bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Odonatofauna in the freshwater system of Kibalabag, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, Philippines
Authors: Guadalquiver Don  Mark E , Nuneza Olga M , Villanueva Reagan Joseph T
Published: April 2022

Abstract. Guadalquiver DME, Nuneza OM, Villanueva RJT. 2022. Odonatofauna in the freshwater system of Kibalabag, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, Philippines. Biodiversitas 23: 1857-1863. Despite the critical importance of freshwater ecosystems to human populations and biodiversity, many anthropogenic practices continue to imperil such habitats. An excellent way to monitor the integrity of these ecosystems is through bioindicator organisms like insects of order Odonata, which are highly sensitive to environmental changes. In Malaybalay City, Philippines, the freshwater system in barangay Kibalabag is the primary source of potable water. Thus, to gain insight into its integrity and health, the present study seeks to determine adult Odonata species composition and diversity in the area. Opportunistic sampling using sweep netting and handpicking was conducted in four sampling sites. Twenty-five species were identified, comprising 230 individuals under nine families and 21 genera. Endemism of 65% (17 species) was recorded, with five species exclusive to Mindanao Island and three species classified as threatened. A high ratio of Zygopterans to Anisopterans, indicative of pristine conditions, was observed. Computation of biodiversity indices revealed that Site 2 (Wetland) is the most diverse (H’: 2.582) due to habitat variability. Cluster analysis also showed that Sites 1 (Kibalabag falls) and 2 were most similar. Species assemblage in these sites and high richness in Site 1 demonstrated high habitat integrity and good water quality, whereas the species assemblage in Sites 3 and 4 connotes habitat disturbance. The high endemicity and moderate diversity showed that the area is a healthy and suitable habitat for Odonata, emphasizing the need for its conservation and proper management.
Agroforestry management systems through landscape-life scape integration: A case study in Gowa, Indonesia
Authors: HASANNUDIN DIAN AYU LESTARI , NURROCHMAT DODIK RIDHO , EKAYANI METI
Published: April 2022

Abstract. Hasannudin DAL, Nurrochmat DR, Ekayani M. 2022. Agroforestry management systems through landscape-life scape integration: A case study in Gowa, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 23: 1864-1874. Agroforestry has a potentially important role in increasing farmers' income and sustainable landscape management. The need to increase income from a community with limited land area, resulting in indiscriminate deforestation and shifting cultivation, has accelerated soil erosion. This study addresses the problem by evaluating land use and land cover change structure and prediction, providing plant types' preferences for agroforestry systems based on social, business feasibility, and ecological suitability. This study was conducted in Bontolerung Village, part of the KPH Jeneberang 1's working area, Tinggimoncong Sub-district, Gowa District, South Sulawesi Province, Indonesia. The data was collected from January to March 2021 using a snowball-purposive sampling method. The analysis data used land use and land cover change, land management patterns, cost and revenue, household expenditure and income, financial feasibility -Net present value (NPV), Benefit-cost ratio (BCR), and Internal rate of return (IRR), and ecological suitability (invasive series). The study finds that forest cover losses are 17% from 2010-2020 and converted into agricultural land. The agroforestry patterns of coffee, coffee-cloves, and coffee-cloves-iles-iles are feasible to cultivate following the NPV, BCR, and IRR criteria. Agroforestry systems contributed 26% to farmer household income. The value shows a low percentage compared to the non-agroforestry income (74%). The coffee-cloves agroforests show the highest gains with an average annual income of IDR 43,017,192 (US$ 3,024.9). This study promotes using agroforestry to reforest the existing degraded lands. Agroforestry systems offer great potential for environmental conservation and contribution to human well-being.
Fish behavior based on the effect of variations in oceanographic condition variations in FADs Area of Bone Bay Waters, Sulawesi, Indonesia
Authors: Rumpa Arham , Najamuddin Najamuddin , Safruddin Safruddin , Hajar Muhammad Abduh Ibnu
Published: April 2022

Abstract. Rumpa A, Najamuddin, Safruddin, Hajar MAI. 2022. Fish behavior based on the effect of variations in oceanographic condition variations in FADs Area of Bone Bay Waters, Sulawesi, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 23: 1875-1883. Fish behavior is the response of fish to conditions existing in their environment. One of the causes is oceanographic factors, which can affect the schooling movement of fish. This study aimed to identify the schooling behavior of fish based on the influence of oceanographic variations in the Fish Aggregating Device (FADs) area. Study took place from March to September 2021 in Bone Bay Waters, Indonesia. The type of research was experimental fishing with an acoustic approach for 57 times. Parameters observed were current velocity, current direction, and water temperature to the distance of schooling fish from FADs vertically and horizontally in the afternoon, evening, night, and early morning. The behavioral data of fish species were namely Decapterus russelli. The results showed namely the variation in current velocity affected the horizontal distance; variation in the direction of currents affected the horizontal distribution distance, while the water temperature affected the vertical schooling of fish. In the operation of fishing gear, especially in the early morning, in terms of the concentration pattern of schooling fish under FADs. The ideal current velocity was in the range of 0.2-0.29 [m s-1], while the ideal current direction is direct current was at the angle of 0°-60°. The schooling of fish approached to the surface and was concentrated under FADs at >30°C. Understanding on the distribution of horizontal and vertical movements and the time of concentration of fish schooling at the central point of FADs due to oceanographic variations will facilitate the effectiveness of fishing gear operation.
Potential extracts of wedge sea hare (Dolabella auricularia) as immunostimulators in comet fish (Carassius auratus auratus) infected by Aeromonas hydrophila
Authors: Nurhalisa Nurhalisa , Nur Indriyani , Suryani Suryani
Published: April 2022

