bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The beneficial endophytic microbes enhanced tobacco defense system to resist bacterial wilt disease
Authors: Tao Jiemeng , Gu Mengli , Yu Shizhou , Shi Jingjing , Cheng Lingtong , Jin Jingjing , Lu Peng , Zhang Jianfeng , Li He , Cao Peijian
Published: February 2024

Background

The vital role of rhizosphere microbiome in protecting plants against pathogen infection has been well characterized. By contrast, beneficial effects of the plant endophytic microbiome and interactions with plants remain poorly understood. Here, we integrated microbial community analysis, culture-based methods and plant defense gene quantification to systematically investigate the responses of endophytic root and stem microbiomes and the defense system of the tobacco plant to Ralstonia solanacearum, a bacterial pathogen causing bacterial wilt disease worldwide.

Results

An obvious reduction of community diversity and changes of microbial composition were observed in tobacco root and stem compartments upon R. solanacearum infection. Beneficial endophytic microbes were enriched in both diseased root and stem compartments, and beneficial microbes enriched in roots were more diverse than those in stems. Several beneficial bacteria enriched in diseased roots showed positive correlations with the pathogen abundance and exhibited great antagonistic activities against R. solanacearum. At the same time, the expression of key genes participating in plant defense signaling pathways and activities of plant defense enzymes were activated with R. solanacearum infection. Inoculation of beneficial endophyte Burkholderia ASV_550 in soils could greatly enhance the tobacco defense system in the presence of pathogen and decrease the disease incidence.

Conclusions

The recruited beneficial microbes exhibited an enhancement of the defense system of host plants. This work provides endophyte evidence for the “cry for help” strategy in plants and advances the current understanding of plant–microbe interactions in resisting plant disease.

Graphical Abstract
Effects of metal corrosion in the pump of a dialysis machine on the sterility of the terminal dialysate by spike-and-recovery testing with bacteria
Authors: Nakamura Minoru , Okayama Masaya , Hagiwara Seya , Nawa Tomoyasu , Yokota Shin-ichi
Published: February 2024

Background

Dialysis units have been concerned that the corroded metal parts of pumps used in hemodialysis might not allow sterility of the pump to be ensured due to bacterial contamination, even after cleaning and disinfection are performed after dialysis treatment. The purpose of this study was to clarify the effectiveness of the cleaning/disinfection process in eliminating bacterial contamination of the dialysate in pumps with and without metal corrosion.

Methods

A suspension of Pseudomonas aeruginosa [10 colony-forming unit (CFU)/mL] was introduced into pumps without or with corrosion of the metal parts, and the flow in the dialysis circuit was stopped for 6, 12, or 18 h. Then, after cleaning and disinfection of the circuit with a sodium-hypochlorite-containing reagent, the amounts of live bacteria in the terminal dialysate and on the surface of the metal parts of the pump were counted.

Results

Irrespective of the presence or absence of metal corrosion, bacteria were detected, even after cleaning and disinfection, on the surfaces of the pump parts that had been left in contact with the bacterial suspension for more than 12 h. However, on the surfaces of the pump parts showing metal corrosion, the bacterial numbers increased dramatically after 18 h of flow stoppage time following introduction of bacteria, and bacteria were even detected in the terminal dialysate despite cleaning/disinfection of the pump.

Conclusions

Corrosion of the metal parts used in pumps used for dialysis increases the risk of bacterial contamination of not only the pump parts and flow path of the dialysis machine but also the terminal dialysate, even if cleaning/disinfection is performed. For sterility assurance of the dialysis circuit and dialysate during routine use, it is necessary to eliminate corrosion of the metal parts of dialysis pumps during scheduled maintenance.
Monomodular and multifunctional processive endocellulases: implications for swine nutrition and gut microbiome
Authors: Fan Ming Z. , Cheng Laurence , Wang Min , Chen Jiali , Fan Wenyi , Jashari Fatmira , Wang Weijun
Published: February 2024

Poor efficiency of dietary fibre utilization not only limits global pork production profit margin but also adversely affects utilization of various dietary nutrients. Poor efficiency of dietary nutrient utilization further leads to excessive excretion of swine manure nutrients and results in environmental impacts of emission of major greenhouse gases (GHG), odor, nitrate leaching and surface-water eutrophication. Emission of the major GHG from intensive pork production contributes to global warming and deteriorates heat stress to pigs in tropical and sub-tropical swine production. Exogenous fibre enzymes of various microbial cellulases, hemicellulases and pectinases have been well studied and used in swine production as the non-nutritive gut modifier feed enzyme additives in the past over two decades. These research efforts have aimed to improve growth performance, nutrient utilization, intestinal fermentation as well as gut physiology, microbiome and health via complementing the porcine gut symbiotic microbial fibrolytic activities towards dietary fibre degradation. The widely reported exogenous fibre enzymes include the singular use of respective cellulases, hemicellulases and pectinases as well as their multienzyme cocktails. The currently applied exogenous fibre enzymes are largely limited by their inconsistent in vivo efficacy likely due to their less defined enzyme stability and limited biochemical property. More recently characterized monomodular, multifunctional and processive endoglucanases have the potential to be more efficaciously used as the next-generation designer fibre biocatalysts. These newly emerging multifunctional and processive endoglucanases have the potential to unleash dietary fibre sugar constituents as metabolic fuels and prebiotics, to optimize gut microbiome, to maintain gut permeability and to enhance performance in pigs under a challenged environment as well as to parallelly unlock biomass to manufacture biofuels and biomaterials.
Medicaid Insurance is a Predictor of Prolonged Hospital Length of Stay After Traumatic Brain Injury: A Stratified National Trauma Data Bank Cohort Analysis of 552 949 Patients
Authors: Yue John K. , Ramesh Rithvik , Krishnan Nishanth , Chyall Lawrence , Halabi Cathra , Huang Michael C. , Manley Geoffrey T. , Tarapore Phiroz E. , DiGiorgio Anthony M.
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Hospital length of stay (HLOS) is a metric of injury severity, resource utilization, and healthcare access. Recent evidence has shown an association between Medicaid insurance and increased HLOS after traumatic brain injury (TBI). This study aims to validate the association between Medicaid and prolonged HLOS after TBI using the National Trauma Data Bank.

