bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multi-location evaluation of yield component character and proximate analysis of cowpea grown in Lampung Province, Indonesia
Authors: Wahyudi Anung , Syukur Muhamad
Published: October 2021

Abstract. Wahyudi A, Syukur M. 2021. Multi-location evaluation of yield component character and proximate analysis of cowpea grown in Lampung Province, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 22: 4246-4253. Cowpea has the potential to be developed in eastern Indonesia, especially Sulawesi, West Nusa Tenggara, East Nusa Tenggara, and Maluku with an altitude of less than 1000 m above sea level. Cowpea is also able to adapt to acid soils, making it possible to be developed in the dry acid soils of Sumatra and Kalimantan. To identify genotypes of high-yielding cowpea suitable for lowland areas, it is necessary to evaluate the multi-location of superior cowpea genotypes in different agroecology in the region. Multi-site evaluation trials of plant cultivars are of great importance given the obvious inconsistencies in genotype performance across different environments. This study used materials consisting of 4 varieties produced by the IPB University (Albina, Tampi, Uno, Arghavan) and 3 varieties from Balitkabi (KT-1, KT-7, and KT-9). This research is part of the preparation for the release of cowpea new varieties. The statistical analysis of the new varieties (Albina, Tampi, Uno, and Arghavan) compared with control (KT-1, KT-7, and KT-9) showed significant differences in seed productivity, carbohydrate content in old seeds, flowering, harvesting age in young pods and dry seeds. This result indicated that Albina, Tampi, Uno, and Arghavan varieties were potential for the release of new cowpea varieties, especially in the lowland areas.
Short Communication: Investigating gonad length and fecundity in mudskippers (Gobiidae) at the Musi River estuary, South Sumatra, Indonesia
Authors: Ridho Moh Rasyid , Patriono Enggar , Rahmawati Dina , PRATAMA RAHMAT , AVESENA MUHAMMAD
Published: October 2021

Abstract. Ridho MR, Patriono E, Wati DR, Pratama R, Avesena M. 2021. Short Communication: Investigating gonad length and fecundity in mudskippers (Gobiidae) at the Musi River estuary, South Sumatra, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 22: 4413-4420. Information on the biological aspects of mudskipper (Gobiidae) reproduction is needed as a conservation effort to use economically valuable and sustainable resources in the future. This can be used to enrich the information on the status of the mudskipper research at the Musi River estuary, South Sumatra, Indonesia. The field sampling was carried out by using the purposive sampling method. The sampling of fish was carried out by the researchers and assisted by the people of the community using fishing rods and bubu fish traps. The results showed that 122 mudskipper were obtained, which consisted of four species Boleophthalmus boddarti, Boleophthalmus dussumieri, Periophthalmus chrysospilos, Periophthalmodon schlosseri. 93 male and 29 female fish were caught, the sex ratio was 3.20:1. There are more male than female fish overall with the sampling method used. Most of the female fish fecundity was reported in P. chrysospilos, namely 23,270-36,264 items in GM (III) and ranged from 40,825-87,749 items in GM (IV). The largest egg diameter was reported in P. chrysospilos by 0.051-0.069 mm (GML III) and 0.053-0.062 mm (GML IV), while the smallest weight and length were reported in P. chrysospilos than other species. The egg size was not positively correlated with body size.
Population biology and ecology of the endangered Euphorbia susannae Marloth, an endemic to the Little Karoo, South Africa
Authors: Jabar Laaiqah , Siebert Stefan John , Pfab Michele , Cilliers Dirk
Published: October 2021

Abstract. Jabar L, Siebert SJ, Pfab MF, Cilliers DP. 2021. Population biology and ecology of the endangered Euphorbia susannae Marloth, an endemic to the Little Karoo, South Africa. Biodiversitas 22: 4583-4596. Many euphorbias in the semi-arid parts of South Africa are restricted edaphic specialists with small populations at risk of extinction. Euphorbia susannae is one such species, which grows on the edges of quartz patches along a section of the northern foot slopes of the Langeberg Mountains. This study set out to acquire data on the biology and ecology of the species during a first-ever comprehensive field survey. The resultant dataset allowed for the determination of the geographic distribution of the species, as well as the size and number of populations. Biotic and abiotic environmental variables were employed to generate a habitat profile and a species distribution model. The population structure, regeneration potential, and stability of each subpopulation and the population were also assessed. Euphorbia susannae is a range-restricted species (EOO 170 km2 and AOO 36 km2) confined to eight subpopulations that vary considerably in size. According to this study, 1845 individuals remain in the wild. Habitat preferences of the species were considered in detail and linked to a species distribution model for conservation purposes. It was shown that the species preferred nurse plants. The smallest adults size class was the largest cohort in all the sub-populations and was ascribed to pulse recruitments after an unknown favorable event. Although individuals were not evenly distributed among the size classes, annual recruitments levels were healthy, suggesting good pollination, seed set, and germination conditions.
Elemental image array generation algorithm with accurate depth information for integral imaging
Authors: Mao Yan , Wang Weifeng , Jiang Xiaoyu , Zhang Teng , Yu Haiyang , Li Pei , Liu Xinlei , Le Shuai
Published: October 2021

