bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A dataset of pig feces and urine components in the Scientific Observation and Experiment Station of Livestock Equipment Engineering in Southwest of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs in 2018
Authors:   Chongqing Academy of Animal Sciences, TAN Qiong ,   Scientific Observation and Experiment Station of Livestock Equipment Engineering in Southwest, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs,   National Center of Technology Innovation for Pigs, JIAN Yue ,   Chongqing Academy of Animal Sciences,   Scientific Observation and Experiment Station of Livestock Equipment Engineering in Southwest, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs,   National Center of Technology Innovation for Pigs, LIU Zuohua ,   Chongqing Academy of Animal Sciences,   National Center of Technology Innovation for Pigs, LONG Dingbiao ,   Chongqing Academy of Animal Sciences,   Scientific Observation and Experiment Station of Livestock Equipment Engineering in Southwest, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs,   National Center of Technology Innovation for Pigs
Published: October 2023

The Scientific Observation and Experiment Station of Livestock Equipment Engineering in Southwest of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs is located at the junction of the middle hills of Sichuan Basin and the parallel ridges and valleys in the east of Sichuan Basin, within the geographical coordinates of 105°17'-105°44' E longitude and 29°15'-29°41' N latitude. The Station has been monitoring pig feces and urine components for DLY pigs since October 2017. The monitoring experiment of this dataset began in the summer of 2018 and continued for four consecutive quarters. The experimental animals in each quarter cover nursery pigs (about 20 kg), fatting pigs (about 70 kg) and breeding sows in three growth stages. These pigs were raised in metabolic cages equipped with fecal and urine collection devices to monitor fecal and urine production as well as their composition. Fecal data include water content, organic matter, ammonia nitrogen, total nitrogen, total phosphorus and heavy metal contents (mainly Cu and Zn). Urine data include pH, COD, ammonia nitrogen, total nitrogen and total phosphorus. Sample collection, transportation and testing are strictly in accordance with specifications to eliminate the loss and error, ensuring high levels of repeatability and reproducibility in the tests. Based on the continuous data accumulation and mining, we produced the dynamic change database of pig feces and urine composition to reveal the changing rules and influencing factors of pig feces and urine composition. The dataset is expected to provide basic data with scientific value for the safe treatment and rational utilization of livestock manure and urine, as well as the formulation of related policies.
Laboratory Performance Testing of Aqueous Nasal Inhalation Products for Droplet/Particle Size Distribution: an Assessment from the International Pharmaceutical Aerosol Consortium on Regulation and Science (IPAC-RS)
Authors: Doub William H. , Suman Julie M. , Copley Mark , Goodey Adrian P. , Hosseini Sana , Mitchell Jolyon P.
Published: October 2023

Although nasal inhalation products are becoming more and more important for the delivery of medicines, characterization of these products for quality control and assessment of bioequivalence is complicated. Most of the problems encountered are associated with the assessment of aerodynamic droplet/particle size distribution (APSD). The droplets produced by the various nasal devices are large, and for suspension products, individual droplets may contain multiple drug particles or none at all. Assessment of suspension products is further complicated by the presence of solid excipient particles. These complications make it imperative that the limitations of the instruments used for characterization as well as the underlying assumptions that govern the interpretation of data produced by these instruments are understood. In this paper, we describe various methodologies used to assess APSD for nasal inhalation products and discuss proper use, limitations, and new methodologies on the horizon.
Glycosphingolipids are linked to elevated neurotransmission and neurodegeneration in a Drosophila model of Niemann Pick type C
Authors: Eberwein Anna E. , Kulkarni Swarat S. , Rushton Emma , Broadie Kendal
Published: October 2023

The lipid storage disease Niemann Pick type C (NPC) causes neurodegeneration owing primarily to loss of NPC1. Here, we employed a Drosophila model to test links between glycosphingolipids, neurotransmission and neurodegeneration. We found that Npc1a nulls had elevated neurotransmission at the glutamatergic neuromuscular junction (NMJ), which was phenocopied in brainiac (brn) mutants, impairing mannosyl glucosylceramide (MacCer) glycosylation. Npc1a; brn double mutants had the same elevated synaptic transmission, suggesting that Npc1a and brn function within the same pathway. Glucosylceramide (GlcCer) synthase inhibition with miglustat prevented elevated neurotransmission in Npc1a and brn mutants, further suggesting epistasis. Synaptic MacCer did not accumulate in the NPC model, but GlcCer levels were increased, suggesting that GlcCer is responsible for the elevated synaptic transmission. Null Npc1a mutants had heightened neurodegeneration, but no significant motor neuron or glial cell death, indicating that dying cells are interneurons and that elevated neurotransmission precedes neurodegeneration. Glycosphingolipid synthesis mutants also had greatly heightened neurodegeneration, with similar neurodegeneration in Npc1a; brn double mutants, again suggesting that Npc1a and brn function in the same pathway. These findings indicate causal links between glycosphingolipid-dependent neurotransmission and neurodegeneration in this NPC disease model.
Reconstituted in vitro systems to reveal the roles and functions of septins
Authors: Nakazawa Koyomi , Chauvin Brieuc , Mangenot Stéphanie , Bertin Aurélie
Published: October 2023

