bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Growth inhibitory effect of Conocarpus lancifolius plant aqueous extract on Fusarium oxysporum causal agent of wilt in some crops
Authors: ELSHAIR MAWADA AWAD SULIMAN ALI , MOHAMED IBRAHIM SAEED
Published: January 2023

Abstract. Elshair MASA, Mohamed IS. 2019. Growth inhibitory effect of Conocarpus lancifolius plant aqueous extract on Fusarium oxysporum causal agent of wilt in some crops. Cell Biol Dev 3: 81-85. Fusarium oxysporum affects a wide variety of different ages tomatoes, tobacco, legumes, cucurbits, sweet potatoes, chickpea and Banana. The present investigation was undertaken to study the effect of Damas (Conocarpus lancifolius Engl.) plant parts (leaves, fruits, barks, and roots) aqueous extracts and fungicide Score (250 EC) on the growth of the fungus F. oxysporum, the causal agent of wilt disease in crops. Three concentrations of aqueous leaves, fruits, barks, and roots extract of C. lancifolius, each of 25, 50, and 100%, and fungicide was used in addition to control. The assessment of their inhibitory effect against the pathogen was recorded through the fungal growth. The results showed that all concentrations of the leaves, fruits, barks, and roots aqueous extracts C. lancifolius plant tested and fungicide showed significant inhibitory effect against the linear growth of F. oxysporum compared to control. Moreover, the concentration of each aqueous extract reacted differently against F. oxysporum. However, the highest concentration of the C. lancifolius extracts (100%) gave significantly higher inhibition zone percentages (75.5%, 68%, 66%, and 50%) than the untreated control. Among the C. lancifolius parts, extracts screened from the fruit (75.5) were more effective in suppressing the fungus growth than its equivalent other parts. The results showed that the antifungal activity increased with the extract concentration. The fungus F. oxysporum differs in its response to the different concentrations, but on the whole, growth inhibition increased with the concentration. The current results were considered promising and encouraging to carry out a phytochemical analysis of different parts of C. lancifolius plant using different solvents to determine the bioactive ingredient in each of these parts.
Somatic embryogenesis of Eleusine coracana on inducted seed explants
Authors: FEYISSA TILEYE , GEBREMEDHEN HELEN
Published: January 2023

Abstract. Gebremedhen H, Feyissa T. 2021. Somatic embryogenesis of Eleusine coracana on inducted seed explants. Cell Biol Dev 5: 26-31. Finger millet (Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn.) is one of the most important crops in Africa and India. E. coracana contains different nutrients and is a popular food among diabetic patients in different countries. E. coracana is an orphan crop in the developing world on which little research has been done. The improvement of this crop is crucial for abiotic and biotic stress tolerance. Tissue culture and transformation techniques are among the approaches to improve this crop. Therefore, the objective of this study is to develop an efficient somatic embryogenesis protocol for the regeneration of different E. coracana cultivars. Somatic embryogenesis protocol for regeneration of four cultivars of E. coracana is developed. For all cultivars, mature seeds were used for callus induction. After sterilization of the seeds, callus was induced efficiently in different concentrations of 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) in all cultivars. From 95 to100% callus induction were recorded on callus induction medium containing 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5 and 3.0 mg/L 2,4-D. MS-medium supplemented with 1 mg/L 2,4-D resulted in 45 to 58.3% somatic embryogenesis, and 1 mg/L KN in combination with 0.25 mg/L NAA resulted in the highest mean number (15.85±0.63) of shoots and 16.74±1.86 roots were recorded from AAUFM-19.
Introgression of anthracnose resistance gene(s) into common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris)
Authors: KAZIMOTO GONZAZ KYARUZI , NCHIMBI-MSOLLA SUSAN F. , MABAGALA ROBERT B.
Published: January 2023

Abstract. Kazimoto GK, Nchimbi-Msolla SF, Mabagala RB. 2022. Introgression of anthracnose resistance gene(s) into common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris). Cell Biol Dev 6: 20-31. Common bean anthracnose disease caused by the fungus Colletotrichum lindemuthianum causes significant yield losses. It is most destructive in areas with cool temperatures and high humidity (90-100%). The study aimed to introduce resistance genes into adapted but susceptible local cultivars of Masai Red and Soya Njano using conventional breeding methods. Five races of C. lindemuthianum were isolated and named from thirty-two common bean-diseased plant samples collected from Northern Tanzania. The sources of resistant genes were bean cultivars G2333 and AB136. Early developed populations were evaluated under field conditions in high altitude and humid environments at Bashnet in the Manyara region, in the Northern highlands of Tanzania. Both F2 and F3 populations of Soya Njano x G2333 were segregated for C. lindemuthianum resistance at a 9:7 ratio. Such segregation implied that two dominant epistatic genes conferred from G2333, the resistance being in the mode of epistatic gene interaction. The crosses between Masai Red x G2333 and F2 and F3 populations segregation ratio was 10:6, implying two dominant resistant genes were transferred to developed populations. The F2 and F3 progenies obtained from crossing Soya Njano and AB136 showed a ratio of 3:1. The F2 progenies from a cross between Masai Red and AB136 were segregated at a ratio of 3:1 and F3 progenies were 3:1. The 3:1 ratio confirmed single dominant gene inheritance conferred to developed progenies. The heritability (h²) from populations of Soya Njano x G2333 and Masai Red x G2333 was between 0.41 and 0.45. While Soya Njano, Masai Red, and A136 were between 0.2 and 0.53, which implied moderate heritability. F2 and F3 populations developed need further testing using MAS to confirm the presence of resistant genes. Multi-location testing should be done to verify the resistance levels of the developed bean population in later generations.
Physiological characters of Sisyrinchium palmifolium with fertilization treatment and IAA hormone
Authors: ALIFAH ELIZA NUR , MUDYANTINI WIDYA , SOLICHATUN SOLICHATUN
Published: January 2023