In integral imaging, reproducing the depth information of three-dimensional (3D) objects accurately is one of the goals of scientific researchers. Based on the existing research, this paper proposes a new, to the best of our knowledge, elemental image array (EIA) generation algorithm, which does not need to know the depth information of the spatial scene. By dividing the distance between the display lens array (LA) and the synthetic LA equally, and comparing the variance of the pixels corresponding to the partial of the display LA at different positions, it can obtain the depth information of the 3D objects accurately, and then the value of the synthetic pixel can be calculated. Thus, a new EIA with accurate depth information is generated. Finally, the proposed algorithm has been verified in experiments of both virtual objects and real objects.
Approach for designing thick cemented doublet lenses based on the
caustic surface
Authors: López-Bautista María C. , Avendaño-Alejo Maximino , Castillo-Santiago Gabriel , Castañeda Luis , Román-Hernández Edwin
Published: October 2021

A new, to the best of our knowledge, method for designing a thick-lens achromatic doublet based on the concept of a caustic surface to correct both third- and fifth-order spherical aberration is presented. We consider two different wavelengths brought into coincidence at the back focal length instead of the effective focal length as it is usually done, to calculate the radii of curvature assuming predefined values for axial thicknesses and their indices of refraction for both lenses. Alternatively, we apply Taylor’s series around the optical axis, and to vanish the approximate caustic surface, we obtain the values for the conic constants, which reduce at third- and fifth-order spherical aberration. Two designs for cemented doublets are provided assuming that the lenses are cemented. Finally, we propose a method to qualitatively test doublet lenses by using null screens, considering to place the detection plane at arbitrary positions.
DBDNet for denoising in ESPI wrapped phase patterns with high density and high speckle noise
Authors: Li Jianming , Tang Chen , Xu Min , Fan Zirui , Lei Zhenkun
Published: October 2021

In this paper, we propose a dilated-blocks-based deep convolution neural network, named DBDNet, for denoising in electronic speckle pattern interferometry (ESPI) wrapped phase patterns with high density and high speckle noise. In our method, the proposed dilated blocks have a specific sequence of dilation rate and a multilayer cascading fusion structure, which can better improve the effect of speckle noise reduction, especially for phase patterns with high noise and high density. Furthermore, we have built an abundant training dataset with varieties of densities and noise levels to train our network; thus, the trained model has a good generalization and can denoise ESPI wrapped phase in various circumstances. The network can get denoised results directly and does not need any pre-process or post-process. We test our method on one group of computer-simulated ESPI phase patterns and one group of experimentally obtained ESPI phase patterns. The test images have a high degree of speckle noise and different densities. We compare our method with two representative methods in the spatial domain and frequency domain, named oriented-couple partial differential equation and windowed Fourier low pass filter (LPF), and a method based on deep learning, named fast and flexible denoising convolutional neural network (FFDNet). The denoising performance is evaluated quantitatively and qualitatively. The results demonstrate that our method can reduce high speckle noise and restore the dense areas of ESPI phase patterns, and get better results than the compared methods. We also apply our method to a series of phase patterns from a dynamic measurement and get successful results.
Passively mode-locked thulium-doped fiber laser based on saturable absorption of carbon nanofibers
Authors: Wang Fang , Lan Dongfang , Zhang Xuenan , Cheng Tonglei
Published: October 2021

As a new type of carbon-based material, carbon nanofibers (CNFs) have
attracted much attention due to their unique physical structure and
optical properties. In this paper, we propose the application of CNFs
as the saturable absorber (SA) and established a passively mode-locked
thulium-doped fiber laser (TDFL) for verification. By mixing sodium
carboxymethyl cellulose solution with CNFs, CNF SA was prepared, the
nonlinearity of which was tested as follows: the modulation depth was

∼

1.3

%

, and the saturation intensity was

18

M
W

/

c

m

2

. By inserting the CNF SA into the
TDFL ring cavity, mode-locked laser pulses of a central wavelength of
1954.47 nm and a 3 dB bandwidth of 5.93 nm were obtained. The spectral
pulse width was 1.31 ps; the repetition frequency was 32.68 MHz; and
the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) was calculated to be

∼

57

d
B

. To our knowledge, this is the first
time that CNFs have been reported as SAs for mode-locked lasers in the
2 µm wavelength region. Our work provides a new reference for using
carbon-based materials in the realization of ultrafast lasers, and the
proposed CNFs are highly advantageous in the development of
ultrahigh-speed optical modulators and next-generation
high-performance nonlinear photonic devices.
Scanning planar Yagi-Uda antenna for fluorescence detection: erratum
Authors: Soltani Navid , Esfahany Elham Rabbany , Druzhinin Sergey I. , Schulte Gregor , Müller Julian , Sledz Florian , Flatae Assegid Mengistu , Butz Benjamin , Schönherr Holger , Markešević Nemanja , Agio Mario
Published: October 2021

We provide some text that was inadvertently omitted from our article
[J. Opt. Soc. Am.
B 38, 2528
(2021)JOBPDE0740-322410.1364/JOSAB.434980].
Complete two-dimensional photonic bandgap in refractive-index ratio 2.1 photonic crystals due to high-order bands
Authors: Hou Jin , Zhou Yusen , Citrin D. S. , Qiu Xuejun , Yang Chunyong , Chen Shaoping
Published: October 2021