METHODS:

National Trauma Data Bank Trauma Quality Programs Participant Use Files (2003-2021) were queried for adult patients with TBI using traumatic intracranial injury ICD-9/ICD-10 codes. Patients with complete HLOS, age, sex, race, insurance payor, Glasgow Coma Scale, Injury Severity Score, and discharge disposition data were included (N = 552 949). Analyses were stratified by TBI severity using Glasgow Coma Scale. HLOS was coded into Tiers according to percentiles within TBI severity categories (Tier 1: 1-74th; 2: 75-84th; 3: 85-94th; 4: 95-99th). Multivariable logistic regressions evaluated associations between insurance payor and prolonged (Tier 4) HLOS, controlling for sociodemographic, Injury Severity Score, cranial surgery, and discharge disposition variables. Adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and 95% CI were reported.

RESULTS:

HLOS Tiers consisted of 0–19, 20–27, 28–46, and ≥47 days (Tiers 1-4, respectively) in severe TBI (N = 103 081); 0–15, 16–21, 22–37, and ≥38 days in moderate TBI (N = 39 904); and 0–7, 8–10, 11–19, and ≥20 days in mild TBI (N = 409 964). Proportion of Medicaid patients increased with Tier ([Tier 1 vs Tier 4] severe: 16.0% vs 36.1%; moderate: 14.1% vs 31.6%; mild TBI: 10.2% vs 17.4%; all P < .001). On multivariable analyses, Medicaid was associated with prolonged HLOS (severe TBI: aOR = 2.35 [2.19-2.52]; moderate TBI: aOR = 2.30 [2.04-2.61]; mild TBI: aOR = 1.75 [1.67-1.83]; reference category: private/commercial).

CONCLUSION:

This study supports Medicaid as an independent predictor of prolonged HLOS across TBI severity strata. Reasons may include different efficacies in care delivery and reimbursement, which require further investigation. Our findings support the development of discharge coordination pathways and policies for Medicaid patients with TBI.
Improved Side-Effect Stimulation Thresholds and Postoperative Transient Confusion With Asleep, Image-Guided Deep Brain Stimulation
Authors: Kesarwani Rohit , Mahajan Uma V. , Wang Alexander S. , Kilbane Camilla , Shaikh Aasef G. , Miller Jonathan P. , Sweet Jennifer A.
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Asleep, image-guided deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a modern alternative to awake, microelectrode recording (MER) guidance. Studies demonstrate comparable efficacy and complications between techniques, although some report lower stimulation thresholds for side effects with image guidance. In addition, few studies directly compare the risk of postoperative transient confusion (pTC) across techniques. The purpose of this study was to compare clinical efficacy, stimulation thresholds for side effects, and rates of pTC with MER-guided DBS vs intraoperative 3D-fluoroscopy (i3D-F) guidance in Parkinson's disease and essential tremor.

METHODS:

Consecutive patients from 2006 to 2021 were identified from the departmental database and grouped as having either MER-guided DBS or i3D-F–guided DBS insertion. Directional leads were used once commercially available. Changes in Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS)-III scores, levodopa equivalent daily dose, Fahn–Tolosa–Marin scores, and stimulation thresholds were assessed, as were rates of complications including pTC.

RESULTS:

MER guidance was used to implant 487 electrodes (18 globus pallidus interna, GPi; 171 subthalamic nucleus; 76 ventrointermediate thalamus, VIM) in 265 patients. i3D-F guidance was used in 167 electrodes (19 GPi; 25 subthalamic nucleus; 41 VIM) in 85 patients. There were no significant differences in Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating III Scale, levodopa equivalent daily dose, or Fahn–Tolosa–Marin between groups. Stimulation thresholds for side effects were higher with i3D-F guidance in the subthalamic nucleus (MER, 2.80 mA ± 0.98; i3D-F, 3.46 mA ± 0.92; P = .002) and VIM (MER, 2.81 mA ± 1.00; i3D-F, 3.19 mA ± 1.03; P = .0018). Less pTC with i3D-F guidance (MER, 7.5%; i3D-F, 1.2%; P = .034) was also found.