Abstract. Alifah EN, Mudyantini W, Solichatun. 2022. Physiological characteristics of Sisyrinchium palmifolium with fertilization treatment and IAA hormone. Cell Biol Dev 6: 51-60. Dayak onion (Sisyrinchium palmifolium L., Syn.: Eleutherine palmifolia L. Merr.) is a typical Central Kalimantan, Indonesia medicinal plant. Optimizing the function of the S. palmifolium is done to increase cultivation and community interest; more fertilization and growth regulator treatments are needed to accelerate plant growth. In this study, the physiological properties of S. palmifolium will be examined regarding fertilization and the IAA (Indole Acetic Acid) hormone. CRD factorial pattern with four levels of fertilization variation (soil; soil + chicken manure (1:1); soil + vermicompost fertilizer (1:1); soil + chicken manure + vermicompost (1:1:1)) and three levels of hormone concentration (0 ppm; 100 ppm; 200 ppm) resulting in 12 treatment combinations which are used in this experiment. It was repeated three times for each therapy. It was shown that the number and length of leaves, the number of flowers and their flowering time, bulb weights, chlorophyll content, and flavonoid levels were all correlated with the number of leaves. The data were examined for significant changes between the treatments using the Analysis of Variant (ANOVA) and Duncan's Multiple Test (DMRT) at a 5% significance level. The physiological and biochemical features were altered by fertilization and the IAA hormone. The IAA hormone and fertilization on S. palmifolium enhanced the number of leaves, their width, the ratio of shoot roots to roots, and flavonoids. The maximum yields of wet weight, dry weight, and leaf carotenoids were obtained with vermicompost (1: 1) and a hormone at 200 ppm (P2H2) adding. Combining vermicompost treatment with the IAA hormone produced the highest level of flavonoids (P2H0).
Diversity of plant-parasitic nematodes in potato fields at different altitudes in Probolinggo District, East Java, Indonesia
Authors: PRADANA ANKARDIANSYAH PANDU , PRATIWI GEBY NANDITA CAHYANING , WAGIYANA WAGIYANA
Published: January 2023

Abstract. Prada AP, Pratiwi GNC, Wagiyana. 2022. Diversity of plant-parasitic nematodes in potato fields at different altitudes in Probolinggo District, East Java, Indonesia. Cell Biol Dev 6: 61-67. Plant parasitic nematodes (PPNs) are microorganisms sensitive to environmental conditions. Therefore, plant parasitic nematode diversity in a field may affect the decision of effective management tactics. This study aimed to assess the diversity of plant parasitic nematodes in potato fields at three different altitudes. The study was carried out in Probolinggo District, East Java, Indonesia. The sampling area was divided into three groups based on altitude variations, namely 1,008 m asl., 1,413 m asl., and 1,875 m asl. Soil samples were collected randomly in a zigzag pattern. Samples were collected from 20 points across each field at a depth of 20-30 cm below the soil surface. Each sub-sample included up to 500 g of soil. The white head tray method extracted nematodes from 500 g of soil from each subsample. After characterizing the extracted nematodes, the absolute density and dominance values were determined. The results revealed variations in the three areas with different altitudes. The total number of plant-parasitic nematodes (PPN) discovered on the field at an altitude of 1,008 m asl. was 57.00 ± 16.43. Furthermore, at an altitude of 1,413 m asl., the total number of PPNs discovered is 41.67 ± 10.98. The total number of nematodes on the field at an altitude of 1,875 m asl. was 50.50 ± 12.60. The findings of this study also indicated that Meloidogyne sp. was the genus with the highest population on the field, at an altitude of 1,008 m asl. On the other hand, Pratylenchus sp. is the most abundant nematode in the field between 1,413 and 1,875 m asl. An identical situation also occurred with the nematode dominance values in the three fields studied.
Monitoring mouse brain perfusion with hybrid magnetic resonance optoacoustic tomography
Authors: Ren Wuwei , Deán-Ben Xosé Luís , Skachokova Zhiva , Augath Mark-Aurel , Ni Ruiqing , Chen Zhenyue , Razansky Daniel
Published: January 2023

Progress in brain research critically depends on the development of next-generation multi-modal imaging tools capable of capturing transient functional events and multiplexed contrasts noninvasively and concurrently, thus enabling a holistic view of dynamic events in vivo. Here we report on a hybrid magnetic resonance and optoacoustic tomography (MROT) system for murine brain imaging, which incorporates an MR-compatible spherical matrix array transducer and fiber-based light illumination into a 9.4 T small animal scanner. An optimized radiofrequency coil has further been devised for whole-brain interrogation. System’s utility is showcased by acquiring complementary angiographic and soft tissue anatomical contrast along with simultaneous dual-modality visualization of contrast agent dynamics in vivo.
Experimental demonstration of a metro area network with terabit-capable sliceable bit-rate-variable transceivers using directly modulated VCSELs and coherent detection
Authors: Fabrega J. M. , Vílchez F. J. , Svaluto Moreolo M. , Martínez R. , Quispe A. , Nadal L. , Casellas R. , Vilalta R. , Muñoz R. , Neumeyr C. , Lee S. Y. , Shin J. U. , Jung H. D. , Mariani G. , Heuvelmans R. , Gatto A. , Parolari P. , Boffi P. , Tessema N. M. , Calabretta N. , Larrabeiti D. , Fernández-Palacios J. P.
Published: January 2023