We find that in a suitably designed photonic crystal (PC) certain high-order photonic bands are less affected by the refractive-index ratio (RIR) than low-order bands, enabling the realization of a robust and complete two-dimensional (2D) photonic bandgap in a moderate refractive-index-ratio PC. A detailed theoretical investigation of low- and high-order bandgaps in a series of PCs with different configurations is performed that shows that high-order bands may favor substantial complete photonic bandgaps (CPBGs) for systems with a moderate RIR. Furthermore, the importance of the geometry and structural parameters on achieving a high-order CPBG is found. Specifically, a hexagonal lattice PC of annular-hole-peripheral connecting rods is proposed, which can support a CPBG with a refractive-index ratio (RIR) as low as

n

h
i
g
h

:

n

l
o
w

=

2.1

; to the best of our knowledge, this is the lowest RIR used to obtain a 2D CPBG in a PC.
On testing structural identifiability by a simple scaling method: Relying on scaling symmetries can be misleading
Authors: Villaverde Alejandro F. , Massonis Gemma
Published: October 2021

A recent paper published in PLOS Computational Biology [1] introduces the Scaling Invariance Method (SIM) for analysing structural local identifiability and observability. These two properties define mathematically the possibility of determining the values of the parameters (identifiability) and states (observability) of a dynamic model by observing its output. In this note we warn that SIM considers scaling symmetries as the only possible cause of non-identifiability and non-observability. We show that other types of symmetries can cause the same problems without being detected by SIM, and that in those cases the method may lead one to conclude that the model is identifiable and observable when it is actually not.
Dynamics and turnover of memory CD8 T cell responses following yellow fever vaccination
Authors: Zarnitsyna Veronika I. , Akondy Rama S. , Ahmed Hasan , McGuire Donald J. , Zarnitsyn Vladimir G. , Moore Mia , Johnson Philip L. F. , Ahmed Rafi , Li Kelvin W. , Hellerstein Marc K. , Antia Rustom
Published: October 2021

Understanding how immunological memory lasts a lifetime requires quantifying changes in the number of memory cells as well as how their division and death rates change over time. We address these questions by using a statistically powerful mixed-effects differential equations framework to analyze data from two human studies that follow CD8 T cell responses to the yellow fever vaccine (YFV-17D). Models were first fit to the frequency of YFV-specific memory CD8 T cells and deuterium enrichment in those cells 42 days to 1 year post-vaccination. A different dataset, on the loss of YFV-specific CD8 T cells over three decades, was used to assess out of sample predictions of our models. The commonly used exponential and bi-exponential decline models performed relatively poorly. Models with the cell loss following a power law (exactly or approximately) were most predictive. Notably, using only the first year of data, these models accurately predicted T cell frequencies up to 30 years post-vaccination. Our analyses suggest that division rates of these cells drop and plateau at a low level (0.1% per day, ∼ double the estimated values for naive T cells) within one year following vaccination, whereas death rates continue to decline for much longer. Our results show that power laws can be predictive for T cell memory, a finding that may be useful for vaccine evaluation and epidemiological modeling. Moreover, since power laws asymptotically decline more slowly than any exponential decline, our results help explain the longevity of immune memory phenomenologically.
Slipknotted and unknotted monovalent cation-proton antiporters evolved from a common ancestor
Authors: Zayats Vasilina , Perlinska Agata P. , Jarmolinska Aleksandra I. , Jastrzebski Borys , Dunin-Horkawicz Stanislaw , Sulkowska Joanna I.
Published: October 2021

While the slipknot topology in proteins has been known for over a decade, its evolutionary origin is still a mystery. We have identified a previously overlooked slipknot motif in a family of two-domain membrane transporters. Moreover, we found that these proteins are homologous to several families of unknotted membrane proteins. This allows us to directly investigate the evolution of the slipknot motif. Based on our comprehensive analysis of 17 distantly related protein families, we have found that slipknotted and unknotted proteins share a common structural motif. Furthermore, this motif is conserved on the sequential level as well. Our results suggest that, regardless of topology, the proteins we studied evolved from a common unknotted ancestor single domain protein. Our phylogenetic analysis suggests the presence of at least seven parallel evolutionary scenarios that led to the current diversity of proteins in question. The tools we have developed in the process can now be used to investigate the evolution of other repeated-domain proteins.
HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors and COVID-19 mortality in Stockholm, Sweden: A registry-based cohort study
Authors: Bergqvist Rita , Ahlqvist Viktor H. , Lundberg Michael , Hergens Maria-Pia , Sundström Johan , Bell Max , Magnusson Cecilia
Published: October 2021

Background

The relationship between statin treatment and Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) mortality has been discussed due to the pleiotropic effects of statins on coagulation and immune mechanisms. However, available observational studies are hampered by study design flaws, resulting in substantial heterogeneity and ambiguities. Here, we aim to determine the relationship between statin treatment and COVID-19 mortality.