Septins are essential cytoskeletal proteins involved in key cellular processes and have also been implicated in diseases from cancers to neurodegenerative pathologies. However, they have not been as thoroughly studied as other cytoskeletal proteins. In vivo, septins interact with other cytoskeletal proteins and with the inner plasma membrane. Hence, bottom-up in vitro cell-free assays are well suited to dissect the roles and behavior of septins in a controlled environment. Specifically, in vitro studies have been invaluable in describing the self-assembly of septins into a large diversity of ultrastructures. Given that septins interact specifically with membrane, the details of these septin–membrane interactions have been analyzed using reconstituted lipid systems. In particular, at a membrane, septins are often localized at curvatures of micrometer scale. In that context, in vitro assays have been performed with substrates of varying curvatures (spheres, cylinders or undulated substrates) to probe the sensitivity of septins to membrane curvature. This Review will first present the structural properties of septins in solution and describe the interplay of septins with cytoskeletal partners. We will then discuss how septins interact with biomimetic membranes and induce their reshaping. Finally, we will highlight the curvature sensitivity of septins and how they alter the mechanical properties of membranes.
The SUN-like protein TgSLP1 is essential for nuclear division in the apicomplexan parasite Toxoplasma gondii
Authors: Wagner Mirjam , Song Yuan , Jiménez-Ruiz Elena , Härtle Sonja , Meissner Markus
Published: October 2023

Connections between the nucleus and the cytoskeleton are important for positioning and division of the nucleus. In most eukaryotes, the linker of nucleoskeleton and cytoskeleton (LINC) complex spans the outer and inner nuclear membranes and connects the nucleus to the cytoskeleton. In opisthokonts, it is composed of Klarsicht, ANC-1 and Syne homology (KASH) domain proteins and Sad1 and UNC-84 (SUN) domain proteins. Given that the nucleus is positioned at the posterior pole of Toxoplasma gondii, we speculated that apicomplexan parasites must have a similar mechanism that integrates the nucleus and the cytoskeleton. Here, we identified three UNC family proteins in the genome of the apicomplexan parasite T. gondii. Whereas the UNC-50 protein TgUNC1 localised to the Golgi and appeared to be not essential for the parasite, the SUN domain protein TgSLP2 showed a diffuse pattern throughout the parasite. The second SUN domain protein, TgSLP1, was expressed in a cell cycle-dependent manner and was localised close to the mitotic spindle and, more detailed, at the kinetochore. We demonstrate that conditional knockout of TgSLP1 leads to failure of nuclear division and loss of centrocone integrity.
Characterization of Pik1 function in fission yeast reveals its conserved role in lipid synthesis and not cytokinesis
Authors: Willet Alaina H. , Turner Lesley A. , Park Joshua S. , Ren Liping , Snider Chloe E. , Gould Kathleen L.
Published: October 2023

Phosphatidylinositol (PI)-4-phosphate (PI4P) is a lipid found at the plasma membrane (PM) and Golgi in cells from yeast to humans. PI4P is generated from PI by PI4-kinases and can be converted into PI-4,5-bisphosphate [PI(4,5)P2]. Schizosaccharomyces pombe have two essential PI4-kinases – Stt4 and Pik1. Stt4 localizes to the PM, and its loss from the PM results in a decrease of PM PI4P and PI(4,5)P2. As a result, cells divide non-medially due to disrupted cytokinetic ring–PM anchoring. However, the localization and function of S. pombe Pik1 has not been thoroughly examined. Here, we found that Pik1 localizes exclusively to the trans-Golgi and is required for Golgi PI4P production. We determined that Ncs1 regulates Pik1, but unlike in other organisms, it is not required for Pik1 Golgi localization. When Pik1 function was disrupted, PM PI4P but not PI(4,5)P2 levels were reduced, a major difference compared with Stt4. We conclude that Stt4 is the chief enzyme responsible for producing the PI4P that generates PI(4,5)P2. Also, that cells with disrupted Pik1 do not divide asymmetrically highlights the specific importance of PM PI(4,5)P2 for cytokinetic ring–PM anchoring.
Neutronic analysis of the BYU molten salt micro reactor
Authors: Bradford Collin , Mercado Edward , Clayton Braden , Gunnell LaGrande , Larsen Andrew , Memmott Matthew
Published: October 2023

Background: With the rising need for reliable and clean energy, researchers at Brigham Young University created a molten salt microreactor (MSMR) concept to help meet the world’s growing energy demands. The MSMR is rated at 45 MWth and is uniquely capable of passively dissipating all decay heat using conduction only. Methods: This work presents the results of the simulated neutronic behavior of the MSMR using the Monte Carlo neutronics code OpenMC with the ENDF/B-VII.1 cross-section library at steady state conditions. The specific characteristics discussed in this work are: keff, power profile, axial and radial peak power factors, Doppler coefficient of reactivity, and the moderator temperature feedback coefficient. Results: At steady state operating conditions, keff was calculated to be 1.07091 ± 0.00087 indicating that this configuration can achieve criticality. The axial peaking power factor was found to be 1.003 and the radial peaking power factor was found to be 1.45. Feedbacks were calculated by offsetting the temperature of the fuel and the moderator respectively. Doppler coefficient of reactivity to be -12.585 pcm/K and the moderator temperature coefficient of reactivity to be -0.34332 pcm/K. Conclusions: It is worth noting that the largest contributor of the negative reactivity comes from the fuel salt and not the moderator, further demonstrating the safety of the reactor. Future work will include a full neutronic optimization of the core, fuel burn up analysis, and exploration of a suitable burnable neutron poison.
Testing ethical impact assessment for nano risk governance
Authors: MALSCH Ineke , Isigonis Panagiotis , Bouman Evert , Afantitis Antreas , Melagraki Georgia , Dusinska Maria
Published: October 2023