Abstract. Nurhalisa N, Nur I, Suryani S. 2022. Potential extracts of wedge sea hare (Dolabella auricularia) as immunostimulators in comet fish (Carassius auratus auratus) infected by Aeromonas hydrophila. Biodiversitas 23: 1884-1893. Microencapsulation is an innovative method to protect the active compound of pharmaceutical material from environmental impacts or unwanted conditions. This study aims to determine the active compound content and appropriate concentration of wedge sea hare extract (Dolabella auricularia) using the microencapsulation method to treat Aeromonas hydrophila bacterial which infected in comet fish (Carassius auratus auratus). The treatment consisted of three concentrations of D. auricularia extract (6.3, 7 and 7.7 g/kg feed) and commercial feed as a positive control in triplicates. C. a. auratus fed with experimental diets twice a day (8.00 a.m and 4.00 p.m) for 30 days of culture period before being challenged with an injection of A. hydrophila. Blood profile, weight gain, survival and relative survival of C. a. auratus were observed before and after the challenge test. The characteristics and types of active compounds in the extract were observed qualitatively, as well as the morphology and particle size distribution of the microcapsules. The results showed that D. auricularia extract contained phenol, tannins, steroids, terpenoids, alkaloids, and saponins. The microcapsules in all treatments were a spherical shape. The average diameter was similar to all extract treatments. The addition of D. auricularia extract microcapsules in the feed produced significantly different results on the blood profile, weight gain and survival. The highest of total leukocytes, total erythrocytes, hematocrit and blood hemoglobin were obtained in addition to 7.7 g D. auricularia extract/kg of feed with respective values ??of 7.35±0.94×104 cell.mm-3, 2.83±0.03×106 cell.mm-3, 22.43±0.03% and 6.72±0.02 g.dL-1, respectively. The highest weight gain was found in fish-fed diets contained of 7.7 g of D. auricularia extract (3.37 g). The highest relative survival and survival were found in the treatment of 7 and 7.7 g extract/kg of feed, which was 100%. This study concluded that microencapsulated with D. auricularia extract at dose 7 g extract/kg of feed was the optimum dose for C. a. auratus infected with A. hydrophila.
Enzyme production, antibacterial and antifungal activities of actinobacteria isolated from Ficus deltoidea rhizosphere
Authors: JANATININGRUM ISRA , LESTARI YULIN
Published: April 2022

Abstract. Janatiningrum I, Lestari Y. 2022. Enzyme production, antibacterial and antifungal activities of actinobacteria isolated from Ficus deltoidea rhizosphere. Biodiversitas 23: 1950-1957. Actinobacteria have long been known to have the ability to produce bioactive compounds and secondary metabolites. Actinobacteria from the rhizosphere of Ficus deltoidea Jack were expected to produce beneficial secondary metabolite compounds with antibacterial, antifungal activity, and enzymes. A total of 34 different actinobacteria were isolated from F. deltoidea rhizosphere soil. They were assessed for their antimicrobial activity against four fungi, four bacteria, and enzymatic activity. The enzyme activity test showed that almost all isolates had amylase, protease, and cellulase activities. The results of antibacterial indicated that 61.8% of all isolates are active against bacterial tested, i.e., Bacillus subtilis ATTC 3061 (10), Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538 (13), and Escherichia coli ATCC 8739 (3). The antifungal test showed that 64.8% of the isolates had antifungal activity against four fungal tested, i.e., Fusarium oxysporum (13), Candida albicans (7), Colletotrichum capsici (17). Based on the enzymes production, antibacterial activity, and antifungal activity, RTB 1 and RTB 34 isolates were selected to be characterized by morphological and 16S rRNA gene identification. The morphological characterization and molecular identification showed that RTB 1 and RTB 34 belong to the Streptomyces genus. This study indicated that the selected actinomycetes could be antimicrobial and enzyme sources.
Evaluation of agronomic and fruit quality traits of miraculin transgenic tomato
Authors: CARSONO NONO , DESIANA NIA , NURRIZQI FERI M. , ELFAKHRIANO IQBAL F. , ANAS ANAS , SARI SANTIKA , KUSUMIYATI KUSUMIYATI , OHSAWA RYO , SHIMONO AYAKO , EZURA HIROSHI
Published: April 2022