Methods and findings

This cohort study included all Stockholm residents aged 45 or older (N = 963,876), followed up from 1 March 2020 until 11 November 2020. The exposure was statin treatment initiated before the COVID-19-pandemic, defined as recorded statin dispensation in the Swedish Prescribed Drug Register between 1 March 2019 and 29 February 2020. COVID-19-specific mortality was ascertained from the Swedish Cause of Death Registry. Hazard ratios (HRs) were calculated using multivariable Cox regression models. We further performed a target trial emulation restricted to initiators of statins.

In the cohort (51.6% female), 169,642 individuals (17.6%) were statin users. Statin users were older (71.0 versus 58.0 years), more likely to be male (53.3% versus 46.7%), more often diagnosed with comorbidities (for example, ischemic heart disease 23.3% versus 1.6%), more frequently on anticoagulant and antihypertensive treatments, less likely to have a university-level education (34.5% versus 45.4%), and more likely to have a low disposable income (20.6% versus 25.2%), but less likely to reside in crowded housing (6.1% versus 10.3%).

A total of 2,545 individuals died from COVID-19 during follow-up, including 765 (0.5%) of the statin users and 1,780 (0.2%) of the nonusers. Statin treatment was associated with a lowered COVID-19 mortality (adjusted HR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.79 to 0.97, P = 0.01), and this association did not vary appreciably across age groups, sexes, or COVID-19 risk groups. The confounder adjusted HR for statin treatment initiators was 0.78 (95% CI, 0.59 to 1.05, P = 0.10) in the emulated target trial. Limitations of this study include the observational design, reliance on dispensation data, and the inability to study specific drug regimens.

Conclusions

Statin treatment had a modest negative association with COVID-19 mortality. While this finding needs confirmation from randomized clinical trials, it supports the continued use of statin treatment for medical prevention according to current recommendations also during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Lithological information extraction and classification in hyperspectral remote sensing data using Backpropagation Neural Network
Authors: Wang Zhengyang , Tian Shufang
Published: October 2021

The purposes are to solve the isomorphism encountered while processing hyperspectral remote sensing data and improve the accuracy of hyperspectral remote sensing data in extracting and classifying lithological information. Taking rocks as the research object, Backpropagation Neural Network (BPNN) is introduced. After the hyperspectral image data are normalized, the lithological spectrum and spatial information are the feature extraction targets to construct a deep learning-based lithological information extraction model. The performance of the model is analyzed using specific instance data. Results demonstrate that the overall accuracy and the Kappa coefficient of the lithological information extraction and classification model based on deep learning were 90.58% and 0.8676, respectively. This model can precisely distinguish the properties of rock masses and provide better performance compared with the state of other analysis models. After introducing deep learning, the recognition accuracy and the Kappa coefficient of the proposed BPNN model increased by 8.5% and 0.12, respectively, compared with the traditional BPNN. The proposed extraction and classification model can provide some research values and practical significances for the hyperspectral rock and mineral classification.
Fucosyltransferase 2 inhibitors: Identification via docking and STD-NMR studies
Authors: Zafar Humaira , Atif Muhammad , Atia-tul-Wahab  , Choudhary M. Iqbal
Published: October 2021

Fucosyltransferase 2 (FUT2) catalyzes the biosynthesis of A, B, and H antigens and other important glycans, such as (Sialyl Lewisx) sLex, and (Sialyl Lewisy) sLey. The production of these glycans is increased in various cancers, hence to design and develop specific inhibitors of FUT2 is a therapeutic strategy. The current study was designed to identify the inhibitors for FUT2.In silicoscreening of 300 synthetic compounds was performed. Molecular docking studies highlighted the interactions of ligands with critical amino acid residues, present in the active site of FUT2. The epitope mapping in ligands was performed using the STD-NMR experiments to identify the interactions between ligands, and receptor protein. Finally, we have identified 5 lead compounds4,5,26,27, and28that can be studied for further development as cancer therapeutic agents.
A survey of U.S. public perspectives on facial recognition technology and facial imaging data practices in health and research contexts
Authors: Katsanis Sara H. , Claes Peter , Doerr Megan , Cook-Deegan Robert , Tenenbaum Jessica D. , Evans Barbara J. , Lee Myoung Keun , Anderton Joel , Weinberg Seth M. , Wagner Jennifer K.
Published: October 2021