Risk governance of nanomaterials and nanotechnologies is traditionally mainly limited to risk assessment, risk management and life cycle assessment. Recent approaches have experimented with widening the scope and including economic, social, and ethical aspects. This paper reports on tests and stakeholder feedback on the use of ethical impact assessment guidelines and tools adapting CEN Workshop Agreement part 2 CWA 17145-2:2017 (E)) to support risk governance of nanomaterials, in the RiskGONE project.
Nurse prescribing: a global perspective
Authors: Robertson Deborah
Published: October 2023

Deborah Robertson provides an overview of recently published articles that may be of interest to non-medical prescribers. Should you wish to look at any of the papers in more detail, a full reference is provided
Qualitative Case Study of a Virtual Education Program: Challenges and Future Directions
Authors: Defensor Marshal C. , Defensor Ruby I. , Wright Christopher Yap
Published: October 2023

Existing studies have explored the repercussions of school closures. The researchers were interested in exploring the virtual health and physical education program (VHPEP) by identifying existing practices, drawing a more profound understanding of teachers’ experiences, identifying parents’ roles played in support of their children and teachers, and finally recommending inputs for a better VHPEP. Using a criterion-based selection, twenty participants, encompassing ten teachers and ten parents, were recruited for this study. The study employed a qualitative case study design. The results found that implementing VHPEP involved various issues and challenges in class management, including limited student interaction, difficulty sustaining interest, ineffective assessment methods, and instances of student cheating. These challenges prompted teachers to shift their pedagogical practices, focusing on making adjustments and developing new strategies to ensure student participation. Additionally, the study found that teachers experienced anxieties and realized the importance of self-reflection, including the importance of implementing measures to mitigate anxieties, gaining new perspectives on teaching, and grappling with the unique difficulties and opportunities of the virtual teaching modality. This study also shed light on the diverse roles that parents played in supporting their children and collaborating with teachers. Lastly, the study identified crucial aspects for improving VHPEP. While this study gives much attention to valuable insights provided by teachers and parents as collaborative partners for a quality VHPEP, caution should be exercised because the research is based on specific contexts and individual experiences.
Interspecific Repellent Effect of Hydroalcoholic Solution of Nest Refuse from Two Leaf-cutter Ant Species
Authors: Sousa-Souto Leandro , Ambrogi Bianca Giuliano , Santos Rafaella Santana
Published: October 2023

Leaf-cutting ants manage their waste continuously to avoid risks of colony contamination. The presence of residues or their odor near foraging areas is enough for ants to stop attacking plant tissues. However, to date, no study has demonstrated an interspecific effect of nest waste on the deterrence of leaf-cutting ants. Here, we tested whether a hydroalcoholic extract of nest refuse (NR) of the leaf-cutting ants Acromyrmex balzani Emery, 1890 and Atta opaciceps Borgmeier (Hymenoptera: Formicidae, Attini) causes an interspecific deterrent effect. Field colonies of Ac. balzani (n = 30) and A. opaciceps (n = 36) were used. For each colony, we offered baits made with plastic straws covered by citrus pulp and sprayed with a hydroalcoholic solution of 20% (vol/vol) alcohol/water (Control) or an extract of 20% (vol/vol) of NR from Ac. balzani and/or A. opaciceps. Over 20-30 minutes we recorded the amount of baits removed and data were compared through survival analysis and Linear Mixed Effect (LME) model. Ants avoided collecting baits sprayed with NR resulting in less than 20% of these baits being carried to the nest versus 80% of control baits. The deterrence was both intra and interspecific, considering that the response was similar for baits from both species. Such results reinforce the premise that the presence of nest refuse alters the foraging behavior of ants and paves the way for new studies that can verify its effectiveness in reducing foliar consumption on a larger spatial scale.
Mueller matrix analysis of spun wave plate for arbitrary SOP conversion
Authors: Huang Yuhao , Xia Ran
Published: October 2023