CONCLUSION:

Although clinical efficacy between MER-guided and i3D-F–guided DBS was comparable, thresholds for stimulation side effects were higher with i3D-F guidance and the rate of pTC was lower. This suggests that image-guided DBS may affect long-term side effects and pose a decreased risk of pTC.
A Drosophila model of mitochondrial disease phenotypic heterogeneity
Authors: Granat Lucy , Knorr Debbra Y. , Ranson Daniel C. , Chakrabarty Ram Prosad , Chandel Navdeep S. , Bateman Joseph M.
Published: February 2024

Mutations in genes that affect mitochondrial function cause primary mitochondrial diseases. Mitochondrial diseases are highly heterogeneous and even patients with the same mitochondrial disease can exhibit broad phenotypic heterogeneity, which is poorly understood. Mutations in subunits of mitochondrial respiratory complex I cause complex I deficiency, which can result in severe neurological symptoms and death in infancy. However, some complex I deficiency patients present with much milder symptoms. The most common nuclear gene mutated in complex I deficiency is the highly conserved core subunit NDUFS1. To model the phenotypic heterogeneity in complex I deficiency, we used RNAi lines targeting the Drosophila NDUFS1 homolog ND-75 with different efficiencies. Strong knockdown of ND-75 in Drosophila neurons resulted in severe behavioural phenotypes, reduced lifespan, altered mitochondrial morphology, reduced endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-mitochondria contacts and activation of the unfolded protein response (UPR). By contrast, weak ND-75 knockdown caused much milder behavioural phenotypes and changes in mitochondrial morphology. Moreover, weak ND-75 did not alter ER-mitochondria contacts or activate the UPR. Weak and strong ND-75 knockdown resulted in overlapping but distinct transcriptional responses in the brain, with weak knockdown specifically affecting proteosome activity and immune response genes. Metabolism was also differentially affected by weak and strong ND-75 knockdown including gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels, which may contribute to neuronal dysfunction in ND-75 knockdown flies. Several metabolic processes were only affected by strong ND-75 knockdown including the pentose phosphate pathway and the metabolite 2-hydroxyglutarate (2-HG), suggesting 2-HG as a candidate biomarker of severe neurological mitochondrial disease. Thus, our Drosophila model provides the means to dissect the mechanisms underlying phenotypic heterogeneity in mitochondrial disease.
Partnerzy z rozsądku. Stosunki między Księstwem Liechtensteinu i Konfederacją Szwajcarską
Authors: Koźbiał Krzysztof
Published: February 2024

The customs treaty between the Principality of Liechtenstein and the Swiss Confederation was concluded in 1923 under certain conditions of international politics in Europe. After the wartime defeat of Austria-Hungary, the Principality was forced to revise its foreign policy concerning Switzerland. The 1923 agreement was the basis for the development of further in-depth contacts, and today there are more than 110. Both sides are satisfied with this co-operation, Swiss ‘care’ for Liechtenstein is nothing new in Europe, as such contacts (political, economic and diplomatic) characterise other micro-states. Ties with Switzerland are complemented by the Principality’s membership of the EEA, giving it the possibility, among other things, of benefitting from the movement of workers, which is important for Liechtenstein’s economy. Close links with Helvetia will continue as this is a vital interest for the sub-Alpine micro-state.
Charles Harpur (1813-1868). Charles Harpur prorok australijskiej niepodległości
Authors: Lencznarowicz Jan
Published: February 2024

Charles Harpur, poet and critic, was active in New South Wales during the colonial era. He left an extensive legacy (mainly poems and literary and political commentaries) scattered in the periodicals of the time, although mostly unpublished. He was involved in politics, demanded radical democratic reform and criticised the colonial political and cultural establishment. The purpose of this article is to present Harpur’s role as a forerunner of Australian nationalism and his vision of Australia’s future - an independent democratic republic – as well as the ideological and political inspirations and assumptions of his views. The source basis is his poetry, political and literary statements in the press and very few book editions published in his lifetime.
Phytochemical profile of Eranthis longistipitata Regel from three study sites in the Kazakhstan part of the Western Tien Shan
Authors: AIMENOVA ZHANAR E. , MATCHANOV ALIMZHAN D. , ESANOV RAHMAT S. , SUMBEMBAYEV AIDAR A. , DUISSEBAYEV SHYNGISKAN E. , DZHUMANOV SMATULLA D. , SMAILOV BAKYT M.
Published: February 2024

Abstract. Aimenova ZE, Matchanov AD, Esanov RS, Sumbembayev AA, Duissebayev SE, Dzhumanov SD, Smailov BM. 2023. Phytochemical profile of Eranthis longistipitata Regel from three study sites in the Kazakhstan part of the Western Tien Shan. Biodiversitas 24: 6031-6038. The aim of this study was to determine the phytochemical profile, the antifungal and antiradical potential of Eranthis longistipitata Regel from three study sites in the Kazakhstan part of the western Tien Shan region (in the territory of Aksu Jabagly State Nature Reserve). Sample collection was carried out in Taldybulak Gorge, Zhetymsai Gorge, and the valley of the Irsu River. The largest population of E. longistipitata was found in the valley of the Irsu River due to the high humidity and the higher availability of sunlight. The flavonoid compounds of the leaves and tubers of E. longistipitata collected in the Irsu River valley were analyzed by HPLC. Antifungal activity against Trichoderma lignorum, Fusarium oxysporum and Aspergillus niger was determined. The free radical activity was determined using DPPH. The results showed that the leaves and tubers of E. longistipitata growing in the Kazakh part of the western Tien Shan region contained rutin, apigenin, and gallic acid. The leaves of E. longistipitata had the highest rutin content (15.971 mg/g). The highest free radical scavenging activity was observed in the ethanol extract (3) of E. longistipitata leaves E. longistipitata leaves extract had good antifungal activity against F. oxysporum and A. niger (18.8 mm and 18.6 mm zones of inhibition, respectively).
Biotic and dragonfly diversity indices as ecological quality evaluation in Lahat District Rivers, South Sumatra, Indonesia
Authors: RACHMAWATI ANANDA , YUSTIAN INDRA , PUJIASTUTI YULIA , SHK SUPARMAN , ARINAFRIL ARINAFRIL
Published: February 2024