Facial imaging and facial recognition technologies, now common in our daily lives, also are increasingly incorporated into health care processes, enabling touch-free appointment check-in, matching patients accurately, and assisting with the diagnosis of certain medical conditions. The use, sharing, and storage of facial data is expected to expand in coming years, yet little is documented about the perspectives of patients and participants regarding these uses. We developed a pair of surveys to gather public perspectives on uses of facial images and facial recognition technologies in healthcare and in health-related research in the United States. We used Qualtrics Panels to collect responses from general public respondents using two complementary and overlapping survey instruments; one focused on six types of biometrics (including facial images and DNA) and their uses in a wide range of societal contexts (including healthcare and research) and the other focused on facial imaging, facial recognition technology, and related data practices in health and research contexts specifically. We collected responses from a diverse group of 4,048 adults in the United States (2,038 and 2,010, from each survey respectively). A majority of respondents (55.5%) indicated they were equally worried about the privacy of medical records, DNA, and facial images collected for precision health research. A vignette was used to gauge willingness to participate in a hypothetical precision health study, with respondents split as willing to (39.6%), unwilling to (30.1%), and unsure about (30.3%) participating. Nearly one-quarter of respondents (24.8%) reported they would prefer to opt out of the DNA component of a study, and 22.0% reported they would prefer to opt out of both the DNA and facial imaging component of the study. Few indicated willingness to pay a fee to opt-out of the collection of their research data. Finally, respondents were offered options for ideal governance design of their data, as “open science”; “gated science”; and “closed science.” No option elicited a majority response. Our findings indicate that while a majority of research participants might be comfortable with facial images and facial recognition technologies in healthcare and health-related research, a significant fraction expressed concern for the privacy of their own face-based data, similar to the privacy concerns of DNA data and medical records. A nuanced approach to uses of face-based data in healthcare and health-related research is needed, taking into consideration storage protection plans and the contexts of use.
Phenotypic association among performance, feed efficiency and methane emission traits in Nellore cattle
Authors: Sakamoto Leandro Sannomiya , Souza Luana Lelis , Gianvecchio Sarah Bernardes , de Oliveira Matheus Henrique Vargas , Silva Josineudson Augusto II de Vasconcelos , Canesin Roberta Carrilho , Branco Renata Helena , Baccan Melissa , Berndt Alexandre , de Albuquerque Lucia Galvão , Mercadante Maria Eugênia Zerlotti
Published: October 2021

Enteric methane (CH4) emissions are a natural process in ruminants and can result in up to 12% of energy losses. Hence, decreasing enteric CH4production constitutes an important step towards improving the feed efficiency of Brazilian cattle herds. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between performance, residual feed intake (RFI), and enteric CH4emission in growing Nellore cattle (Bos indicus). Performance, RFI and CH4emission data were obtained from 489 animals participating in selection programs (mid-test age and body weight: 414±159 days and 356±135 kg, respectively) that were evaluated in 12 performance tests carried out in individual pens (n = 95) or collective paddocks (n = 394) equipped with electronic feed bunks. The sulfur hexafluoride tracer gas technique was used to measure daily CH4emissions. The following variables were estimated: CH4emission rate (g/day), residual methane emission and emission expressed per mid-test body weight, metabolic body weight, dry matter intake (CH4/DMI), average daily gain, and ingested gross energy (CH4/GE). Animals classified as negative RFI (RFI<0), i.e., more efficient animals, consumed less dry matter (P <0.0001) and emitted less g CH4/day (P = 0.0022) than positive RFI animals (RFI>0). Nonetheless, more efficient animals emitted more CH4/DMI and CH4/GE (P < 0.0001), suggesting that the difference in daily intake between animals is a determinant factor for the difference in daily enteric CH4emissions. In addition, animals classified as negative RFI emitted less CH4per kg mid-test weight and metabolic weight (P = 0.0096andP = 0.0033, respectively), i.e., most efficient animals could emit less CH4per kg of carcass. In conclusion, more efficient animals produced less methane when expressed as g/day and per kg mid-test weight than less efficient animals, suggesting lower emissions per kg of carcass produced. However, it is not possible to state that feed efficiency has a direct effect on enteric CH4emissions since emissions per kg of consumed dry matter and the percentage of gross energy lost as CH4are higher for more efficient animals.
J-waves in acute COVID-19: A novel disease characteristic and predictor of mortality?
Authors: Zagidullin Naufal Shamilevich , Motloch Lukas J. , Musin Timur Ilgamovich , Bagmanova Zilya Adibovna , Lakman Irina Alexandrovna , Tyurin Anton Viktorovich , Gumerov Ruslan Mansurovich , Enikeev Dinar , Cai Benzhi , Gareeva Diana Firdavisovna , Davtyan Paruir Artakovich , Gareev Damir Aidarovich , Talipova Halima Malikovna , Badykov Marat Rifkatovich , Jirak Peter , Kopp Kristen , Hoppe Uta C. , Pistulli Rudin , Pavlov Valentin Nikolaevich
Published: October 2021

Background

J-waves represent a common finding in routine ECGs (5–6%) and are closely linked to ventricular tachycardias. While arrhythmias and non-specific ECG alterations are a frequent finding in COVID-19, an analysis of J-wave incidence in acute COVID-19 is lacking.

Methods

A total of 386 patients consecutively, hospitalized due to acute COVID-19 pneumonia were included in this retrospective analysis. Admission ECGs were analyzed, screened for J-waves and correlated to clinical characteristics and 28-day mortality.

Results

J-waves were present in 12.2% of patients. Factors associated with the presence of J-waves were old age, female sex, a history of stroke and/or heart failure, high CRP levels as well as a high BMI. Mortality rates were significantly higher in patients with J-waves in the admission ECG compared to the non-J-wave cohort (J-wave: 14.9% vs. non-J-wave 3.8%, p = 0.001). After adjusting for confounders using a multivariable cox regression model, the incidence of J-waves was an independent predictor of mortality at 28-days (OR 2.76 95% CI: 1.15–6.63; p = 0.023). J-waves disappeared or declined in 36.4% of COVID-19 survivors with available ECGs for 6–8 months follow-up.