Disaggregation in optical networks is particularly relevant to be considered for the deployment of 5G services and towards the support of 6G. Particularly in the metro area network (MAN), this is especially crucial, as is the adoption of suitable photonic technologies enabling dense integration to design a sustainable network architecture. Furthermore, to dynamically allocate the ever-increasing traffic, supporting multiterabit capacity, an optimal usage of the available resources by properly exploiting the multiple dimensions (including the spectral and spatial ones), with programmable and adaptive data plane solutions, is key. In this work, we assess the capabilities of a disaggregated MAN that relies on new photonic devices, node architectures, and sliceable bandwidth/bit-rate-variable transceivers, approaching wavelength division multiplexing and space division multiplexing. A hierarchical network topology is attained and the feasibility of a cross-hierarchy optical continuum is demonstrated. In fact, we experimentally demonstrate the successful transmission of multiterabits/second capacity across multiple nodes corresponding to different hierarchy levels that have different implementation schemes and support different technologies. For the top tier hierarchy level nodes, we demonstrate the transmission of up to

8

×

11

=

88

spatial/spectral channels, for a total capacity of 1.676 Tb/s, employing a node architecture able to handle up to 2560 spatial/spectral channels at different aggregation levels and granularities.
Ultrasensitive displacement measurement with nonlinear optomechanical coupling and squeezed light injection
Authors: Wang Doudou , Wang Quansen , Zhang Qiang , Li Yongmin
Published: January 2023

We propose an ultrasensitive displacement measurement scheme to overcome the standard quantum limit (SQL) in the unresolved sideband cavity optomechanical system with nonlinear optomechanical coupling and squeezed light injection. By introducing the optimized quantum correlation, which is enabled by suitable choices of the squeezing angle, squeezing level, power of the probe light, and measurement angle of homodyne detection, the off-resonant displacement sensitivity reaches 6 dB below the SQL in linear optomechanical coupling. In contrast, displacement sensitivities with a coherent probe plus variational readout and squeezed probe plus fixed measurement angle (phase quadrature) are 2.6 dB and 4.6 dB below the SQL, respectively. By combining linear and quadratic optomechanical coupling, we show that the displacement sensitivity can be further improved to 9.6 dB below the SQL. Our results have potential applications in gravitational-wave detectors, quantum metrology, and the search for dark matter.
Optical gain at 1.55 µm of Er(TMHD)3 complex doped polymer waveguides based on the intramolecular energy transfer effect
Authors: Zhu Jiyun , Zhang Baoping , Huang Yuyang , Lv Ziyue , Ying Leiying , Mei Yang , Zheng Zhiwei , Zhang Dan
Published: January 2023

Based on the intramolecular energy transfer mechanism between organic ligand TMHD (2, 2, 6, 6-tetramethyl-3, 5-heptanedione) and central Er3+ ions, optical gains at 1.55 µm were demonstrated in three structures of polymer waveguides using complex Er(TMHD)3-doped polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) as the active material. With the excitation of two low-power UV light-emitting diodes (LEDs) instead of 980 or 1480 nm lasers, relative gains of 3.5 and 4.1 dB cm-1 were achieved in a 1-cm-long rectangular waveguide with an active core of Er(TMHD)3-doped PMMA polymer. Meanwhile, relative gain of 3.0 dB cm-1 was obtained in an evanescent-field waveguide with cross-section of 4 × 4 µm2 using passive SU-8 polymer as core and a ∼1-µm-thick Er(TMHD)3-doped PMMA as upper cladding. By growing a 100 nm thick aluminum mirror and active lower cladding, the optical gain was doubled to 6.7 dB cm-1 in evanescent-field waveguides because of the stimulated excitation of Er3+ ions in the upper and lower cladding and the improved absorption efficiency.
Characterization of two-photon interference between a weak coherent state and a heralded single photon state
Authors: Xu Aojie , Duan Lifeng , Wang Lirong , Zhang Yun
Published: January 2023

We experimentally investigate two-photon interference between a weak coherent state and a heralded single-photon state, producing from a spontaneous parametric down conversion. Both the unequal spectrum linewidth and average photon number ratio in a given time interval are considered in our model. We obtained excellent agreement between our experimental data and prediction from our model. Furthermore, the range of observing high visibility two-photon interference is significantly extended by isolating coincidence events from two-photon contributions in the weak coherent state. These results may throw some new light on quantum information technology when the two-photon interference with independent sources is required.
Plasmonic sensor based on offset-splicing and waist-expanded taper using multicore fiber for detection of Aflatoxins B1 in critical sectors
Authors: Liu Xuecheng , Singh Ragini , Li Muyang , Li Guoru , Min Rui , Marques Carlos , Zhang Bingyuan , Kumar Santosh
Published: January 2023