Abstract. Carsono N, Desiana N, Nurrizqi FM, Elfakhriano IF, Anas, Sari S, Kusumiyati, Ohsawa R, Shimono A, Ezura H. 2022. Evaluation of agronomic and fruit quality traits of miraculin transgenic tomato. Biodiversitas 23: 2004-2009. Tomato cv. Moneymaker has been inserted with miraculin gene which can modify sour taste becomes sweet in the human tongue and, thus, it has potential as a sweetener. Evaluation of agronomic and fruit quality traits for this special transgenic tomato is a major concern that should be performed as substantial equivalence. The study's objective was to compare agronomic and fruit quality traits of transgenic miraculin tomato with those of its wild-type. The experiment employed a randomized block design, one genotype factor with two levels (transgenic vs. non-transgenic tomato cv. Moneymaker), and each was four replicates. Data were subjected to the Student t-test. The study revealed no significant differences between the transgenic tomato plants cv. Moneymaker and the wild type for important agronomic traits such as plant height, stem diameter, leaf area index, fruit weight, fruit weight per cluster, fruit weight per plant, fruit diameter, number of fruits per cluster, number of fruits per plant, and harvest index of miraculin. Some fruit quality traits such as fruit shelf-life, fruit hardness, total soluble solids, and content of glucose, sucrose, and fructose were equivalent to those of its counterpart, suggesting that miraculin transgene did not affect the expression of the observed traits. The miraculin transgenic tomato traits were more likely identical to those of wild-type except for the existence of the miraculin transgene. This will open the possibility for this special transgenic tomato to undergo further environmental safety assessment in the field test facility as a part of the biosafety assessment of genetically modified organism (GMO).
Floral biology, floral volatile organic compounds and floral visitors of Chromolaena odorata, an invasive alien species in West Bengal, India
Authors: LAYEK UJJWAL , DAS ALOKESH , DAS UDAY
Published: April 2022

Abstract. Layek U, Das A, Das U. 2022. Floral biology, floral volatile organic compounds and floral visitors of Chromolaena odorata, an invasive alien species in West Bengal, India. Biodiversitas 23: 2118-2129. Chromolaena odorata (L.) R.M. King & H. Rob. is a fast-growing weed native to the Neotropics and introduced in several regions of Africa, the Pacific Islands, and Southeast Asia, including West Bengal in India. It is one of the world’s most widespread and troublesome invasive alien plant species (IAPS) that severely infest natural habitats and crop fields. However, extensive data documents about the reproductive ecology are unknown, especially within West Bengal. This study assesses the floral biology, floral volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and floral visitors of the weed. The weed species flowers from October to January. Florets are white to purple, with short, narrow corolla tubes and deep-seated nectar. Abundant VOCs are benzyl stearate, 2,4-decadienal, n-hexadecanoic acid, 1-hexyl-2-nitrocyclohexane, and o-decyl hydroxylamine. Flower heads were visited by numerous insect groups, though the diversity of Lepidoptera (mainly butterflies) was higher than the other insect orders. The weed is pollinated by diverse insect groups (e.g., butterflies, flies, honeybees, leafcutter bees, solitary bees, and wasps). However, vital pollination services to the weed were provided by butterflies (based on the ‘approximate pollination value’). Our findings may conclude that the clustered capitula, longer stigmatic receptivity, and broad array of pollinators resulted in too much fruit set. It is one of the critical factors that support the high growth rate and invasive nature of the weed in dry habitats.
The composition of fatty acids in several vegetable oils from Indonesia
Authors: RAHMAN HAMIDAH , SITOMPUL JOHNNER P. , TJOKRODININGRAT SURYATI
Published: April 2022

Abstract. Rahman H, Sitompul JP, Tjokrodiningrat S. 2022. The composition of fatty acids in several vegetable oils from Indonesia. Biodiversitas 23: 2167-2176. Fatty acids are generally incorporated into a triglyceride structure in vegetable oils and this indicates vegetable oils are a source of fatty acids. Fatty acids and triglycerides are fatty groups commonly known to have a detrimental effect on health but have an important role in terms of nutrition, health, and are also a source of industrial raw materials. Therefore, this study was conducted to identify the composition of fatty acids in several edible vegetable oils which are quite widely available in Indonesia such as coconut oil, palm kernel oil, palm oil, nutmeg oil, cinnamon oil, and canarium oil. The fatty acids profile of these vegetable oils was determined using high-performance liquid chromatography while the composition was determined by comparing the peaks in each vegetable oil with the standard fatty acids. It was discovered that all the six vegetable oils contain fatty acids with different compositions, and this signifies the availability of a complete variety of fatty acids in Indonesia. Moreover, the highest fatty acid content in coconut oil and palm kernel oil was found to be lauric acid with a concentration of 49.00% and 49.25% respectively while the contents in palm oil include palmitic acid with 44.00% and oleic acid with 41.00%. The nutmeg oil was dominated by myristic acid with 78.00%, cinnamon oil by stearic acid with 50.16%, and canarium oil by oleic acid with 51.71%. Furthermore, the concentration range for all the vegetable oils includes 14.66-91.20% saturated, 6.30-52.31% monounsaturated, and 1.35-33.03% polyunsaturated fatty acids. These results can be used as a source of information in the process of utilizing fatty acids and triglycerides in vegetable oils, and also provide the data required to estimate the nutritional value of the plant biodiversity originating from Indonesia.
Taxonomy and ethnobotany of Acmella (Asteraceae) in Thailand
Authors: PANYADEE PRATEEP , INTA ANGKHANA
Published: April 2022

Abstract. Panyadee P, Inta A. 2022. Taxonomy and ethnobotany of Acmella (Asteraceae) in Thailand. Biodiversitas 23: 2177-2183. Thai toothache plant is an ethno-species, referred to as any species in the genus Acmella of the aster family (Asteraceae). The plants are used commonly in Thailand as vegetables and medicine. However, in earlier phytochemistry and ethnobotanical studies, missed scientific names: Acmella olearcea and Spilanthes acmella, were applied to these species. In this study, we have clarified the identity of these ethno-species and related species in the genus Acmella. There were six species of Acmella in Thailand, including two native species and four introduced species. The keys and brief description of these species are provided. In ethnobotanical studies, A. oleracea and S. acmella were mentioned as nearly 80% of total use records. These names could be referred to A. paniculata which is one of the native species and most widely distributed. Although there were a reasonable amount of studies on the Thai toothache plant, more comparative studies for their bioactivities are still needed according to the taxonomical confusion of their names.
Kaempferia sipraiana (Zingiberaceae), a new species from Thailand and a new record of Kaempferia pseudoparviflora for Myanmar
Authors: BOONMA THAWATPHONG , SAENSOUK SURAPON , SAENSOUK PIYAPORN
Published: April 2022