Conclusion

J-waves are frequently and often transiently found in the admission ECG of patients hospitalized with acute COVID-19. Furthermore, they seem to be an independent predictor of 28-day mortality.
Factors associated with nutritional status, knowledge and attitudes among tuberculosis patients receiving treatment in Ghana: A cross-sectional study in the Tema Metropolis
Authors: Appiah Prince Kubi , Osei Bright , Amu Hubert
Published: October 2021

Background

Nutritional deficiencies are generally associated with increased risk and severity of tuberculosis. This study investigated the nutritional status, knowledge, and attitudes of tuberculosis (TB) patients receiving treatment in the Tema Metropolis.

Method

A cross-sectional design was used to collect data on the nutritional knowledge, attitude, and status of TB patients. Nutritional status was analysed using World Health Organization’s formula for body mass index. Pearson’s chi-square and logistic regression models were used to assess associations between predictor and outcome variables. All statistical analyses were considered significant at p-values < 0.05.

Result

The prevalence of malnutrition among TB patients was 39.7%, 14.4%, and 4.8% for underweight, overweight, and obesity respectively. There was a high (61.0%) knowledge of nutrition among the patients. Also, 65.8% had good attitude towards nutrition. There were significant associations between normal nutritional status and age of the TB patients (p = 0.041), highest educational level attained (p = 0.036), employment status (p = 0.019), status of alcohol intake (p = 0.031), number of months on TB treatment (p = 0.021), and attitude towards nutrition (p = 0.028).

Conclusion

There was a reasonable nutrition-related knowledge and attitude towards nutrition among the TB patients. However, that did not reflect on their nutritional status. We recommend continuing education on smoking cessation, avoidance of harmful use of alcohol, and the establishment of food aid and other livelihood intervention programs for TB patients.
Soil fungal community structure and seasonal diversity following application of organic amendments of different quality under maize cropping in Zimbabwe
Authors: Tauro Tonny P. , Mtambanengwe Florence , Mpepereki Shensi , Mapfumo Paul
Published: October 2021

Recent advocacy for Integrated Soil Fertility Management (ISFM) in smallholder farming systems in east and southern Africa show substantial evidence of increased and sustained crop yields associated with enhanced soil productivity. However, the impact ISFM on soil fungi has received limited attention, yet fungi play key roles in crop growth. Following total soil DNA extraction with ZR soil microbe miniprep kit, illumina sequencing was used to, examine the fungal communities (ITS1F) under a maize crop following co-application of organic nutrient resources including Crotalaria juncea, cattle manure and maize stover with inorganic fertilizers at three-time periods (T1-December, T2-January, and T3-February) in Zimbabwe. Ninety-five fungal species were identified that were assigned to Ascomycota (>90%), Basidiomycota (7%) and Zygomycota (1%). At T1, Ascomycota and Basidiomycota were identified across treatments, with Ascomycota attaining > 93% frequency. Fungal succession was noted and involved reduction of Ascomycota coupled by increase in Basidiomycota under the different treatments. For example at T3, Basidiomycota increased to 34% while Ascomycota declined to 66% under manure but remained unchanged in other two organics. Pre-season mineral nitrogen (N) associated with the ‘Birch effect’ apparently influenced the fungal community structure at T1 while readily available fertilizer N was critical at T2 and T3. The low-quality maize stover promoted the presence of Exophiala sp SST 2011 and this was linked to N immobilization. The impact of N addition was more pronounced under medium (manure) to low-quality (maize stover) resources. Fungi required phosphorus (P) and N for survival while their proliferation was dependent on substrate availability linked to resource quality. Interactive-forward test indicated that soil available P and N were most influential (P < 0.05) factors shaping fungal communities. Co-application of medium to high quality organic and inorganic resources show promise as a sustainable entry point towards enhancing belowground fungal diversity critical in driving nutrient supply.
Impact of ultraviolet germicidal irradiation on new silicone half-piece elastometric respirator (VJR-NMU) performance, structural integrity and sterility during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Trakarnvanich Thananda , Phumisantiphong Uraporn , Pupipatpab Sujaree , Setthabramote Chayanee , Seakow Bunpot , Porntheeraphat Supanit , Maneerit Jakravoot , Manomaipiboon Anan
Published: October 2021

Since the innovation of our new half-piece elastometric respirator, this type of filtering facepiece respirator (FFR) has been used widely in Thailand. Decontamination methods including ultraviolet C (UVC) germicidal irradiation and 70% alcohol have been implemented to decontaminate these respirators. We then examined the inactivation potential of different decontamination processes on porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) and numerous bacterial strains, most of which were skin-derived. To enable rigorous integrity of the masks after repeated decontamination processes, fit tests by the Bitrex test, tensile strength and elongation at break were also evaluated. Our results showed that UVC irradiation at a dose of 3 J/cm2 can eradicate bacteria after 60 min and viruses after 10 min. No fungi were found on the mask surface before decontamination. The good fit test results, tensile strength and elongation at break were still maintained after multiple cycles of decontamination. No evidence of physical degradation was found by gross visual inspection. Alcohol (70%) is also an easy and effective way to eradicate microorganisms on respirators. As the current pandemic is expected to continue for months to years, the need to supply adequate reserves of personnel protective equipment (PPE) and develop effective PPE reprocessing methods is crucial. Our studies demonstrated that the novel silicone mask can be safely reprocessed and decontaminated for many cycles by UVC irradiation, which will help ameliorate the shortage of important protective devices in the COVID-19 pandemic era.
Health care providers’ perceptions and experiences related to Midwife-led continuity of care–A qualitative study
Authors: Hailemeskel Solomon , Alemu Kassahun , Christensson Kyllike , Tesfahun Esubalew , Lindgren Helena
Published: October 2021