The developments in polarized light have spawned a multitude of novel applications in optical fiber systems, but the design and fabrication of practical fiber wave plates with high degree of integration still remain a challenging issue. To address this problem, an all-fiber spun wave plate (SWP) for arbitrary state of polarization (SOP) conversion is proposed in this work, and its principle is analyzed with Mueller matrix. Simulations are conducted to exhibit the arbitrary SOP conversion capability of the proposed SWP, and two key parameters, including the maximum spinning rate (ξmax) and linear birefringence (δ), are investigated for efficient conversion of desired SOP. Different functions to increase the spinning rate ξ from 0 to ξmax, computational efficiency and accuracy related to N are discussed in detail. Furthermore, the depolarization effect caused by retardation of SWP is also considered. The results of this research suggest that the proposed SWP exhibits promising performance in arbitrary SOP conversion, and the meticulous analysis of the numerical computation, design, and implementation of SWP presented in this work can provide novel insights for devloping fiber wave plates.
Characterization and evasion of backscattered light in the squeezed-light enhanced gravitational wave interferometer GEO 600
Authors: Bergamin Fabio , Lough James , Schreiber Emil , Grote Hartmut , Mehmet Moritz , Vahlbruch Henning , Affeldt Christoph , Andric Tomislav , Bisht Aparna , Brinkmann Marc , Kringel Volker , Lück Harald , Mukund Nikhil , Nadji Severin , Sorazu Borja , Strain Kenneth , Weinert Michael , Danzmann Karsten
Published: October 2023

Squeezed light is injected into the dark port of gravitational wave interferometers, in order to reduce the quantum noise. A fraction of the interferometer output light can reach the OPO due to sub-optimal isolation of the squeezing injection path. This backscattered light interacts with squeezed light generation process, introducing additional measurement noise. We present a theoretical description of the noise coupling mechanism and we prove the model with experimental results. We propose a control scheme to achieve a de-amplification of the backscattered light inside the OPO with a consequent reduction of the noise caused by it. The scheme was implemented at the GEO 600 detector and has proven to be crucial in maintaining a good level of quantum noise reduction of the interferometer for high parametric gain of the OPO. In particular, the mitigation of the backscattered light noise helped in reaching 6 dB of quantum noise reduction [Phys. Rev. Lett. 126, 041102 (2021)10.1103/PhysRevLett.126.041102]. We show that the impact of backscattered-light-induced noise on the squeezing performance is phenomenologically equivalent to increased phase noise of the squeezing angle control. The results discussed in this paper provide a way for a more accurate estimation of the residual phase noise of the squeezed light field. Finally, the knowledge of the backscattered light noise coupling mechanism is a useful tool to inform the design of the squeezing injection path in terms of path stability and optical isolation.
Photonic convolutional neural network with robustness against wavelength deviations
Authors: Tang Kaifei , Ji Xiang , Liu Jiahui , Wang Jiantao , Xin Yu , Liu Jizhou , Wu Guihan , Sun Qi , Zeng Zhaobang , Xiao Rulei , Madamopoulos Nicholas , Chen Xiangfei , Jiang Wei
Published: October 2023

We experimentally explore the practicality of integrated multiwavelength laser arrays (MLAs) for photonic convolutional neural network (PCNN). MLAs represent excellent performance for PCNN, except for imperfect wavelength spacings due to fabrication variation. Therefore, the performance of PCNN with non-ideal wavelength spacing is investigated experimentally and numerically for the first time. The results show that there exists a certain tolerance for wavelength deviation on the degradation of the structural information of the extracted feature map, leading to the robustness of photonic recognition accuracy under non-ideal wavelength spacing. The results suggest that scalable MLAs could serve as an alternative source for the PCNN, to support low-cost optical computing scenarios. For a benchmark classification task of MNIST handwritten digits, the photonic prediction accuracy of 91.2% for stride 1 × 1 scheme using the testing dataset are experimentally obtained at speeds on the order of tera operations per second, compared to 94.14% on computer. The robust performance, flexible spectral control, low cost, large bandwidth and parallel processing capability of the PCNN driven by scalable MLAs may broaden the application possibilities of photonic neural networks in next generation data computing applications.
Biomimetic multilayer film simulating solar spectrum reflection characteristics of natural vegetations for optical camouflage
Authors: Deng Zichen , Zhou Peng , Hu Wenyuan , Wang Xian , Gong Rongzhou
Published: October 2023

The camouflage for developed hyperspectral detection technology, which can accurately distinguish the spectrum between object and background, has emerged as an important unsolved challenge. In this study, a biomimetic film (Ge/ZnS multilayer structure) for optical camouflage of hyperspectral and laser with color simulation has been proposed and experimentally demonstrated. By taking advantage of the wavelength selective property of Ge/ZnS multilayer through film interference, the biomimetic film which can simulate the reflection spectral characteristics of vegetation background and eliminate laser signal has been realized based on inverse design. The selective narrowband absorption can manipulate the contrary condition for hyperspectral camouflage (high reflectance in 0.8-1.3 µm) and laser camouflage (low reflectance at 1.06 µm) in the same waveband. The planarized biomimetic multilayer film presents several distinct advantages: (1) elaborate simulation of vegetation reflectance spectrum for hyperspectral camouflage (the spectral similarity coefficient of 92.1%), and efficient absorption at 1.06 µm for laser camouflage (reflectance of 17.8%); (2) tunable color chrominance of various vegetation types for visual camouflage; (3) thermally robust camouflage performance (up to 250 °C) due to temperature endurable property of Ge and ZnS. The hyperspectral-laser camouflage film expands the design strategy of optical camouflage application.
Photon blockade with a trapped Λ-type three-level atom in asymmetrical cavity
Authors: Gao Xue-Chen , Wu Xiao-Jie , Bai Cheng-Hua , Wu Shao-Xiong , Yu Chang-Shui
Published: October 2023