Abstract. Boonma T, Saensouk S, Saensouk P. 2022. Kaempferia sipraiana (Zingiberaceae), a new species from Thailand and a new record of Kaempferia pseudoparviflora for Myanmar. Biodiversitas 23: 2203-2211. Kaempferia sipraiana Boonma & Saensouk, a new species of Kaempferia subgenus Protanthium (Zingiberaceae) from northern Thailand and K. pseudoparviflora Saensouk P. & Saensouk, a new record species of Kaempferia subgenus Kaempferia for Myanmar are described, illustrated, and photographed. The dominant characters of Kaempferia sipraiana were leaves narrowly elliptic, green with short white stripes arranged parallel along the leaf edges, between the midrib and both sides of the edges, apex acuminate with slightly mucronate, base attenuate-oblique; peduncle glabrous; bracts apex mucronate, glabrous, red with dark red veins; bracteoles glabrous; floral tube shorter than calyx; calyx glabrous; staminodes oblanceolate, apex 3-lobes like curly brackets; labellum white at the base with pinkish purple in the middle gradually fade to pale pink and to reach to white tip and edge respectively, apex 3-lobes like curly brackets, each lobe 3.0–3.3 cm long; apex 4 lobes, outer lobes acute, inner lobes obtuse rarely combined to truncate; stigma with pink lips. The dominant characters of K. pseudoparviflora were one leaf and dark green with light grey markings, the inflorescence looks like inflorescence of K. parviflora. The information on vernacular name, distribution, phenology, ecology, conservation status, specimens examined, and an identification key to both species of Kaempferia in Thailand is revised and presented.
Response of post-larva of snakehead (Channa striata) to feeding dried silkworm (Tubifex sp.) and artificial diet
Authors: Syamsunarno Mas Bayu , Sunarno Mas Tri Djoko
Published: April 2022

Post-larval snakehead (Channa striata) can be fed on live silkworms (Tubifex sp.), artificial feed and a combination of both as a source of nutrients. The availability of live silkworms depends on the yield in nature. Meanwhile, dried silkworms are available in the market. Therefore, the study to evaluate feeding combinations of dried silkworms and artificial feed for the rearing of post-larvae snakehead was conducted from October to December 2020 in Serang District, Indonesia. The treatments were combinations of dried silkworm and artificial feed at a ratio of 100:0%, 75:25%, 50:50%, 25:75%, and 0:100%, respectively. After being adapted to experimental conditions, post-larvae of snakehead (0.40±0.02 g) were randomly stocked in 15 happas of 50x70x75 cm in dimension size each at a rate of 25 post-larvae and fed on tested diet according to the treatments at 5% of biomass a day, divided into three times for 40 days of experimental periods. The post-larvae of snakehead performed the best growth at the contribution of dried silkworm at 100 – 25%, the best feed conversion and protein efficiency ratio at 100 – 50% and 50%, respectively and the best survival at 50 – 0%. It could be suggested that feeding dried silkworm and artificial feed at a 50:50 ratio, respectively, during post-larvae snakehead rearing.Keywords:Channa striata Feeding combination Nutrient sourcesPost-larvae rearing
Phytoplankton diversity and abundance in biofloc cultivation of African catfish with different stock density
Authors: Soedibya Petrus Hary Tjahja , Listiowati Emyliana , Pramono Taufik Budhi
Published: April 2022

High fish stock density causes a decrease in water quality due to increased organic waste in water media and this can be overcame using biofloc technology. The bacterial consortium in the biofloc system breaks the organic compound into nutrients for phytoplankton growth. This research aims to determine phytoplankton abundance in biofloc ponds with different catfish stocking densities. Furthermore, a completely randomized design (CRD) was used, with four treatments and three replications. The treatments involved 1,000, 1,500, 2,000, and 2,500 catfish per m3, respectively, with a weight of ± 1-3 grams. Also, the fish was fed 3% of its body weight and reared for 40 days in a tarpaulin pond, with a water volume of ± 1,974 L. The AMOVA test was used to analyze the data and 10 phytoplankton genera were observed. However, the phytoplankton abundances showed no statistical significance among the treatments. The results showed that the first treatment had the most abundant phytoplankton, with an average number of 13,394 cell/L.Keywords:AbundanceBioflocCatfishDensityPhytoplankton
FRONT MATTER
Authors: Matter Front
Published: April 2022

http://jurnal.unsyiah.ac.id/depik/about/editorialTeam
Large area Bragg grating for pump recycling in cladding-pumped multicore erbium-doped fiber amplifiers
Authors: Matte-Breton Charles , Talbot Lauris , Messaddeq Younès , Bernier Martin , LaRochelle Sophie
Published: April 2022