Abstract. Rachmawati A, Yustian I, Pujiastuti Y, Suparman Shk, Arinafril. 2023. Biotic and dragonfly diversity indices as ecological quality evaluation in Lahat District Rivers, South Sumatra, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 24: 6059-6068. The Lematang, Sandaran, and Kungkilan rivers have been reported to be polluted by coal mining activities. This study aimed to evaluate the ecological conditions using a dragonfly as a bio-indicator. Dragonfly surveys were conducted using direct observation procedures in 11 research sites determined by purposive sampling based on positions of the upstream, midstream and downstream of the river entering the coal mining area, including settling ponds managing waste from post-mining activities (stockpiles and disposal). Dragonflies were captured by visual observations, direct capture, and sticky traps. Data were analyzed by calculating the Dragonfly Biotic Index (DBI) and Diversity Index. The correlation between dragonflies and environmental factors was analyzed using Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) according to Jaccard’s index. The results showed there were 23 species of dragonflies. Larvae and exuviae were found in Aeshnidae and Libellulidae families. Dragonfly species with the highest DBI values were seen in Rhyothemis triangularis, Tholymis tillarga, Zyxomma petiolatum, Atrocalopteryx atrata, Libellago lineata and Rhinocypha fenestrata. Sandaran River had the highest DBI value and diversity index because of the undisturbed condition of the area, which had natural vegetation and unpolluted water conditions. The Kungkilan River will become the focus of river rehabilitation, starting with the reclamation of the river riparian area.
Assessing the benefits and management of urban forest in supporting low carbon city in Jakarta, Indonesia
Authors: AULIA RISDAYATRI , KASWANTO KASWANTO , ARIFIN HADI SUSILO , MOSYAFTIANI AMARIZNI , SYASITA NADA , WAHYU ADE , WIYOGA HARITYAS
Published: February 2024

Abstract. Aulia R, Kaswanto, Arifin HS, Mosyaftiani A, Syasita N, Wahyu A, Wiyoga H. 2023. Assessing the benefits and management of urban forest in supporting low carbon city in Jakarta, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 24: 6151-6159. Climate change is a phenomenon that has become a global concern including in urban areas. Jakarta is one of the most populated cities in Indonesia, reaching 10.56 million people in 2020 with high emissions levels due to high human activities. Thus, efforts to reduce carbon emissions to mitigate climate change are necessary in Jakarta one of which is through the concept of low carbon city and manifested in the establishment of Green Open Space (GOS), including urban forests. Urban forests aim to sequester and store carbon, and improve the urban microclimate. This research aimed to assess the benefits of urban forests in Jakarta in term of their capacity in carbon sequestration using i-Tree Eco tool, and analyse the management of urban forests related to the applicable regulations. To collect data on trees, this study created 49 plots scattered across Srengseng Urban Forest, Cipayung Urban Forest, Munjul Urban Forest, Rawa Malang Urban Forest, and Pondok Labu Urban Forest. Tree species, Diameter at Breast Height (DBH), total tree height, live tree height, crown base height, crown width, percent crown loss, and crown light exposure were all gathered. Furthermore, in-depth interviews with urban forest managers were performed to gather additional information on present management, including questions derived from Jakarta's green open space legislation to assess management efficacy. The results of the analysis of urban forest quality show that the health status of trees is one of the factors that indicate the quality of urban forests at the five study sites, with more than 50% of the total trees in fair condition (75- 90% health). The gross carbon sequestration of trees in five urban forests Jakarta is about 184.8 metric tons of carbon per year. Additionally, the in-depth interviews also test the mortality of the urban forest, a decent indicator of current management with estimates over the next 10 years, showing a slight increase in carbon sequestration and storage capacity. However, the mortality scenario leads to a trend toward a decrease in leaf area and the number of tree categories, especially in the Srengseng Urban Forest.
Species diversity and abundance of parasitoids of fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) from South Sumatra, Indonesia
Authors: HERLINDA SITI , SUWANDI SUWANDI , IRSAN CHANDRA , ADRIAN RIAN , FAWWAZI FAIRUZ , AKBAR FAIZ
Published: February 2024

Abstract. Herlinda S, Suwandi S, Irsan C, Adrian R, Fawwazi F, Akbar F. 2023. Species diversity and abundance of parasitoids of fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) from South Sumatra, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 24: 6184-6190. The parasitoid species attacking Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) have never been reported from South Sumatra. The objectives of this research were to identify and analyze the species diversity of egg and larval parasitoids of S. frugiperda and to determine their abundance in corn fields from South Sumatra. Surveys were carried out in Ogan Komering Ilir District, Ogan Ilir District, Muara Enim District, and Palembang City. The results showed that fourteen species of parasitoids were found attacking eggs and larvae of S. frugiperda in South Sumatra. Two species were egg parasitoids (Telenomus remus (Nixon) and Trichogramma sp.), and 12 species of larval parasitoids (Chelonus formosanus Sonan, Chelonus oculator F., Chelonus annulipes Wesm., Chelonus cautus (Cresson), Microplitis manilae Ashmead, Microplitis marshallii Kokujev, Euplectrus corriemoreauae Hansson, Compsilura concinnata (Meigen), Sarcophaga sp., Macrocentrus sp., Exorista sp., and Megaselia sp.). The most abundant species of the parasitoids found was T. remus. The highest species diversity was found in Muara Enim District. The number of parasitoid species was greater in the dry season compared to the rainy season. Egg parasitism rates were significantly higher at the corn vegetative stage (59.03%) compared to the generative stage (53.56%).
Hostile healthcare? Initial insights into the landscape of charging policies in the NHS in Wales
Authors: Haigh Christine E. , Mogford Holly
Published: February 2024