We propose a scheme to manipulate strong and nonreciprocal photon blockades in asymmetrical Fabry-Perot cavity with a Λ-type three-level atom. Utilizing the mechanisms of both conventional and unconventional blockade, the strong photon blockade is achieved by the anharmonic eigenenergy spectrum brought by Λ-type atom and the destructive quantum interference effect induced by a microwave field. By optimizing the system parameters, the manipulation of strong photon blockade over a wide range of cavity detuning can be realized. Using spatial symmetry breaking introduced by the asymmetry of cavity, the direction-dependent nonreciprocal photon blockade can be achieved, and the nonreciprocity can reach the maximum at optimal cavity detuning. In particular, manipulating the occurring position of nonreciprocal photon blockade can be implemented by simply adjusting the cavity detuning. Our scheme provides feasible access for generating high-quality nonreciprocal single-photon sources.
Depth of field expansion method for integral imaging based on diffractive optical element and CNN
Authors: Zhou Ruyi , Wei Chenxiao , Ma Haowen , Cao Shuo , Ahmad Munzza , Li Chao , Li Jingnan , Sun Yutong , Wang Yongtian , Liu Juan
Published: October 2023

In lens-based display systems, lens aberrations and depth of field (DoF) limitation often lead to blurring and distortion of reconstructed images; Meanwhile, expanding the display DoF will face a trade-off between horizontal resolution and axial resolution, restricting the achievement of high-resolution and large DoF three-dimensional (3D) displays. To overcome these constraints and enhance the DoF and resolution of reconstructed scenes, we propose a DoF expansion method based on diffractive optical element (DOE) optimization and image pre-correction through a convolutional neural network (CNN). This method applies DOE instead of the conventional lens and optimizes DOE phase distribution using the Adam algorithm, achieving depth-invariant and concentrated point spread function (PSF) distribution throughout the entire DoF range; Simultaneously, we utilize a CNN to pre-correct the original images and compensate for the image quality reduction introduced by the DOE. The proposed method is applied to a practical integral imaging system, we effectively extend the DoF of the DOE to 400 mm, leading to a high-resolution 3D display in multiple depth planes. To validate the effectiveness and practicality of the proposed method, we conduct numerical simulations and optical experiments.
Classical calculation of differential cross section for a beam deflected by a concentric refractive index field
Authors: Liu Wanguo , Ren Yinshuan
Published: October 2023

Ray tracing is a fundamental geometric-optics issue which gives a single ray path but seldom presents the collective behavior of light. The optical field distribution usually involves the calculation of an electromagnetic field and is rarely discussed from the perspective of geometric optics. However, in this paper, we show for a concentric medium with spherically symmetric refractive index, how the relative angular distribution of refractive beams can be obtained from the pure classical geometric optics method. As a measurement of the distribution, we introduce the concept of the differential cross section (DCS), which can be calculated from the relation between aiming distance and deflecting the angle of the ray. We present a general method to solve this relation from both Snell’s law in a constant medium and the optical Binet equation (OBE) in a gradient-index (GRIN) medium. Even without observing the collective traces, the DCS can independently give a quantitative description for the deflected light density of concentric media at different directions. It may act as a reference index for the design of beam deflector.
Multi-channel data transmission through a multimode fiber based on OAM phase encoding
Authors: Liu Zeqi , Zhang Bin , Zhang Hengkang , Zhang Tianhao , Liu Kaige , Fu Xing , Liu Qiang
Published: October 2023

Data transmission based on the transmission matrix method has realized the multiplexing of a large number of orbital angular momentum (OAM) modes under scattering, which encodes the data by modulating the amplitude of the OAM modes. However, this amplitude modulation (amplitude encoding) method has obvious cross talk when the number of output modes is small, resulting in a non-negligible bit error rate. Here, a multi-channel data transmission method based on OAM phase modulation (phase encoding) under scattering is proposed. This method can resist the multiple-scattering effect of multimode fibers and realize accurate data transmission with very few rows of camera pixels for output mode measurement, which is suitable for high-speed data transmission under scattering. Experimentally, we have achieved a bit error rate of less than 0.005% in the data transmission of a color image through a 60 m multimode fiber with only 2 rows of camera pixels for output mode measurement. Experiments also showed that the proposed method has a higher stability than amplitude encoding when the proportion of “1” or “0” in the code changes.
Characteristics and risk factors for readmission in HIV-infected patients with Talaromyces marneffei infection
Authors: Shi Minjuan , Qin Yaqin , Chen Shanshan , Wei Wudi , Meng Sirun , Chen Xiaoyu , Li Jinmiao , Li Yueqi , Chen Rongfeng , Su Jinming , Yuan Zongxiang , Wang Gang , Qin Yingmei , Ye Li , Liang Hao , Xie Zhiman , Jiang Junjun
Published: October 2023

Objectives

Talaromyces marneffei(T.marneffei) is an opportunistic fungal infection (talaromycosis), which is common in subtropical regions and is a leading cause of death in HIV-1-infected patients. This study aimed to determine the characteristics and risk factors associated with hospital readmissions in HIV patients withT.marneffeiinfection in order to reduce readmissions.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study of admitted HIV-infected individuals at the Fourth People’s Hospital of Nanning, Guangxi, China, from 2012 to 2019. Kaplan-Meier analyses and Principal component analysis (PCA) were used to evaluate the effects ofT.marneffeiinfection on patient readmissions. Additionally, univariate and multifactorial analyses, as well as Propensity score matching (PSM) were used to analyze the factors associated with patient readmissions.