We demonstrate for the first time that a Bragg grating can be written over a large area inside the cladding of a multicore erbium-doped fiber amplifier to increase the power conversion efficiency (PCE) by recycling the output pump power. Our results indicate that a Bragg grating covering ∼25% of the cladding area allows us to recycle 19% of the output pump power which leads to a relative increase of the PCE by 16% for an input pump power of 10.6 W in the specific case of an eight-core erbium-doped fiber with a length of 20.3 m and one core loaded with an input signal power of 1.5 dBm.
Ultrasensitive refractometer based on helical long-period fiber grating near the dispersion turning point
Authors: Liu Shen , Zhou Min , Zhang Zhe , Sun Zhongyuan , Bai Zhiyong , Wang Yiping
Published: April 2022

Precise and accurate measurements of the optical refractive index (RI) for liquids are increasingly finding applications in biochemistry and biomedicine. Here, we demonstrate a dual-resonance helical long-period fiber grating (HLPFG) near the dispersion turning point (DTP), which exhibits an ultrahigh RI sensitivity (∼25546 nm/RIU at ∼1.440). The achieved RI sensitivity is, to the best of our knowledge, more than one order of magnitude higher than a conventional HLPFG. The ultrahigh RI sensitivity can improve the RI measurement precision and accuracy significantly. Furthermore, ultralow wavelength shifts (nearly zero) with temperature and strain ranging from 20 to 100°C and 0 to 2226 µε, respectively, are also demonstrated for the proposed HLPFG, which may be a good candidate for developing new low-cross-talk sensors.
Time-resolved Rayleigh scattering tomography
Authors: Jiang Naibo , Hsu Paul S. , Lauriola Daniel K. , Danehy Paul M. , Roy Sukesh
Published: April 2022

Tomographic Rayleigh scattering (RS) imaging at a repetition rate of 10 kHz was demonstrated in non-reacting flows employing the second harmonic of a high-energy Nd: YAG burst-mode laser. Sequences of 100 images of the flow mixture fraction were directly derived from high-speed four-dimensional (4D) RS images. The tomographic reconstruction algorithm, measurement resolution, uncertainties, and jet flow mixing characteristics are discussed. Successful tomographic RS imaging using a high-energy burst-mode laser source lays the foundation for spatiotemporal, multidimensional analyses of density, mixture fraction, and temperature measurements in reacting and non-reacting flows of practical interest.
Ultra-sharp silicon multimode waveguide bends based on double free-form curves
Authors: Sun Shangsen , Yang Zhiqiang , Wang Juanli , Zhang Runsen , Zhang Fengchun , Zhu Ning , Wan Lei , Li Zhaohui
Published: April 2022

Mode-division multiplexing (MDM) can greatly improve the capacity of information transmission. The multimode waveguide bend (MWB) with small size and high performance is of great significance for the on-chip MDM integrated system. In this paper, an MWB with high performance based on double free-form curves (DFFCs) is proposed and realized. The DFFC is a combination of a series of arcs optimized by the inverse design method. The fabrication of this MWB only needs one-step lithography and plasma etching and has a large fabrication tolerance. MWBs with effective radii of 6 μm and 10 μm are designed to support three modes and four modes, respectively. The proposed method gives the best overall performance considering both the effective bending radius and the transmission efficiency. The fabricated MWB with four mode channels has low excess losses and crosstalks below

−
21
  
dB

in the wavelength range from 1520 to 1580 nm. It is expected that this design can play an important role in promoting the dense integration of multimode transmission systems.
Adaptive optics wavefront correction using a damped transpose matrix of the influence function
Authors: Gu Boyu , Zhang Yuhua
Published: April 2022

To assess the performance of adaptive optics and predict an optimal wavefront correction, we built a wavefront reconstructor with a damped transpose matrix of the influence function. Using an integral control strategy, we tested this reconstructor with four deformable mirrors in an experimental system, an adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscope, and an adaptive optics near-confocal ophthalmoscope. Testing results proved that this reconstructor could ensure a stable and precise correction for wavefront aberration compared to a conventional optimal reconstructor formed by the inverse matrix of the influence function. This method may provide a helpful tool for testing, evaluating, and optimizing adaptive optics systems.
Calcium modeling of spine apparatus-containing human dendritic spines demonstrates an “all-or-nothing” communication switch between the spine head and dendrite
Authors: Rosado James , Bui Viet Duc , Haas Carola A. , Beck Jürgen , Queisser Gillian , Vlachos Andreas
Published: April 2022

Dendritic spines are highly dynamic neuronal compartments that control the synaptic transmission between neurons. Spines form ultrastructural units, coupling synaptic contact sites to the dendritic shaft and often harbor a spine apparatus organelle, composed of smooth endoplasmic reticulum, which is responsible for calcium sequestration and release into the spine head and neck. The spine apparatus has recently been linked to synaptic plasticity in adult human cortical neurons. While the morphological heterogeneity of spines and their intracellular organization has been extensively demonstrated in animal models, the influence of spine apparatus organelles on critical signaling pathways, such as calcium-mediated dynamics, is less well known in human dendritic spines. In this study we used serial transmission electron microscopy to anatomically reconstruct nine human cortical spines in detail as a basis for modeling and simulation of the calcium dynamics between spine and dendrite. The anatomical study of reconstructed human dendritic spines revealed that the size of the postsynaptic density correlates with spine head volume and that the spine apparatus volume is proportional to the spine volume. Using a newly developed simulation pipeline, we have linked these findings to spine-to-dendrite calcium communication. While the absence of a spine apparatus, or the presence of a purely passive spine apparatus did not enable any of the reconstructed spines to relay a calcium signal to the dendritic shaft, the calcium-induced calcium release from this intracellular organelle allowed for finely tuned “all-or-nothing” spine-to-dendrite calcium coupling; controlled by spine morphology, neck plasticity, and ryanodine receptors. Our results suggest that spine apparatus organelles are strategically positioned in the neck of human dendritic spines and demonstrate their potential relevance to the maintenance and regulation of spine-to-dendrite calcium communication.
Identification of asymptomatic Entamoeba histolytica infection by a serological screening test: A cross-sectional study of an HIV-negative men who have sex with men cohort in Japan
Authors: Yanagawa Yasuaki , Shimogawara Rieko , Takano Misao , Aoki Takahiro , Mizushima Daisuke , Gatanaga Hiroyuki , Kikuchi Yoshimi , Oka Shinichi , Yagita Kenji , Watanabe Koji
Published: April 2022