The NHS is now firmly positioned as a site of immigration control. As the Hostile Environment filters further into the NHS the principle of universality is increasingly disputed. As such, paradoxically, harm is reproduced through an institution which is intended to provide care. Despite the increasing breadth of recognition of the implications of charging migrants within the NHS in England, insights into specific practices within Wales are limited. Therefore, this research starts to address this paucity by providing initial insights into the extent of NHS charging within Wales.

The results from multiple freedom of information (FOI) requests sent to all seven health boards in Wales (carried out between January 2019 and August 2023) suggest that NHS treatment charging is common at scale across all health boards providing secondary care in Wales. In some instances, patients are being charged 150% of the cost of their treatment, and a significant number of patients are being incorrectly charged for care. It also appears that many patients have difficulty paying these charges, with significant outstanding invoices and many health boards resorting to using debt-collection agencies and/or payment plans in an attempt to elicit payment, and patients’ details being shared with the UK Home Office as a result.

Considering the harms which are produced through NHS charging regulations, campaigners and advocates including Patients Not Passports Wales call for charging regulations to be withdrawn from the NHS in Wales and across the UK.
"Noise and Fury Signifying Nothing": Music, Sound, and Class in Covent Garden
Authors: Nelson Joseph V.
Published: February 2024

Abstract: In the mid-eighteenth century, Covent Garden played host to a variety of different types and classes of people. It was the site of the Theatre Royal, Covent Garden, the Shakespeare's Head tavern, and numerous brothels. It also included the residences and shops of famed writers and artists. Yet despite its reputation as a meeting place for all ranks, the square had clear class divisions between those who lived in the fashionable houses on the northern side and the working people of the street market further south. This essay examines the different sonic territories within Covent Garden and how they were marked by gender and class. Starting with sites of musical performance, I propose that music can tell us much about the aural experiences of the time. An examination of maps and images of the market illustrates how sound helped to reproduce and reinforce elite attitudes toward lower-class people. Music also relegated women to certain roles within that environment and tells us much about attitudes toward female labor. Finally, the history of musical culture in Covent Garden Market demonstrates how permeable class boundaries could be even when there was an interest in resisting change and upholding a strict class hierarchy.
Coherent photo-thermal noise cancellation in a dual-wavelength optical cavity for narrow-linewidth laser frequency stabilisation
Authors: Dawel Fabian , Wilzewski Alexander , Herbers Sofia , Pelzer Lennart , Kramer Johannes , Hild Marek B. , Dietze Kai , Krinner Ludwig , Spethmann Nicolas C. H. , Schmidt Piet O.
Published: February 2024

Optical resonators are used for the realisation of ultra-stable frequency lasers. The use of high reflectivity multi-band coatings allows the frequency locking of several lasers of different wavelengths to a single cavity. While the noise processes for single wavelength cavities are well known, the correlation caused by multi-stack coatings has as yet not been analysed experimentally. In our work, we stabilise the frequency of a 729 nm and a 1069 nm laser to one mirror pair and determine the residual-amplitude modulation (RAM) and photo-thermal noise (PTN). We find correlations in PTN between the two lasers and observe coherent cancellation of PTN for the 1069 nm coating. We show that the fractional frequency instability of the 729 nm laser is limited by RAM at 1 × 10−14. The instability of the 1069 nm laser is at 3 × 10−15 close to the thermal noise limit of 1.5 × 10−15.
Phase structure of harmonically mode-locked optical frequency combs
Authors: Hasegawa Taro
Published: February 2024

Carrier phase of a harmonically mode-locked optical frequency comb (OFC) is investigated in detail. While harmonically mode-locked OFCs show promise for high-repetition-rate applications, their mode spacing is not the same as the pulse repetition rate, unlike fundamentally mode-locked OFCs. Consequently, harmonically mode-locked OFCs are unsuitable for applications requiring OFCs with wide mode spacing. This study examines the pulse-to-pulse carrier phase evolution of 4th- and 5th-order harmonically mode-locked OFCs, revealing uneven carrier phase evolution responsible for the narrow mode spacing. The possibility of achieving harmonically mode-locked OFCs with wide mode spacing is suggested by implementing pulse-to-pulse phase modulation to ensure even phase evolution.
Origins and consequences of asymmetric nano-FTIR interferograms
Authors: Németh Gergely , Bechtel Hans , Borondics Ferenc
Published: February 2024