In this work, authors have developed a portable, sensitive, and quick-response fiber optic sensor that is capable of detection of Aflatoxins B1 (AFB1) quantitatively and qualitatively. Using multi-mode fiber (MMF) and multi-core fiber (MCF), the MMF-MCF-MCF-MMF fiber structure based on symmetric transverse offset splicing and waist-expanded taper is fabricated. The evanescent waves are enhanced to form a strong evanescent field by etching the fiber surface with hydrofluoric acid. To successfully excite the localized surface plasmon resonance phenomenon, gold nanoparticles are deposited on the optical fiber probe's surface. Further, to modify the fiber optic probes, Niobium carbide (Nb2CTx) MXene and AFB1 antibodies are functionalized. Nb2CTx MXene is employed to strengthen the biocompatibility of the sensor and increase the specific surface area of the fiber probe, while AFB1 antibody is used to identify AFB1 micro-biomolecules in a specific manner. The reproducibility, reusability, stability, and selectivity of the proposed fiber probe are tested and validated using various concentration of AFB1 solutions. Finally, the linear range, sensitivity, and limit of detection of the sensing probe are determined as 0 - 1000 nM, 11.7 nm/µM, and 26.41 nM, respectively. The sensor offers an indispensable technique, low-cost solution and portability for AFB1-specific detection in agricultural products and their byproducts with its novel optical fiber structure and superior detecting capability. It is also useful for marine species like fish and consequently affecting health of human body.
Nanowire-in-bowl-shaped piezoelectric cavity structure for SERS directional detection of nanoplastics less than 50 nm
Authors: Lv Enze , Wang Junkun , Li Jing , Zhao Xiaofei , Yu Jing , Xu Shicai , Li Zhen , Man Baoyuan , Xue Mei , Xu Jihua , Zhang Chao
Published: January 2023

The accurate detection of nanoplastics is crucial due to their harmful effects on the environment and human beings. However, there is a lack of detection methods for nanoplastics smaller than 50 nm. In this research, we successfully constructed an Ag/CuO nanowire (NW)/BaTiO3@Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) Bowl-shaped substrate with a nanowire-in-Bowl-shaped piezoelectric cavity structure that can modulate surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) by the piezoelectric effect by the virtue of the tip effect of the CuO NW and light focusing effect of the Bowl-shaped cavity. Due to its unique nanowire-in-Bowl-shaped structure and piezoelectrically modifiable ability, nanoplastics less than 50 nm were successfully detected and quantitatively analyzed. We believe that the Ag/CuO NW/BaTiO3@PVDF Bowl-shaped substrate can provide an efficient, accurate, and feasible way to achieve qualitative and quantitative detection of nanoplastics.
Real-time 100-GbE fiber-wireless seamless integration system using an electromagnetic dual-polarized single-input single-output wireless link at the W band
Authors: Cai Yuancheng , Zhu Min , Zhang Jiao , Lei Mingzheng , Hua Bingchang , Zou Yucong , Luo Wei , Xiang Shitong , Tian Liang , Ding Junjie , Ma Like , Huang Yongming , Yu Jianjun , You Xiaohu
Published: January 2023

This Letter demonstrates a real-time 100-GbE fiber-wireless seamless integration system operating at the whole W band (75–110 GHz). Based on a pair of commercial digital coherent optical modules, the real-time transparent transmission of 125-Gb/s dual-polarized quadrature phase-shift keying signal has been successfully achieved over two-spans of 20-km fiber and up to 150-m electromagnetic dual-polarized single-input single-output wireless link. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first real-time demonstration of 100-GbE signal transmission over >100-m wireless distance at the millimeter-wave band based on photonics. We believed this real-time and high-speed fiber-wireless seamless integration system with a wireless coverage up to hundreds of meters can significantly accelerate the progress of upcoming 6G.
Diversity and functional analysis of rumen and fecal microbial communities associated with dietary changes in crossbreed dairy cattle
Authors: Kibegwa Felix M. , Bett Rawlynce C. , Gachuiri Charles K. , Machuka Eunice , Stomeo Francesca , Mujibi Fidalis D.
Published: January 2023

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of varying roughage and concentrate proportions, in diet of crossbreed dairy cattle, on the composition and associated functional genes of rumen and fecal microbiota. We also explored fecal samples as a proxy for rumen liquor samples. Six crossbred dairy cattle were reared on three diets with an increasing concentrate and reducing roughage amount in three consecutive 10-day periods. After each period, individual rumen liquor and fecal samples were collected and analyzed through shotgun metagenomic sequencing. Average relative abundance of identified Operational Taxonomic Units (OTU) and microbial functional roles from all animals were compared between diets and sample types (fecal and rumen liquor). Results indicated that dietary modifications significantly affected several rumen and fecal microbial OTUs. In the rumen, an increase in dietary concentrate resulted in an upsurge in the abundance of Proteobacteria, while reducing the proportions of Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes. Conversely, changes in microbial composition in fecal samples were not consistent with dietary modification patterns. Microbial functional pathway classification identified that carbohydrate metabolism and protein metabolism pathways dominated microbial roles. Assessment of dietary effects on the predicted functional roles of these microbiota revealed that a high amount of dietary concentrate resulted in an increase in central carbohydrate metabolism and a corresponding reduction in protein synthesis. Moreover, we identified several microbial stress-related responses linked to dietary changes. Bacteroides and Clostridium genera were the principal hosts of these microbial functions. Therefore, the roughage to concentrate proportion has more influence on the microbial composition and microbial functional genes in rumen samples than fecal samples. As such, we did not establish a significant relationship between the rumen and fecal metagenome profiles, and the rumen and fecal microbiota from one animal did not correlate more than those from different animals.
Childhood glaucoma profile in a tertiary centre in Egypt according to the childhood glaucoma research network classification
Authors: El Sayed Yasmine M. , Elhusseiny Abdelrahman M. , Gawdat Ghada I. , Esmael Amanne F. , Elhilali Hala M.
Published: January 2023

Purpose

To describe the prevalence and clinical characteristics of a large cohort of childhood glaucoma patients that presented to a tertiary Egyptian children’s hospital using the childhood glaucoma research network (CGRN) classification.