Background

Amebiasis, caused by Entamoeba histolytica, is spreading in developing countries and in many developed countries as a sexually transmitted infection. Here, we evaluated the efficacy of serological screening to identify asymptomatic E. histolytica infection as a potential epidemiological control measure to limit its spread.

Methodology/Principal findings

This cross-sectional study was carried out between January and March 2021 in an HIV-negative men who have sex with men (MSM) cohort at the National Center for Global Health and Medicine. Serological screening was performed using a commercially available ELISA kit. For seropositive individuals, we performed stool polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to determine current E. histolytica infection. We performed E. histolytica serological screening of 312 participants. None had a history of E. histolytica infection prior to the study. The overall E. histolytica seropositivity was 6.7% (21/312), which was similar to that found by the rapid plasma reagin test (17/312). We identified current infection in 8 of 20 seropositive participants (40.0%) by stool PCR.

Conclusions/Significance

Our serological screening approach constitutes a potentially practical epidemiological strategy. Active epidemiological surveys, in combination with an effective screening strategy for asymptomatically infected individuals, should be applied to help reduce sexually transmitted E. histolytica infections.
Anti-Th17 and anti-Th2 responses effects of hydro-ethanolic extracts of Aframomum melegueta, Khaya senegalensis and Xylopia aethiopica in hyperreactive onchocerciasis individuals’ peripheral blood mononuclear cells
Authors: Katawa Gnatoulma , Ataba Essoham , Ritter Manuel , Amessoudji Oukoe Marthe , Awesso Essimanam Rosalie , Tchadié Pélagie Edlom , Bara Fagdéba David , Douti Fekandine Victoire , Arndts Kathrin , Tchacondo Tchadjobo , Batawila Komlan , Ameyapoh Yaovi , Hoerauf Achim , Karou Simplice D. , Layland Laura E.
Published: April 2022

Hyperreactive onchocerciasis (HO) is characterized by a severe skin inflammation with elevated Th17-Th2 combined responses. We previously demonstrated the anthelminthic activity of Aframomum melegueta (AM), Xylopia aethiopica (XA) and Khaya senegalensis (KS) used by traditional healers to treat helminthiasis in the endemic area of Togo. However, their effect on severe onchocerciasis is poorly investigated. The present study aimed to investigate the anti-Th17 and anti-Th2 effects of hydro-ethanolic extracts of AM, XA and KS during HO. Onchocerca volvulus-infected individuals were recruited in the Central region of Togo in 2018. Isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from both generalized onchocerciasis (GEO) and HO forms were activated with anti-CD3 and anti-CD28 monoclonal antibodies in the presence or absence of the hydro-ethanolic extracts of AM, XA and KS as well as their delipidated, deproteinized and deglycosylated fractions. After 72 hours, cytokines were assayed from cell culture supernatants. Then, flow cytometry was used to investigate the effects of the extracts on cell activation, proliferation, intracellular cytokines and T cells transcription factors. The production of both Th17 and Th2 cytokines IL-17A and IL-5 were significantly inhibited upon T-cell receptor (TCR) activation in the presence of the hydro-ethanolic extracts of AM, XA and KS in HO individuals’ PBMCs in vitro. AM and XA inhibited CD4+RORC2+IL-17A+ and CD4+GATA3+IL-4+ cell populations induction. This inhibition was not Th1 nor Treg-dependent since both IFN-γ and IL-10 were also inhibited by the extracts. AM and XA did not interfere with T cell activation and proliferation for their inhibitory pathways. Lipid and protein compounds from AM and XA were associated with the inhibition of IL-17A. This study showed that in addition to their anthelminthic effects, hydro-ethanolic extracts of Aframomum melegueta, Xylopia aethiopica and Khaya senegalensis could downregulate both Th17 and Th2 responses and prevent the severe skin disorder observed.
Welfare impact of climate change on capture fisheries in Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Thi Vinh Ha
Published: April 2022

Fisheries are forecasted to shrink in the tropics due to climate change. In Vietnam, fisheries are a pro-poor economic sector and essential nutrition source; however, welfares of producers and consumers in the climate change context are not well understood. While most studies focus on the gains or losses of total products and revenues, this paper pays additional attention to the changes in surpluses of market players in the long run. A combination of the production function, demand and supply functions, and partial equilibrium analysis is employed to measure the production and welfare impacts based on time series data from 1976 to 2018 and a Vietnam household living standards survey in 2018. The results show that relative to the present, catch yield is likely to reduce 35%-45% by mid-century and 45%-80% by the end of the century. Consumers may lose their surplus of 7-9 billion USD (PPP, 2018) by 2035 and 10-18 billion USD by 2065 due to supply reduction, while producers may gain additional profit of 3.5-4.5 billion USD by 2035 and 5-9 billion USD by 2065 owing to a price increase. The research findings suggest that Vietnam could impose measures to limit capture effort, as set out in the Law of Fisheries 2017, without harming fisher welfare. The expansion of aquaculture could reduce the gap between supply and demand of wild fish to mitigate consumer welfare loss; however, this impact is still ambiguous.
Determinants of institutional maternity services utilization in Myanmar
Authors: Lwin Khaing Zar , Punpuing Sureeporn
Published: April 2022