Results

HIV/AIDS patients withT.marneffei-infected had shorter intervals between admissions and longer lengths of stay than non-T.marneffei-infected patients, despite lower readmission rates. Compared with non-T. marneffei-infected patients, the mortality rate for talaromycosis patients was higher at the first admission. Among HIV/AIDS patients with opportunistic infections, the mortality rate was highest forT.marneffeiat 16.2%, followed by cryptococcus at 12.5%. However, the readmission rate was highest for cryptococcus infection (37.5%) and lowest forT.marneffei(10.8%). PSM and Logistic regression analysis identified leukopenia and elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) as key factors inT.marneffei-infected patients hospital readmissions.

Conclusions

The first admission represents a critical window to intervene in the prognosis of patients withT.marneffeiinfection. Leukopenia and elevated LDL may be potential risk factors impacting readmissions. Our findings provide scientific evidence to improve the long-term outcomes of HIV patients withT.marneffeiinfection.
Protocol for a pragmatic cluster randomised controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of digital health interventions in improving non-communicable disease management during the pandemic in rural Pakistan
Authors: Wei Xiaolin , Khan Nida , Durrani Hammad , Muzaffar Naila , Haldane Victoria , Walley John D. , Thorpe Kevin , Ge Erjia , Ge Shiliang , Dodd Warren , Wallace James , Aslanyan Garry , Laporte Audrey , Khan Muhammad Amir
Published: October 2023

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed gaps in global health systems, especially in the low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Evidence shows that patients with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are at higher risk of contracting COVID-19 and suffering direct and indirect health consequences. Considering the future challenges such as environmental disasters and pandemics to the LMICs health systems, digital health interventions (DHI) are well poised to strengthen health care resilience. This study aims to implement and evaluate a comprehensive package of DHIs of integrated COVID-NCD care to manage NCDs in primary care facilities in rural Pakistan.

Methods

The study is designed as a pragmatic, parallel two-arm, multi-centre, mix-methods cluster randomised controlled trial. We will randomise 30 primary care facilities in three districts of Punjab, where basic hypertension and diabetes diagnosis and treatment are provided, with a ratio of 1:1 between intervention and control. In each facility, we will recruit 50 patients who have uncontrolled hypertension. The intervention arm will receive training on an integrated COVID-NCD guideline, and will use a smartphone app-based telemedicine platform where patients can communicate with health providers and peer-supporters, along with a remote training and supervision system. Usual care will be provided in the control arm. Patients will be followed up for 10 months. Our primary indicator is systolic blood pressure measured at 10 months. A process evaluation guided by implementation science frameworks will be conducted to explore implementation questions. A cost-effectiveness evaluation will be conducted to inform future scale up in Pakistan and other LMICs.

Discussion

Our study is one of the first randomised controlled trials to evaluate the effectiveness of DHIs to manage NCDs to strengthen health system resilience in LMICs. We will also evaluate the implementation process and cost-effectiveness to inform future scale-up in similar resource constrained settings.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier—NCT05699369.
Insomnia and depression levels among Malaysian undergraduate students in the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FMHS), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) during Movement Control Order (MCO)
Authors: Iqbal Raja Muhammad , Binti Riza Effendi Nur Ilyana , Syed Alwi Sharifah Sakinah , Saidi Hasni Idayu , Sarchio Seri Narti Edayu
Published: October 2023

Rapid outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 has caused the implementation of the movement control order (MCO) which aimed to reduce the spread in Covid-19 infections. While some may find it easy to adjust to the new norm, others found it difficult to switch from their normal routines and habits as according to the MCO SOP. This resulted in a more frequent insomnia and depression that subsequently impacted their mental health. Insomnia and depression levels are examined in this study as they relate to the Covid-19 Pandemic and the MCO among Malaysian undergraduate health sciences students at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, UPM. Random sampling methods were utilised with consideration of inclusion and exclusion criteria. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) were the instrument packages used in this investigation. An internet platform was used to distribute the questionnaire. Based on the results, it is concluded that depression and insomnia are significantly correlated, with a p-value of 0.05. This study also revealed the link between the severity of insomnia and the severity of depression among UPM students studying health sciences. The percentage of students with depression and insomnia was rather high (54.9% and 33.9%, respectively), and this occurred during the second wave of Covid-19 cases in Malaysia.
“Entrepreneurship” from the lens of enlightenment: Impacts of religiosity and spiritual intelligence on social entrepreneurial intentions
Authors: Jia Hongxia , Iqbal Shahid , Ayub Arslan
Published: October 2023