Background

Though Midwife-led care remains a key to improving the health status of pregnant mothers, in Ethiopia, maternity care has traditionally been based on a model in which responsibility for care is shared by hospital-based midwives, nurses, general practitioners, and obstetricians. This type of care has been seen as representing a fragmented approach.

Objective

The aim of this study was to explore health care providers’ perceptions and experiences related to Midwife-led continuity of care at primary hospitals in the north Shoa zone Ethiopia

Methods

A qualitative approach was selected as the methodology for this study. Data were collected from 25 midwives and 8 integrated emergency surgical officers (IESO) and medical doctors working in maternal health care units in four primary hospitals in the north Shoa zone, Amhara Regional State. Four focus group discussions and eight individual interviews were conducted. The facilitator utilized a set of open-ended questions for the focus group discussion. Semi-structured interview questions were used for the interviews and thematic data analysis was done.

Finding

The main theme extracted was “Midwives welcome consideration of a Midwife-led model that would provide greater continuity of care, but they expressed concerns about organisation and workload”. The midwives said that they would welcome working with the midwife-led care model, as they believed using it could lead to improving the quality of maternal health care, provide greater continuity, and improve coverage, birth outcomes, and maternal satisfaction. The midwives could become more autonomous and be able to take more responsibility for maternity care. The group of 25 midwives and the group of 8 IESO and medical doctors perceived that working procedures and changes in the organization of care in the health facility would have to be studied carefully before any changes can be considered.

Conclusion

In this study, we found that replacing the existing system of maternal care with a Midwife-led model would require careful analysis of how this model of care might be implemented in Ethiopia. Further investigation will be of great importance in providing insights that will help in developing a final model.
Easy and effective analytical method of carbendazim, dimethomorph, and fenoxanil from Protaetia brevitarsis seulensis using LC-MS/MS
Authors: Baek Sujin , Noh Hyun Ho , Kim Chang Jo , Son Kyungae , Lee Hee-Dong , Kim Leesun
Published: October 2021

Traditionally in Korea, Protaetia brevitarsis seulensis (white-spotted flower chafer) has been used as a medicine, and recently has attracted increased attention due to its antithrombotic efficacy. Some of spent mushroom compost or fermented oak sawdust, a feedstock for P. brevitarsis, were contaminated with three fungicides, carbendazim, dimethomorph, and fenoxanil, which could be transferred to the insect. This study was aimed to optimize a simple extraction method combined with liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry and apply it to the real samples. After the pulverized samples (5 g) were extracted with acetonitrile (10 mL) and formic acid (100 μL), fat and lipids in the samples were slowly precipitated at -20°C for 24 hours. After eight different clean-up methods were investigated, the mixture of 150 mg MgSO4/25 mg PSA/25 mg C18 was selected due to optimal recovery of the target compounds. Recovery (77.9%‒80.8% for carbendazim, 111.2%‒116.7% for dimethomorph, and 111.9%‒112.5% for fenoxanil) was achieved with reasonable relative standard deviation (<5.5%) The analytical method developed in this study was used to analyze three compounds in the 24 insect samples donated by the insect farm owners but no target compounds were detected. These results can provide important data for establishing the pesticide safety standards for P. brevitarsis before the medical applications.
Shortcuts for biomonitoring programs of stream ecosystems: Evaluating the taxonomic, numeric, and cross-taxa congruence in phytoplankton, periphyton, zooplankton, and fish assemblages
Authors: Faquim Ruan Carlos Pires , Machado Karine Borges , Teresa Fabrício Barreto , Oliveira Pedro Henrique Francisco de , Granjeiro Gustavo Fernandes , Galli Vieira Ludgero Cardoso , Nabout João Carlos
Published: October 2021

Different biological groups can be used for monitoring aquatic ecosystems because they can respond to variations in the environment. However, the evaluation of different bioindicators may demand multiple financial resources and time, especially when abundance quantification and species-level identification are required. In this study, we evaluated whether taxonomic, numerical resolution and cross-taxa can be used to optimize costs and time for stream biomonitoring in Central Brazil (Cerrado biome). For this, we sampled different biological groups (fish, zooplankton, phytoplankton, and periphyton) in stream stretches distributed in a gradient of land conversion dominated by agriculture and livestock. We used the Mantel and Procrustes analyses to test the association among different taxonomic levels (species to class), the association between incidence and abundance data (numerical resolution), and biological groups. We also assessed the relative effect of local environmental and spatial predictors on different groups. The taxonomic levels and numerical resolutions were strongly correlated in all taxonomic groups (r > 0.70). We found no correlations among biological groups. Different sets of environmental variables were the most important to explain the variability in species composition of distinct biological groups. Thus, we conclude that monitoring the streams in this region using bioindicators is more informative through higher taxonomic levels with occurrence data than abundance. However, different biological groups provide complementary information, reinforcing the need for a multi-taxa approach in biomonitoring.
Catch-up immunization for adolescents and young adults during pre-travel consultation in Japan
Authors: Yamamoto Kei , Suzuki Michiyo , Ujiie Mugen , Kanagawa Shuzo , Ohmagari Norio
Published: October 2021