Methods

A retrospective review of the medical records of all patients ≤ 14 years with a diagnosis of childhood glaucoma or glaucoma suspects who presented to Children’s Hospital between January 2014 to December 2019 was conducted. Data collected included age at the time of diagnosis, gender, laterality, prenatal history, parental history, including consanguinity, intraocular pressure, horizontal corneal diameter, and cup-to-disc ratio.

Results

A total of 1113 eyes of 652 patients with diagnoses of either childhood glaucoma or glaucoma suspects were included in the study. Six hundred and sixteen patients (94%) were born full-term. A history of positive parental consanguinity was identified in 334 patients (51.2%). Almost 60% of patients were males. Primary congenital glaucoma (PCG) was the most prevalent diagnosis (68.2%), followed by glaucoma suspects (10.4%) and glaucoma following cataract surgery (GFCS) (8.4%). Juvenile open-angle glaucoma was the least prevalent category (0.3%). Other categories including glaucoma associated with non-acquired systemic disease, glaucoma associated with non-acquired ocular disease, and glaucoma associated with acquired conditions represented 5.8%, 4.7%, and 1.9%, respectively.

Conclusions

PCG is the most common form of glaucoma in Egypt. More than half of the pediatric glaucoma patients had a positive history of parents’ consanguinity.
Androstadienone sensitivity is associated with attention to emotions, social interactions, and sexual behavior in older U.S. adults
Authors: Kern David W. , Kaufmann Gabriel T. , Hummer Tom A. , Schumm L. Philip , Wroblewski Kristen E. , Pinto Jayant M. , McClintock Martha K.
Published: January 2023

Δ 4,16-androstadien-3-one (androstadienone) is a putative human pheromone often linked to sexual attraction in young adults, although specific associations with sexual behavior are not yet established. Androstadienone also serves a broader social-emotional function beyond the sexual domain, specifically tuning the brain to efficiently process emotional information. Whether these effects persist throughout the lifespan into post-reproductive life is unknown. In a laboratory study of older adults, those with greater androstadienone odor sensitivity paid greater attention to subliminal emotional information, specifically, angry faces (p = 0.05), with a similar relationship to happy faces. In contrast, the physical odor n-butanol (a control) did not affect emotional attention (p = 0.49). We then extended this laboratory research and determined whether sensitivity to androstadienone affects the everyday lives of older adults by measuring their social and sexual behavior. In this second study, we surveyed in a nationally representative sample of US older adults living in their homes (National Social Life and Aging Project, 62–90 years; n = 2,086), along with their sensitivity to androstadienone, general olfactory function, health and demographics. Greater sensitivity to androstadienone was associated with richer social lives: having more friends, increased communication with close friends and family, and more participation in organized social events and volunteer activities (all p’s ≤ 0.05, generalized linear models, adjusted for age and gender). It was also associated with more recent sexual activity, more frequent sexual thoughts, and viewing sex as an important part of life (all p’s ≤ 0.05). General olfactory function did not explain these associations, supporting a specialized function for this pheromone during everyday life, and expanding its role to social life as well as sexual behavior, likely mediated by enhanced attention to emotional information.
Inventory study of an early pandemic COVID-19 cohort in South-Eastern Sweden, focusing on neurological manifestations
Authors: Ahmadpour Doryaneh , Kristoffersson Anna , Fredrikson Mats , Huang-Link Yumin , Eriksson Anne , Iacobaeus Ellen , Landtblom Anne-Marie , Haghighi Sara
Published: January 2023

Background

Neurological manifestations in patients with COVID-19 have been reported previously as outcomes of the infection.

The purpose of current study was to investigate the occurrence of neurological signs and symptoms in COVID-19 patients, in the county of Östergötland in southeastern Sweden.

Methods

This is a retrospective, observational cohort study. Data were collected between March 2020 and June 2020. Information was extracted from medical records by a trained research assistant and physician and all data were validated by a senior neurologist.

Results

Seventy-four percent of patients developed at least one neurological symptom during the acute phase of the infection. Headache (43%) was the most common neurological symptom, followed by anosmia and/or ageusia (33%), confusion (28%), hallucinations (17%), dizziness (16%), sleep disorders in terms of insomnia and OSAS (Obstructive Sleep Apnea) (9%), myopathy and neuropathy (8%) and numbness and tingling (5%). Patients treated in the ICU had a higher male presentation (73%). Several risk factors in terms of co-morbidities, were identified. Hypertension (54.5%), depression and anxiety (51%), sleep disorders in terms of insomnia and OSAS (30%), cardiovascular morbidity (28%), autoimmune diseases (25%), chronic lung diseases (24%) and diabetes mellitus type 2 (23%) founded as possible risk factors.