Infrared spectroscopy is essential in understanding the optical properties of materials and is a critical analytical technique for identifying and determining the properties of materials. One of its major shortcomings, the relatively low spatial resolution, was overcome by combining atomic force microscopes and infrared light sources in near-field IR microscopes. Scattering-type near-field optical microscopy, s-SNOM, has been a flagship technique in the infrared community for its ability to provide information on optical properties well below the far-field diffraction limit. When combined with broad-band light sources, the technique gives rise to the nano-FTIR technique, which enables IR spectroscopy at the nanoscale. While s-SNOM and nano-FTIR data analysis are understood, fundamental discussion of experimental data, especially in the context of previously developed frameworks is lacking. Here, we unambiguously describe the origins of asymmetric interferograms recorded with s-SNOM instruments, give detailed analysis of potential artifacts and recommendations on optimal instrument settings as well as data analysis parameters.
Automatic segmentation and quantification of OCT images pre and post cataract surgery using deep learning.
Authors: Ruiz-Calvo Andrés , Ansah Derick , Celik Ugur , MacRae Scott , Marcos Susana , Martinez-Enriquez Eduardo
Published: February 2024

Obtaining quantitative geometry of the anterior segment of the eye, generally from Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) images, is important to construct 3-D computer eye models, used to understand the optical quality of the normal and pathological eye, and to improve treatment (for example, selecting the intraocular lens to be implanted in cataract surgery, or guiding refractive surgery). An important step to quantify OCT images is segmentation (i.e., finding and labeling the surfaces of interest in the images) which for the purpose of feeding optical models, needs to be automatic, accurate, robust, and fast.
In this work, we designed a segmentation algorithm based on deep learning, which we applied to OCT images from pre- and post-cataract surgery eyes obtained using anterior segment OCT commercial systems. We proposed a feature pyramid network architecture with a pre-trained encoder, and trained, validated, and tested the algorithm using 1640 OCT images. We showed that the proposed method outperformed a classical image processing-based approach in terms of accuracy (from 91.4% to 93.2% accuracy), robustness (decreasing the standard deviation of accuracy across images by a factor of 1.7), and processing time (from 0.48 s/image to 0.34 s/image). We also described a method for the 3-D models’ construction and their quantification from the segmented images and applied the proposed segmentation/quantification algorithms to quantify 136 new eye measurements (780 images) obtained from OCT commercial systems.
Prevalence, trends, and factors associated with maternal autonomy regarding healthcare, finances, and mobility in Bangladesh: Analysis of Demographic and Health Surveys 1999–2018
Authors: Kibria Gulam Muhammed Al , Albrecht Jennifer , Lane Wendy , Stafford Kristen A. , Jones Laundette , Vesselinov Roumen , Hirshon Jon Mark
Published: February 2024

Maternal autonomy is associated with improved healthcare utilization/outcomes for mothers and babies in low- and middle-income countries. We investigated the trends in the prevalence and factors associated with maternal autonomy in Bangladesh. This cross-sectional study analyzed the Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey for 1999–00, 2004, 2007, 2011, 2014, and 2017–18. Maternal autonomy was defined as at least one decision-making ability regarding healthcare, large household purchases, and freedom of mobility. We included 15-49-year-old mothers with at least one live-birth in the past three years. We compared the samples based on the presence of autonomy and reported the trends in prevalence (95% confidence intervals (CIs)) across the survey years. Lastly, we performed multilevel logistic regression to report prevalence odds ratios (PORs) for the associated factors. Variables investigated as potential factors included maternal age, number of children, maternal education, paternal education, current work, religion, mass media exposure, wealth quintile, place and division of residence, and survey years. The prevalence of ’any’ maternal autonomy was 72.0% (95% CI: 70.5–73.5) in 1999–00 and increased to 83.8% (95% CI: 82.7–84.9) in 2017–18. In adjusted analysis, mothers with older age, higher education, work outside the home, and mass media exposure had higher odds of autonomy than their counterparts (POR > 1, p < 0.05). For instance, compared to mothers without any formal education, the odds of autonomy were significantly (p < 0.001) higher among mothers with primary (adjusted POR: 1.2, 95% CI: 1.1–1.4), secondary (adjusted POR: 1.4, 95% CI: 1.2–1.6), and college/above (adjusted POR: 1.9, 95% CI: 1.6–2.2) education. While the level of maternal autonomy has increased, a substantial proportion still do not have autonomy. Expanding educational and earning opportunities may increase maternal autonomy. Further research should investigate other ways to improve it as well.
Reasons for shisha smoking: Findings from a mixed methods study among adult shisha smokers in Nigeria
Authors: Mdege Noreen Dadirai , Ekpo Ranti , Ogolla Sharon , Ali Seember Joy , Camara Aminata , Mugweni Esther
Published: February 2024

Shisha smoking has increased significantly worldwide over the past decade including in developing countries such as Nigeria. We aimed to understand the reasons for shisha smoking in Nigeria in order to address the lack of context-specific evidence to inform the national response to the growing threat posed by shisha smoking. We adopted the Theory of Planned Behaviour to conduct in-depth interviews among 78 purposely sampled current shisha smokers in 13 states (six in each state), and a quantitative survey including a random sample of 611 current shisha smokers in 12 states, across the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria. The in-depth interview data was analysed using thematic analysis whilst the quantitative survey data was analysed descriptively. We triangulated the key findings from the two datasets using a triangulation matrix organised by the three meta-themes: attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioural control. Positive attitudes towards shisha smoking stem from shisha flavours, perceived pleasure from shisha smoking, curiosity about product attributes, beliefs about health benefits, limited knowledge on the health effects, and weak regulation. Having friends and family members who smoke shisha and the need to belong, particularly during social events, also promote shisha smoking. Negative societal views towards shisha smoking are potentially a protective factor. The availability of and ability to smoke shisha in many places makes shisha more accessible, whilst the high costs of shisha are potentially prohibitive. The findings also indicate that quitting shisha smoking without support is difficult. Restrictions on flavours, strengthening compliance monitoring and enforcement of the tobacco control laws in relation to shisha (e.g., smoke-free environments in indoor and outdoor public places; health warnings in English on shisha products including the pots; and tax and price measures) have the potential to minimise initiation and use, and to protect the health and wellbeing of Nigeria’s general public.
A qualitative study examining the health system’s response to COVID-19 in Sierra Leone
Authors: Stone Hana , Bailey Emma , Wurie Haja , Leather Andrew J. M. , Davies Justine I. , Bolkan Håkon A. , Sevalie Stephen , Youkee Daniel , Parmar Divya
Published: February 2024

