A detailed description of the items is given, including specifying the parameters. The closest analogies are considered, on the basis of which cultural and chronological attribution is given. The article also touches upon the issue of the differentiation of some types of shaft weapons. Morphological features characteristic of each type of such weapons are noted.