Conclusion

Neurological symptoms were found in the vast majority (74%) of the patients. Accordingly, attention to neurological, mental and sleep disturbances is warranted with involvement of neurological expertise, in order to avoid further complications and long-term neurological effect of COVID-19. Furthermore, risk factors for more severe COVID-19, in terms of possible co-morbidities that identified in this study should get appropriate attention to optimizing treatment strategies in COVID-19 patients.
Malnutrition leads to the progression of coronary artery calcification in hemodialysis patients
Authors: Okabe Hiroki , Muraoka Yoshitaka , Naka Yutaro , Setoyama Koshi , Inoue Konosuke , Miura Toshiya , Shimizu Akiyoshi , Anai Reo , Miyamoto Tetsu , Tsuda Yuki , Araki Masaru , Sonoda Shinjo , Kataoka Masaharu
Published: January 2023

Background

Malnutrition is considered a risk factor for cardiovascular disease in patients with chronic kidney disease. However, no in vivo studies have reported on using optical coherence tomography to evaluate the effect of nutritional status on coronary atherosclerosis in hemodialysis patients. We aimed to conduct a detailed analysis of the effect of nutritional status on the coronary arteries in hemodialysis patients.

Methods

Among 64 hemodialysis patients who underwent percutaneous coronary interventions, 41 that underwent optical coherence tomography imaging were included in this study. And, among them, 24 patients that could also be evaluated using OCT also at the 6-month follow-up were included in this study. The patients were divided into two groups based on nutritional evaluation using the geriatric nutritional risk index. Culprit and non-culprit lesions were evaluated at baseline and after 6 months.

Results

In the culprit lesions at baseline, the length of the lipid plaque was significantly smaller in the malnutrition group. In contrast, the thickness and length of the calcified plaque and the angle of the calcified nodule were significantly larger (each p < 0.01). In the non-culprit lesions, the 6-month change in the angle of the calcified plaque was significantly greater in the malnutrition group (p = 0.02). The significant factors that affected the change in the angle of calcification were "malnutrition at geriatric nutritional risk index" [odds ratio, 8.17; 95% confidence interval, 1.79 to 37.33; p < 0.01] and "serum phosphorus level" (odds ratio, 3.73; 95% confidence interval, 1.42 to 9.81; p < 0.01).

Conclusions

Appropriate management of nutritional status is crucial for suppressing the progression of coronary artery disease in hemodialysis patients.
Improving measures of access to legal abortion: A validation study triangulating multiple data sources to assess a global indicator
Authors: Williams Caitlin R. , Vázquez Paula , Nigri Carolina , Adanu Richard M. , Bandoh Delia A. B. , Berrueta Mabel , Chakraborty Suchandrima , Gausman Jewel , Kenu Ernest , Khan Nizamuddin , Langer Ana , Odikro Magdalene A. , Ramesh Sowmya , Saggurti Niranjan , Pingray Verónica , Jolivet R. Rima
Published: January 2023

Background

Global mechanisms have been established to monitor and facilitate state accountability regarding the legal status of abortion. However, there is little evidence describing whether these mechanisms capture accurate data. Moreover, it is uncertain whether the “legal status of abortion” is a valid proxy measure for access to safe abortion, pursuant to the global goals of reducing preventable maternal mortality and advancing reproductive rights. Therefore, this study sought to assess the accuracy of reported monitoring data, and to determine whether evidence supports the consistent application of domestic law by health care professionals such that legality of abortion functions as a valid indicator of access.

Methods and findings

We conducted a validation study using three countries as illustrative case examples: Argentina, Ghana, and India. We compared data reported by two global monitoring mechanisms (Countdown to 2030 and the Global Abortion Policies Database) against domestic source documents collected through in-depth policy review. We then surveyed health care professionals authorized to perform abortions about their knowledge of abortion law in their countries and their personal attitudes and practices regarding provision of legal abortion. We compared professionals’ responses to the domestic legal frameworks described in the source documents to establish whether professionals consistently applied the law as written.

This analysis revealed weaknesses in the criterion validity and construct validity of the “legal status of abortion” indicator. We detected discrepancies between data reported by the global monitoring and accountability mechanisms and the domestic policy reviews, even though all referenced the same source documents. Further, provider surveys unearthed important context-specific barriers to legal abortion not captured by the indicator, including conscientious objection and imposition of restrictions at the provider’s discretion.

Conclusions

Taken together, these findings denote weaknesses in the indicator “legal status of abortion” as a proxy for access to safe abortion, as well as inaccuracies in data reported to global monitoring mechanisms. This information provides important groundwork for strengthening indicators for monitoring access to abortion and for renewed advocacy to assure abortion rights worldwide.
The combined use of DTI and MR elastography for monitoring microstructural changes in the developing brain of a neurodevelopmental disorder model: Poly (I:C)-induced maternal immune-activated rats
Authors: Liu Lucy , Bongers Andre , Bilston Lynne E. , Jugé Lauriane
Published: January 2023