The paper examines the health system’s response to COVID-19 in Sierra Leone. It aims to explore how the pandemic affected service delivery, health workers, patient access to services, leadership, and governance. It also examines to what extent the legacy of the 2013–16 Ebola outbreak influenced the COVID-19 response and public perception. Using the WHO Health System Building Blocks Framework, we conducted a qualitative study in Sierra Leone where semi-structured interviews were conducted with health workers, policymakers, and patients between Oct-Dec 2020. We applied thematic analysis using both deductive and inductive approaches. Twelve themes emerged from the analysis: nine on the WHO building blocks, two on patients’ experiences, and one on Ebola. We found that routine services were impacted by enhanced infection prevention control measures. Health workers faced additional responsibilities and training needs. Communication and decision-making within facilities were reported to be coordinated and effective, although updates cascading from the national level to facilities were lacking. In contrast with previous health emergencies which were heavily influenced by international organisations, we found that the COVID-19 response was led by the national leadership. Experiences of Ebola resulted in less fear of COVID-19 and a greater understanding of public health measures. However, these measures also negatively affected patients’ livelihoods and their willingness to visit facilities. We conclude, it is important to address existing challenges in the health system such as resources that affect the capacity of health systems to respond to emergencies. Prioritising the well-being of health workers and the continued provision of essential routine health services is important. The socio-economic impact of public health measures on the population needs to be considered before measures are implemented.
Spatial differentiation and geographical similarity of traditional villages——Take the Yellow River Basin and the Yangtze River Basin as examples
Authors: Nie Zhongyi , Dong Tian , Pan Wei
Published: February 2024

The preservation and advancement of Traditional Villages are intricately linked to the perpetuation of cultural heritage. However, existing research on the spatial disparities among Traditional Villages has yet to consider the impact of cultural factors. Moreover, the geographical similarities shared by Traditional Villages have not been thoroughly examined. Therefore, this study takes the Yellow River Basin and the Yangtze River Basin, both pivotal in the genesis of Chinese culture, as case studies. We employ an Optimal Parameter-based GeoDetector alongside the Spatially Constrained Multivariate Clustering method to delve into the factors influencing the spatial differentiation and geographical similarities of Traditional Villages within these two significant river basins. Subsequently, we offer recommendations for fostering the sustainable preservation and development of Traditional Villages in these regions. The results indicate that the Rural Residents Per Capita Disposable Income has the greatest impact on the spatial differentiation of Traditional Villages in the Yellow River Basin, while the Density of National Intangible Cultural Heritage Inheritors has the most significant influence in the Yangtze River Basin. The interaction effects of the driving factors are more powerful, with a q-value of 0.9544 for the interplay between the Density of National Cultural Protection Units and the Tourism Income in the Yellow River Basin and a value of 0.9099 for the interaction between the Density of National Intangible Cultural Heritage Inheritors and the Transportation in the Yangtze River Basin. Regarding geographical similarity, the Traditional Villages in the Yellow River Basin are divided into three major clusters, while those in the Yangtze River Basin are divided into two.
Determinants of diabetic nephropathy among diabetic patients in Ethiopia: Systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Azagew Abere Woretaw , Beko Zerko Wako , Mekonnen Chilot Kassa
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a long-term kidney disease among diabetic patients. It is the leading cause of end-stage renal failure. In Ethiopia, DN affects the majority of diabetic populations, but there were inconsistent findings about the determinant factors across the studies.

Methods

We have accessed studies using PubMed, Embase, EBSCO, Web of Science, OVID, and search engines including Google and Google Scholar published up to June 2023. The study populations were diabetic patients with nephropathy. The quality of each included article was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa quality assessment scale. The odds ratios of risk factors were pooled using a random-effect meta-analysis model. Heterogeneity was assessed using the Cochrane Q statistics and I-Square (I2). The publication bias was detected using the funnel plot and/or Egger’s test (p< 0.05). Trim and fill analysis was carried out to treat the publication bias. The protocol has been registered with the reference number CRD42023434547.

Results

A total of sixteen articles were used for this reviewed study. Of which, eleven articles were used for advanced age, ten articles for duration of diabetic illness, ten articles for poor glycemic control, and eleven articles for having co-morbid hypertension. Diabetic patients with advanced age (AOR = 1.11, 95% CI: 1.03–120, I2 = 0.0%, p = 0.488), longer duration of diabetic illness (AOR = 1.23, 95% CI = 1.05–1.45, I2 = 0.0%, p = 0.567), poor glycemic control (AOR = 2.57, 95% CI: 1.07–6.14; I2 = 0.0%, p = 0.996), and having co-morbid hypertension (AOR = 4.03, 95% CI: 2.00–8.12, I2 = 0.0%, p = 0.964) were found to be factors associated with DN.