Background

Maternal mortality is a persistent public health problem worldwide. The maternal mortality ratio of Myanmar was 250 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2017 which was the second-highest among ASEAN member countries in that year. Myanmar’s infant mortality rate was twice the average of ASEAN member countries in 2020. This study examined factors influencing institutional maternity service utilization and identified the need for improved maternal health outcomes.

Methods

A cross-sectional study design was used to examine the experience of 3,642 women from the 2015–16 Myanmar Demographic and Health Survey by adapting Andersen’s Behavioral Model. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were applied. Adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence interval were reported in the logistic regression results.

Results

The findings illustrate that the proportion of women who delivered their last child in a health/clinical care facility was 39.7%. Women live in rural areas, states/regions with a high levels of poverty, poor households, experience with financial burden and the husband’s occupation in agriculture or unskilled labor were negatively associated with institutional delivery. While a greater number of ANC visits and level of the couple’s education had a positive association with institutional delivery.

Conclusion

The determinants of institutional delivery utilization in this study related to the institutional facilities environment imply an improvement of the institutional availability and accessibility in rural areas, and different states/regions, particularly Chin, Kayah and Kachin States- the poorest states in Myanmar. The poverty reduction strategies are urgently implemented because problems on health care costs and household economic status played important roles in institutional delivery utilization. The ANC visits indicated a significant increase in institutional delivery. The government needs to motivate vulnerable population groups to seek ANC and institutional delivery. Moreover, education is crucial in increasing health knowledge, skills, and capabilities. Thus, improving access to quality, formal, and informal education is necessary.
Million Veteran Program’s response to COVID-19: Survey development and preliminary findings
Authors: Whitbourne Stacey B. , Nguyen Xuan-Mai T. , Song Rebecca J. , Lord Emily , Lyden Michelle , Harrington Kelly M. , Ward Rachel , Li Yanping , Brewer Jessica V. V. , Cho Kelly M. , Djousse Luc , Muralidhar Sumitra , Tsao Philip S. , Gaziano J. Michael , Casas Juan P. ,   on behalf of the MVP COVID-19 Science Program
Published: April 2022

Background

In response to the novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Million Veteran Program (MVP) organized efforts to better understand the impact of COVID-19 on Veterans by developing and deploying a self-reported survey.

Methods

The MVP COVID-19 Survey was developed to collect COVID-19 specific elements including symptoms, diagnosis, hospitalization, behavioral and psychosocial factors and to augment existing MVP data with longitudinal collection of key domains in physical and mental health. Due to the rapidly evolving nature of the pandemic, a multipronged strategy was implemented to widely disseminate the COVID-19 Survey and capture data using both the online platform and mailings.

Results

We limited the findings of this paper to the initial phase of survey dissemination which began in May 2020. A total of 729,625 eligible MVP Veterans were invited to complete version 1 of the COVID-19 Survey. As of October 31, 2020, 58,159 surveys have been returned. The mean and standard deviation (SD) age of responders was 71 (11) years, 8.6% were female, 8.2% were Black, 5.6% were Hispanic, and 446 (0.8%) self-reported a COVID-19 diagnosis. Over 90% of responders reported wearing masks, practicing social distancing, and frequent hand washing.

Conclusion

The MVP COVID-19 Survey provides a systematic collection of data regarding COVID-19 behaviors among Veterans and represents one of the first large-scale, national surveillance efforts of COVID-19 in the Veteran population. Continued work will examine the overall response to the survey with comparison to available VA health record data.
Indigenous microorganisms offset the benefits of growth and nutrition regulated by inoculated arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi for four pioneer herbs in karst soil
Authors: Sun Yan , Umer Muhammud , Wu Pan , Guo Yun , Ren Wenda , Han Xu , Li Qing , Wu Bangli , Shen Kaiping , Xia Tingting , Zang Lipeng , Wang Shixiong , He Yuejun
Published: April 2022

Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi, as beneficial soil microorganisms, inevitably interact with indigenous microorganisms, regulating plant growth and nutrient utilization in natural habitats. However, how indigenous microorganisms affect the benefits of growth and nutrition regulated by inoculated AM fungi for plants in karst ecosystem habitats remains unclear today. In this experiment, the Gramineae species Setaria viridis vs. Arthraxon hispidus and the Compositae species Bidens pilosa vs. Bidens tripartita exist in the initial succession stage of the karst ecosystem. These plant species were planted into different soil microbial conditions, including AM fungi soil (AMF), AM fungi interacting with indigenous microorganisms soil (AMI), and a control soil without AM fungi and indigenous microorganisms (CK). The plant biomass, nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) were measured; the effect size of different treatments on these variables of plant biomass and N and P were simultaneously calculated to assess plant responses. The results showed that AMF treatment differently enhanced plant biomass accumulation, N, and P absorption in all species but reduced the N/P ratio. The AMI treatment also significantly increased plant biomass, N and P, except for the S. viridis seedlings. However, regarding the effect size, the AM fungi effect on plant growth and nutrition was greater than the interactive effect of AM fungi with indigenous microorganisms. It indicates that the indigenous microorganisms offset the AM benefits for the host plant. In conclusion, we suggest that the indigenous microorganisms offset the benefits of inoculated AM fungi in biomass and nutrient accumulation for pioneer plants in the karst habitat.
Melanin pigment of Streptomyces puniceus RHPR9 exhibits antibacterial, antioxidant and anticancer activities
Authors: Polapally Ravinder , Mansani Manasa , Rajkumar Karthik , Burgula Sandeepta , Hameeda Bee , Alhazmi Alaa , Bantun Farkad , Almalki Atiah H. , Haque Shafiul , El Enshasy Hesham Ali , Sayyed R. Z.
Published: April 2022