Early neuropathology mechanisms in neurodevelopmental disorders are partially understood because routine anatomical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) cannot detect subtle brain microstructural changesin vivoduring postnatal development. Therefore, we investigated the potential value of magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) in a rat model of neurodevelopmental disorder induced by maternal immune activation. We studied 12 offspring of mothers injected with polyriboinosinic-polyribocytidylic acid (poly (I:C), 4 mg/kg) on gestational day 15, plus 8 controls. T2-weighted anatomical MR images, MRE (800 Hz) and DTI (30 gradient directions, b = 765.8 s/mm2, 5 images, b = 0 s/mm2) were collected when the rats were 4 and 10 weeks old, and results were compared with histological analysis performed at week 10. Ventricles were ~1.4 fold larger from week 4 in poly (I:C) rats than in controls. No other morphological abnormalities were detected in poly(I:C) rats. At week 4, larger ventricles were correlated with lower external capsule fractional anisotropy and internal capsule radial diffusion (Pearson, r = -0.53, 95% confidence intervals (CI) [-0.79 to -0.12], and r = -0.45, 95% CI [-0.74 to -0.01], respectively). The mean and radial diffusion of the corpus callosum, the mean and axial diffusion of the internal capsule and the radial diffusion properties in the external capsule increased with age for poly (I:C) rats only (Sidak’s comparison, P<0.05). Cortical stiffness did not increase with age in poly (I:C) rats, in contrast with controls (Sidak’s comparison, P = 0.005). These temporal variations probably reflected abnormal myelin content, decreased cell density and microglia activation observed at week 10 after histological assessment. To conclude, MRE and DTI allow monitoring of abnormal brain microstructural changes in poly (I:C) rats from week 4 after birth. This suggests that both imaging techniques have the potential to be used as complementary imaging tools to routine anatomical imaging to assist with the early diagnosis of neurodevelopmental disorders and provide new insights into neuropathology.
Oncolytic strategy using new bifunctional HDACs/BRD4 inhibitors against virus-associated lymphomas
Authors: Chen Jungang , Wang Zhengyu , Phuc Tran , Xu Zhigang , Yang Donglin , Chen Zhengzhu , Lin Zhen , Kendrick Samantha , Dai Lu , Li Hong-yu , Qin Zhiqiang
Published: January 2023

Primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) caused by Kaposi sarcoma–associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is an aggressive malignancy with poor prognosis even under chemotherapy. Currently, there is no specific treatment for PEL therefore requiring new therapies. Both histone deacetylases (HDACs) and bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4) have been found as therapeutic targets for PEL through inducing viral lytic reactivation. However, the strategy of dual targeting with one agent and potential synergistic effects have never been explored. In the current study, we first demonstrated the synergistic effect of concurrently targeting HDACs and BRD4 on KSHV reactivation by using SAHA or entinostat (HDACs inhibitors) and (+)-JQ1 (BRD4 inhibitor), which indicated dual blockage of HDACs/BRD4 is a viable therapeutic approach. We were then able to rationally design and synthesize a series of new small-molecule inhibitors targeting HDACs and BRD4 with a balanced activity profile by generating a hybrid of the key binding motifs between (+)-JQ1 and entinostat or SAHA. Upon two iterative screenings of optimized compounds, a pair of epimers, 009P1 and 009P2, were identified to better inhibit the growth of KSHV positive lymphomas compared to (+)-JQ1 or SAHA alone at low nanomolar concentrations, but not KSHV negative control cells or normal cells. Mechanistic studies of 009P1 and 009P2 demonstrated significantly enhanced viral reactivation, cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in KSHV+ lymphomas through dually targeting HDACs and BRD4 signaling activities. Importantly, in vivo preclinical studies showed that 009P1 and 009P2 dramatically suppressed KSHV+ lymphoma progression with oral bioavailability and minimal visible toxicity. These data together provide a novel strategy for the development of agents for inducing lytic activation-based therapies against these viruses-associated malignancies.
Muerte en la frontera: seis formas de violencia entre Aragón, Castilla y Granada, 1450-1490
Authors: González Hernández Miguel-Ángel
Published: January 2023

En la segunda mitad del siglo XV mientras el norte de la península Ibérica tenía una problemática de violencia urbana y territorial entre cristianos, las tierras del sur de la Corona de Aragón, estaban en un contexto de diversos tipos de odios, violencias y muertes entre cristianos y musulmanes por su situación de frontera con Castilla y la parte oriental del reino musulmán de Granada. Estos tipos de violencias han sido clasificadas en base a la documentación de Orihuela, Murcia y Valencia.
El proceso judicial contra las mujeres a través del Malleus Malleficarum, sus influencias en España y la normativa castellana en materia de herejía, brujería y blasfemia (ss. XV-XIX)
Authors: Tovar Pulido Raquel
Published: January 2023

Analizamos la actuación judicial de la Inquisición y de la jurisdicción eclesiástica y civil ante el fenómeno de la caza de brujas que se produjo durante el periodo moderno. Para plantear esta etapa de persecuciones, por un lado, realizamos un estudio del tratado alemán el Martillo de las brujas, cuyos autores fueron inquisidores en los que se observa un discurso misógino y sirvieron de precedente para posteriores tratados teológicos en Europa y en España. Por otro lado, abordamos la manera en la que la normativa castellana contemplaba el castigo a aquellas personas acusadas de herejía, brujería y apostasía, fueran mujeres u hombres.
Mujeres olvidadas: cuando al odio por el sexo se le une la religión
Authors: Duñaiturria Laguarda Alicia
Published: January 2023

El presenta artículo aborda algunos ejemplos de odio -en cuanto actitud de rechazo- a las mujeres, que se han mantenido y se sostienen en la actualidad, y que obedecen, bien a la religión, a una interpretación restrictiva de algunos preceptos religiosos, o de costumbres tradicionales inveteradas.
Representasi Nilai-Nilai Keislaman DALAM FILM “CHILDREN OF HEAVEN” DAN RELEVANSINYA DENGAN PENDIDIKAN KARAKTER
Authors: Afifah Wiwiek
Published: January 2023