Conclusions

The findings of the study revealed that diabetic patients with advanced age, longer duration of diabetic illness, poor glycemic control status, and co-morbid hypertension were the determinant factors of DN. Therefore, treatment of co-morbid hypertension and high blood glucose and regular screening of renal function should be implemented to detect, treat, and reduce the progression of DN. Furthermore, healthcare workers should give due attention to diabetes with advanced age and a longer duration of diabetes illness to prevent the occurrence of DN.
Analyzing metaphor patterns in COVID-19 news pictures: A critical study in China
Authors: Feifei Fu
Published: February 2024

Drawing on Critical Metaphor Analysis, this study investigates major metaphors of the COVID-19 pandemic used by the Chinese government in the specific genre of news picture. It examines patterns of metaphor use in the first year of the pandemic in China and explains how and why the government employs the identified metaphors in the Chinese political context. Results reveal that pandemic metaphors (45%) are not as widely used in news pictures as presumed, the vast majority (95%) are rendered in verbal mode, and the most salient metaphors used in news pictures are the UP/DOWN (spatial), WAR, FAMILY, and COMPETITION metaphors. This study then addresses how COVID-19 metaphors are used in the Chinese political context and claims that the Chinese government uses specific metaphors with persuasive and ideological functions. The WAR metaphor aids comprehension of abstract concepts of the pandemic treatment, the FAMILY metaphor fosters empathy among Chinese individuals to counter blame and discrimination in society, UP/DOWN (spatial) and COMPETITION metaphors stimulate action to overcome the common “enemy.” WAR and FAMILY metaphors also contribute to the construction of a greater sense of collectivism and play a crucial role in fostering a positive national identity. Implications, limitations and some directions for future research are suggested.
Significant differences in the degree of genomic DNA N6-methyladenine modifications in Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans with two different culture substrates
Authors: Lin RuTao , Liu JingQi , Shan Si , Zhang Yu , Yang Yu
Published: February 2024

DNA N6-methyladenine (6mA) modification is widespread in organisms and plays an important functional role in the regulation of cellular processes. As a model organism in biohydrometallurgy, Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans can obtain energy from the oxidation of ferrous iron (Fe2+) and various reduced inorganic sulfides (RISCs) under acidic conditions. To determine the linkage between genomic DNA methylation and the switching between the two oxidative metabolic pathways in A. ferrooxidans, the 6mA landscape in the genome of A. ferrooxidans cultured under different conditions was evaluated by using 6mA-IP-seq. A total of 214 and 47 high-confidence peaks of 6mA were identified under the Fe2+ and RISCs oxidizing conditions, respectively (P<10−5), suggesting that genomic methylation was greater under Fe2+ oxidizing conditions. 6mA experienced a decline at the transcription start site (TSS) and occurs frequently in gene bodies under both oxidizing conditions. Furthermore, Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses revealed that 7 KEGG pathways were mapped into and most of the differentially methylated genes were enriched in oxidative phosphorylation and metabolic pathways. Fourteen genes were selected for studying the effect of differences in methylation on mRNA expression. Thirteen genes, excluding petA-1, demonstrated a decrease in mRNA expression as methylation levels increased. Overall, the 6mA methylation enrichment patterns are similar under two conditions but show differences in the enriched pathways. The phenomenon of upregulated gene methylation levels coupled with downregulated expression suggests a potential association between the regulation mechanisms of 6mA and the Fe2+ and RISCs oxidation pathways.
Hepatitis B virus RNAs co-opt ELAVL1 for stabilization and CRM1-dependent nuclear export
Authors: Zheng Yingcheng , Wang Mengfei , Yin Jiatong , Duan Yurong , Wu Chuanjian , Xu Zaichao , Bu Yanan , Wang Jingjing , Chen Quan , Zhu Guoguo , Zhao Kaitao , Zhang Lu , Hua Rong , Xu Yanping , Hu Xiyu , Cheng Xiaoming , Xia Yuchen
Published: February 2024

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) chronically infects 296 million people worldwide, posing a major global health threat. Export of HBV RNAs from the nucleus to the cytoplasm is indispensable for viral protein translation and genome replication, however the mechanisms regulating this critical process remain largely elusive. Here, we identify a key host factor embryonic lethal, abnormal vision, Drosophila-like 1 (ELAVL1) that binds HBV RNAs and controls their nuclear export. Using an unbiased quantitative proteomics screen, we demonstrate direct binding of ELAVL1 to the HBV pregenomic RNA (pgRNA). ELAVL1 knockdown inhibits HBV RNAs posttranscriptional regulation and suppresses viral replication. Further mechanistic studies reveal ELAVL1 recruits the nuclear export receptor CRM1 through ANP32A and ANP32B to transport HBV RNAs to the cytoplasm via specific AU-rich elements, which can be targeted by a compound CMLD-2. Moreover, ELAVL1 protects HBV RNAs from DIS3+RRP6+ RNA exosome mediated nuclear RNA degradation. Notably, we find HBV core protein is dispensable for HBV RNA-CRM1 interaction and nuclear export. Our results unveil ELAVL1 as a crucial host factor that regulates HBV RNAs stability and trafficking. By orchestrating viral RNA nuclear export, ELAVL1 is indispensable for the HBV life cycle. Our study highlights a virus-host interaction that may be exploited as a new therapeutic target against chronic hepatitis B.