The present study reveals the production of dark, extracellular melanin pigment (386 mg/L) on peptone yeast extract iron agar medium by Streptomyces puniceus RHPR9 using the gravimetric method. UV-Visible, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (1H) (NMR) spectroscopy confirmed the presence of melanin. Extracted melanin showed antibacterial activity against human pathogens such as Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli except for Klebsiella pneumoniae. A potent free radical scavenging activity was observed at 100 μg/mL of melanin by the DPPH method with a concentration of 89.01±0.05% compared with ascorbic acid 96.16±0.01%. Antitumor activity of melanin was evaluated by MTT assay against HEK 293, HeLa, and SK-MEL-28 cell lines with IC50 values of 64.11±0.00, 14.43±0.02, and 13.31±0.01 μg/mL respectively. Melanin showed maximum anti-inflammatory activity with human red blood cells (hRBC) (78.63 ± 0.01%) and minimum hemolysis of 21.37±0.2%. The wound healing potential of the pigment was confirmed on HeLa cells, cell migration was calculated, and it was observed that cell migration efficiency decreased with an increase in the concentration of melanin. To our knowledge, this is the first evidence of melanin produced from S. puniceus RHPR9 that exhibited profound scavenging, anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic activities.
SARS-CoV2 wild type and mutant specific humoral and T cell immunity is superior after vaccination than after natural infection
Authors: Richardson Jennifer R. , Götz Ralph , Mayr Vanessa , Lohse Martin J. , Holthoff Hans-Peter , Ungerer Martin
Published: April 2022

Objective

We investigated blood samples from fully SARS-CoV2-vaccinated subjects and from previously positive tested patients up to one year after infection with SARS-CoV2, and compared short- and long-term T cell and antibody responses, with a special focus on the recently emerged delta variant (B.1.617.2).

Methods and results

In 23 vaccinated subjects, we documented high anti-SARS-CoV2 spike protein receptor binding domain (RBD) antibody titers. Average virus neutralization by antibodies, assessed as inhibition of ACE2 binding to RBD, was 2.2-fold reduced for delta mutant vs. wild type (wt) RBD. The mean specific antibody titers were lower one year after natural infection than after vaccination; ACE2 binding to delta mutant vs. wt RBD was 1.65-fold reduced. In an additional group, omicron RBD binding was reduced compared to delta. Specific CD4+ T cell responses were measured after stimulation with peptides pools from wt, alpha, beta, gamma, or delta variant SARS-CoV2 spike proteins by flow cytometric intracellular cytokine staining. There was no significant difference in cytokine production of IFN-γ, TNF-α, or IL-2 between vaccinated subjects. T cell responses to wt or mutant SARS-CoV2 spike were significantly weaker after natural occurring infections compared to those in vaccinated individuals.

Conclusion

Antibody neutralisation of the delta mutant was reduced compared to wt, as assessed in a novel inhibition assay with a finger prick blood drop. Strong CD4 T cell responses were present against wt and mutant SARS-CoV2 variants, including the delta (B.1.617.2) strain, in fully vaccinated individuals, whereas they were partly weaker 1 year after natural infection. Hence, immune responses after vaccination are stronger compared to those after naturally occurring infection, pointing out the need of the vaccine to overcome the pandemic.
Multi-omic analysis reveals enriched pathways associated with COVID-19 and COVID-19 severity
Authors: Lipman Danika , Safo Sandra E. , Chekouo Thierry
Published: April 2022

COVID-19 is a disease characterized by its seemingly unpredictable clinical outcomes. In order to better understand the molecular signature of the disease, a recent multi-omics study was done which looked at correlations between biomolecules and used a tree- based machine learning approach to predict clinical outcomes. This study specifically looked at patients admitted to the hospital experiencing COVID-19 or COVID-19 like symptoms. In this paper we examine the same multi-omics data, however we take a different approach, and we identifystablemolecules of interest for further pathway analysis. We used stability selection, regularized regression models, enrichment analysis, and principal components analysis on proteomics, metabolomics, lipidomics, and RNA sequencing data, and we determined key molecules and biological pathways in disease severity, and disease status. In addition to the individual omics analyses, we perform the integrative method Sparse Multiple Canonical Correlation Analysis to analyse relationships of the different view of data. Our findings suggest that COVID-19 status is associated with the cell cycle and death, as well as the inflammatory response. This relationship is reflected in all four sets of molecules analyzed. We further observe that the metabolic processes, particularly processes to do with vitamin absorption and cholesterol are implicated in COVID-19 status and severity.