This study aims to: (1) describe the Islamic values in film “Children of Heaven” and (2) determine its relevance to character education. The research design is an inferential content analysis. The entirely data are derived from the film “Children of Heaven” while its research instrument is the human instrument. The data obtained from recording the Islamic values found in the film then and the data procurement measures include: (1) the determination of the examples Islamic values contained in the film, (2) recording, and (3) determination of the units. Data validation was done by means of doing discussion to those findings to some experts and peers. Data analysis technique used in the research is to classify, interpret, and conclude. The results showed that; (1) Islamic values consist of two categories: (a) Islamic values associated with character education of children in the family such as patience, mutual help, humility, simplicity, birul walidain (devoted to parents), sincerity, mutual affection-love, qonaah (grateful), not easy to despair, and compliance in religion, whereas (b) Islamic values associated with formal education (school) is the spirit of being a hard student, self-discipline, independent, honest, and an ability in getting the problem solving. (2) There is a great relevance between the values contained in the film “Children of Heaven” to the character education such as religious value, honest, discipline, well-motivated students, loyal, independent, and enable to set the problem solving.
STRATEGI PEMBELAJARAN PAI SD MELALUI COMPUTER ADAPTIVE INSTRUCTION DALAM MENINGKATKAN MOTIVASI BELAJAR SISWA KESULITAN BELAJAR
Authors: Fatimah Anisa
Published: January 2023

Motivasi belajar merupakan aspek penting dalam proses belajar siswa. Kekurangan motivasi untuk menjalankan aktivitas belajar akan menyebabkan sulitnya tercapai tujuan pendidikan yang diharapkan. Seorang guru hendaknya mengetahui karakteristik setiap siswa yang dihadapinya dalam proses pembelajaran. Setelah mengetahui karakter siswanya guru dapat merancang strategi belajar yang tepat untuk mengatasi kesulitan belajar yang disebabkan rendahnya motivasi siswa. Salah satu strategi yang dapat diterapkan untuk mengembalikan motivasi belajar pada siswa yang kesulitan belajar adalah Computer Adaptive Instruction (CAI). Sebagian besar sistem e-learning hanya bertumpu pada penyampain instruksi dengan terbatasnya kegiatan pembelajaran, dengan demikian membuka peluang untuk bisa mengembangan e-learning yang lebih interaktif dengan mempertimbangkan karakteristik anak berkebutuhan khusus yang kesulitan belajar.  Penelitian ini bertujuan menjelaskan strategi pembelajaran yang membantu meningkatkan motivasi belajar siswa berkesulitan belajar dengan mempertimbangkan beberapa aspek penting dalam teori belajar behavioristik. Metode penelitian adalah studi kepustakaan dengan teknik analisis deskriptif. Hasil penelitian ini adalah: 1) Strategi pembelajaran Computer Adaptive Instruction (CAI) merupakan desain pembelajaran individual yang memiliki karakteristik yaitu memerlukan hasil analisis terhadap siswa itu sendiri, alternatif strategi penyajian dan basis data pengetahuan; 2) Berdasarkan perspektif behavioristik, siswa berkesulitan belajar mengalami penurunan motivasi dapat disebabkan oleh minimnya stimulus belajar dari lingkungan siswa, keadaan kognitif, emosi dan psikomotornya yang kurang terkelola dengan baik; 3) Menjadi tantangan bagi guru inklusi untuk merancang desain pembelajaran e-learning dengan trategi pembelajaran Computer Adaptive Instruction (CAI) yang dapat mengakomodir karakteristik siswa berkesulitan belajar.
Keyword: Computer Assisted Instruction; Learning Motivation; Students Learning Difficulties
METODE TAHFIZ AL QUR’AN PADA SANTRI KALONG DI PESANTREN ROUDLOTUL QURAN SEMARANG
Authors: Novianis Nur Mufidah  , Muh Subhan Ashari  , Aris Nurlailiyah
Published: January 2023

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mendeskripsikan pembelajaran taḥfīẓ pada santri ‘kalong’ di pondok pesantren Roudlotul Qur’an Semarang. Penelitian ini adalah penelitian kualitatif dengan metode field research. Metode pengumpulan data menggunakan observasi, wawancara, dan dokumentasi. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa metode tahfiz Al-Qur’an yang diterapkan kepada santri kalong adalah: pertama, metode Wahdah.  Sebuah metode pengulangan ganda, menghafal urutan-urutan ayat, menggunakan satu jenis mushaf, memahami arti dari lafadz kunci yang dihafal serta memperhatikan ayat-ayat serupa). Kedua, metode Sima’i. Sebuah metode menyetorkan hafalan kepada seorang guru. Adapun faktor penunjang dalam mengimplementasikan metode tahfiz di pesantren ini adalah kebebasan proses pembelajaran, mujahadah, motivasi, doa, dukungan guru dan orang tua, berfikir positif, lingkungan yang mendukung, melaksanakan salat malam, lebih menghargai waktu. Sedangkan faktor penghambatnya adalah rasa malas, kurang optimal dalam menghafal, masalah pribadi, kesehatan kurang baik, kapasitas ingatan kurang baik, kurangnya waktu luang, serta sugesti buruk tentang menghafal.

Kata Kunci: Taḥfīẓ Al-Qur’an, Metode Hafalan, Santri