Despite an escalated gravity of interest in exploring factors that shape university students’ social entrepreneurial intentions, there are significant gaps in our understanding of this phenomenon. The current study examines the boundary effects of religiosity and spiritual intelligence to predict university students’ social entrepreneurial intentions. The authors collected the data from university students in their final years in multiple waves and employed SmartPLS (v 4.0) for data analysis. Our findings indicate that religiosity can affect social entrepreneurial intentions through two paths: intrinsic motivation mediates the association between intrinsic religiosity and social entrepreneurial intentions, and extrinsic motivation mediates the relationship between extrinsic religiosity and social entrepreneurial intentions. Further, spiritual intelligence moderates the relationship between intrinsic religiosity and social entrepreneurial intentions, mediated by intrinsic motivation such that at high levels of spiritual intelligence the association is more potent and vice versa. This is the first study that examines the boundary conditions of social entrepreneurial intentions of university students by employing the lens of religiosity and spirituality. The paper presents substantial theoretical and practical implications.
Metabolic and mitochondrial dysregulation in CD4+ T cells from HIV-positive women on combination anti-retroviral therapy
Authors: Akiso Matrona , Ameka Magdalene , Naidoo Kewreshini , Langat Robert , Kombo Janet , Sikuku Delories , Ndung’u Thumbi , Altfeld Marcus , Anzala Omu , Mureithi Marianne
Published: October 2023

Background

For optimal functionality, immune cells require a robust and adaptable metabolic program that is fueled by dynamic mitochondrial activity. In this study, we investigate the metabolic alterations occurring in immune cells during HIV infection and antiretroviral therapy by analyzing the uptake of metabolic substrates and mitochondrial phenotypes. By delineating changes in immune cell metabolic programming during HIV, we may identify novel potential therapeutic targets to improve anti-viral immune responses.

Methods

After consent and voluntary participation was confirmed, whole blood was drawn from HIV uninfected women and women with chronic HIV infection on long-term combination antiretroviral therapy (HIV/cART). Peripheral blood mononuclear cells-derived immune cells were directly incubated with different fluorescently tagged metabolites and markers of mitochondrial activity: FITC-2-NBDG (2-[N-(7-nitrobenz-2-oxa-1,3-diazol-4-yl) amino]-2-deoxy-D-glucose), FITC-BODIPY (4,4-Difluoro-5,7-Dimethyl-4-Bora-3a,4a-Diaza-s-Indacene-3-Hexadecanoic Acid), FITC-MitoTracker Green and APC-MitoTracker Deep Red. The uptake of glucose and fats and the mitochondrial mass and potential were measured using flow cytometry. All values are reported quantitatively as geometric means of fluorescence intensity.

Results

During chronic HIV infection, cellular uptake of glucose increases in HIV+ dendritic cells in particular. CD4+ T cells had the lowest uptake of glucose and fats compared to all other cells regardless of HIV status, while CD8+ T cells took up more fatty acids. Interestingly, despite the lower utilization of glucose and fats in CD4+ T cells, mitochondrial mass increased in HIV+ CD4+ T cells compared to HIV negative CD4+ T-cells. HIV+ CD4+ T cells also had the highest mitochondrial potential.

Conclusions

Significant disparities in the utilization of substrates by leukocytes during chronic HIV/cART exist. Innate immune cells increased utilization of sugars and fats while adaptive immune cells displayed lower glucose and fat utilization despite having a higher mitochondrial activity. Our findings suggest that cART treated HIV-infected CD4+ T cells be dysfunctional or may prefer alternative fuel sources not included in these studies. This underscores the importance of understanding the metabolic effects of HIV treatment on immune function.
Open acid dissolution—Ammonia solution extraction—ICP OES rapid determination of 7 trace metal elements in soil
Authors: Wang Jiahan , Long Junqiao , Yang Feng , Yang Xiujin , Jiao Wenguang , Huang Cheng
Published: October 2023

To overcome the corrosion of hydrofluoric acid on the ICP OES injection system in the acid dissolution system, this paper makes some improvements based on the traditional open digestion. The improved method does not require the complete removal of hydrofluoric acid. After appropriate digestion of the sample with a mixed acid, the solution can be transferred to a colorimetric tube containing ammonium hydroxide solution to give the final volume for analysis. In this paper, two-point standard curves are plotted using soil standards and process blanks, which is not only convenient but also overcomes the interference of the matrix effect. Through continuous experiments, the preferred ratio of mixed acid is 3 mL nitric acid + 5 mL hydrofluoric acid, and the concentration of ammonia solution is 0.5%. The spectral lines of the measured elements V (292.4), Cr (283.5), Co (228.6), Ni (231.6), Cu (324.7), Zn (213.8) and Pb (220.3) were determined. The method quantification limits of the seven measured elements V, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn and Pb were 0.909, 4.32, 0.269, 0.261, 0.968, 3.69 and 2.64 μg g-1, respectively, and the precision was 3.5%, 5.2%, 4.8%, 2.4%, 6.1% and 4.5%, respectively. After processing six national standard materials according to the experimental method, the measured values of each measured element were basically in agreement with the certified values, indicating that this method is fully feasible for the measurement of V, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn and Pb in soil. This method greatly improves the efficiency of pretreatment and is particularly suitable for analysing large batches of samples.
Stomiosphaerina bakae sp. nov., a new calcareous dinocyst of the Upper Cretaceous of the Central European Basin
Authors: Ciurej Agnieszka
Published: October 2023