Rubella and measles outbreaks in adults occur because of unimmunized or partially immunized status. Travel clinics play an important role in catch-up measles, rubella, mumps, and varicella immunization for adults. We evaluated the need for catch-up measles, rubella, mumps, and varicella immunization by young adults at our travel clinic. This retrospective observational study was conducted at the National Center for Global Health and Medicine from June 1, 2017 to May 31, 2018. Adults aged 16–49 years who received pre-travel consultation and had childhood immunization records were included. Individuals who fully or partially received planned measles, rubella, mumps, and varicella catch-up immunization were classified as “immunized.” We calculated the proportion of “immunized” individuals and analyzed the factors associated with catch-up measles, rubella, mumps, and varicella immunization at pre-travel consultation using logistic regression analysis. Overall, 3,456 individuals received pre-travel consultations during the study period; 827 (336 men, median age 22 years) had childhood immunization records. The most common trip purposes were study (33%) and tourism (24%). The most common destination was Asia (39%). Catch-up immunization of any measles, rubella, mumps, and varicella vaccine was needed by 755 individuals. After consultation, 20–46% of these participants who needed catchup immunization received at least one dose of immunization. Factors that are negatively associated with measles, rubella, mumps, and varicella catch-up immunization were tourism (odds ratio 0.37 to 0.58), yellow fever vaccination (0.45 to 0.50) (excluding varicella), and each disease history (0.13 to 0.40) (excluding rubella and varicella). Further studies are needed to identify barriers to catch-up immunization.
Bayesian analysis of static light scattering data for globular proteins
Authors: Yin Fan , Khago Domarin , Martin Rachel W. , Butts Carter T.
Published: October 2021

Static light scattering is a popular physical chemistry technique that enables calculation of physical attributes such as the radius of gyration and the second virial coefficient for a macromolecule (e.g., a polymer or a protein) in solution. The second virial coefficient is a physical quantity that characterizes the magnitude and sign of pairwise interactions between particles, and hence is related to aggregation propensity, a property of considerable scientific and practical interest. Estimating the second virial coefficient from experimental data is challenging due both to the degree of precision required and the complexity of the error structure involved. In contrast to conventional approaches based on heuristic ordinary least squares estimates, Bayesian inference for the second virial coefficient allows explicit modeling of error processes, incorporation of prior information, and the ability to directly test competing physical models. Here, we introduce a fully Bayesian model for static light scattering experiments on small-particle systems, with joint inference for concentration, index of refraction, oligomer size, and the second virial coefficient. We apply our proposed model to study the aggregation behavior of hen egg-white lysozyme and humanγS-crystallin using in-house experimental data. Based on these observations, we also perform a simulation study on the primary drivers of uncertainty in this family of experiments, showing in particular the potential for improved monitoring and control of concentration to aid inference.
Exploring the factors associated with the mental health of frontline healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Cyprus
Authors: Kapetanos Konstantinos , Mazeri Stella , Constantinou Despo , Vavlitou Anna , Karaiskakis Marios , Kourouzidou Demetra , Nikolaides Christoforos , Savvidou Niki , Katsouris Savvas , Koliou Maria
Published: October 2021

Introduction

The spread of COVID-19 into a global pandemic has negatively affected the mental health of frontline healthcare-workers. This study is a multi-centre, cross-sectional epidemiological study that uses nationwide data to assess the prevalence of stress, anxiety, depression and burnout among health care workers managing COVID-19 patients in Cyprus. The study also investigates the mechanism behind the manifestation of these pathologies, as to allow for the design of more effective protective measures.

Methods

Data on the mental health status of the healthcare workers were collected from healthcare professionals from all over the nation, who worked directly with Covid patients. This was done via the use of 64-item, self-administered questionnaire, which was comprised of the DASS21 questionnaire, the Maslach Burnout Inventory and a number of original questions. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to investigate factors associated with each of the mental health measures.

Results

The sample population was comprised of 381 healthcare professionals, out of which 72.7% were nursing staff, 12.9% were medical doctors and 14.4% belonged to other occupations. The prevalence of anxiety, stress and depression among the sample population were 28.6%, 18.11% and 15% respectively. The prevalence of burnout was 12.3%. This was in parallel with several changes in the lives of the healthcare professionals, including; working longer hours, spending time in isolation and being separated from family.

Discussion

This study indicates that the mental health of a significant portion of the nation’s workforce is compromised and, therefore, highlights the need for an urgent intervention particularly since many countries, including Cyprus, are suffering a second wave of the pandemic. The identified risk factors should offer guidance for employers aiming to protect their frontline healthcare workers from the negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.