In this work the new species of Stomiosphaerina bakae sp. nov. is described. This is the third species of the genus Stomiosphaerina. Several dozen specimens of the newly described species were found within the Upper Cretaceous (upper Turonian) white chalk at Dubivtsi section near Halych in western Ukraine (south-eastern margin of Central European Basin). Stomiosphaerina bakae sp. nov. has an asymmetrical oval (pear-like shape) test, as it is wider in one side, and sharp in the opposite side, ranging from 55 to 67 μm in length and from 42 to 56.5 μm in width. It has a two-layered calcareous test. The outer layer, with thickness ranging from 4.5 to 6.5 μm, is built of long and wide plate-shaped calcite crystals and is white in plain-polarized light with a dark cross in crossed-polarized light. The inner layer, with thickness ranging from 1.5 to 4.5 μm, is yellowish, goldish to brownish color in plain-polarized light, with proximal and distal side smooth and even, and is built of short fibrous calcite crystals, without preferential orientation. One narrow (6 to 8 μm width) aperture is observed. Stomiosphaerina bakae sp. nov. differs from other species of Stomiosphaerina, i.e. Stomiosphaerina biedai Nowak 1974 and Stomiosphaerina proxima Řehánek 1987, by its cyst-shape, cyst-size, layers thickness, structure of outer layer and width of aperture. Stomiosphaerina bakae sp. nov. most likely corresponds to the non-defined species of Stomiosphaerina sp. described by Nowak 1974.
A data integration approach unveils a transcriptional signature of type 2 diabetes progression in rat and human islets
Authors: Cao Shenghao , Wang Linting , Feng Yance , Peng Xiao-ding , Li Lei M.
Published: October 2023

Pancreatic islet failure is a key characteristic of type 2 diabetes besides insulin resistance. To get molecular insights into the pathology of islets in type 2 diabetes, we developed a computational approach to integrating expression profiles of Goto-Kakizaki and Wistar rat islets from a designed experiment with those of the human islets from an observational study. A principal gene-eigenvector in the expression profiles characterized by up-regulated angiogenesis and down-regulated oxidative phosphorylation was identified conserved across the two species. In the case of Goto-Kakizaki versus Wistar islets, such alteration in gene expression can be verified directly by the treatment-control tests over time, and corresponds to the alteration of α/β-cell distribution obtained by quantifying the islet micrographs. Furthermore, the correspondence between the dual sample- and gene-eigenvectors unveils more delicate structures. In the case of rats, the up- and down-trend of insulin mRNA levels before and after week 8 correspond respectively to the top two principal eigenvectors. In the case of human, the top two principal eigenvectors correspond respectively to the late and early stages of diabetes. According to the aggregated expression signature, a large portion of genes involved in the hypoxia-inducible factor signaling pathway, which activates transcription of angiogenesis, were significantly up-regulated. Furthermore, top-ranked anti-angiogenic genes THBS1 and PEDF indicate the existence of a counteractive mechanism that is in line with thickened and fragmented capillaries found in the deteriorated islets. Overall, the integrative analysis unravels the principal transcriptional alterations underlying the islet deterioration of morphology and insulin secretion along type 2 diabetes progression.
Possible role of NO/NMDA pathway in the autistic-like behaviors induced by maternal separation stress in mice
Authors: Khaledi Fatemeh , Dehkordi Hossein Tahmasebi , Zarean Elham , Shahrani Mehrdad , Amini-Khoei Hossein
Published: October 2023

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder. Maternal separation (MS) stress is an established model of early-life stress associated with autistic-like behaviors. Altered glutamatergic and nitrergic neurotransmissions may contribute to the pathophysiology of ASD. However, the specific mechanisms underlying these alterations and their relationship to MS-induced autistic-like behaviors remain unclear. Addressing this knowledge gap, this study aims to elucidate the involvement of the nitric oxide (NO)/ N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) pathway in MS-induced autistic-like behaviors in mice. This knowledge has the potential to guide future research, potentially leading to the development of targeted interventions or treatments aimed at modulating the NO/NMDA pathway to ameliorate ASD symptoms. Ninety male Naval Medical Research Institute (NMRI) mice were assigned to six groups (n = 15) comprising a control group (treated with saline) and five groups subjected to MS and treated with saline, ketamine, NMDA, L-NAME, and L-arginine. Behavioral tests were conducted, including the three-chamber test, shuttle box, elevated plus-maze, and marble burying test. Gene expression of iNOS, nNOS, and NMDA-R subunits (NR2A and NR2B), along with nitrite levels, was evaluated in the hippocampus. The findings demonstrated that MS induced autistic-like behaviors, accompanied by increased gene expression of iNOS, nNOS, NR2B, NR2A, and elevated nitrite levels in the hippocampus. Modulation of the NO/NMDA pathway with activators and inhibitors altered the effects of MS. These results suggest that the NO/NMDA pathway plays a role in mediating the negative effects of MS and potentially contributes to the development of autistic-like behaviors in maternally separated mice.