bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhanced intrapulse difference frequency generation in the mid-infrared by a spectrally dependent polarization state
Authors: Bournet Q. , Guichard F. , Natile M. , Zaouter Y. , Joffre M. , Bonvalet A. , Pupeza I. , Hofer C. , Druon F. , Hanna M. , Georges P.
Published: November 2021

We present a technique to optimize the intrapulse difference frequency generation efficiency for mid-infrared generation. The approach employs a multi-order wave plate that is designed to selectively rotate the polarization state of the incoming spectral components on the relevant orthogonal axes for subsequent nonlinear interaction. We demonstrate a significant increase of the mid-infrared average power generated, of a factor ≥2.5 compared with the conventional scheme, owing to an optimally distributed number of photons enrolled in the difference frequency generation process.
Coherent combining of a large-scale fiber laser array over 2.1 km in turbulence based on a beam conformal projection system
Authors: Zuo Jing , Zou Fan , Zhou Xin , Geng Chao , Li Feng , Jia Qiwang , Jiang Jiali , Li Ziqiang , Liu Jiaying , Ma Xiaoyu , Li Xinyang
Published: November 2021

We demonstrated a beam conformal projection system for coherent
combining of large-scale lasers over 2.1 km in turbulence 20 m above
the ground, using the basic modules of a 19-element fiber phased array
combined with coarse pointing by a gimbal mount. After coarse pointing
and aberration corrections, the metrics (reflected light) of the
combined beams from a basic module were best increased by 13.4 times,
suggesting that our system promises the great effect of coherent
combining under long-distance turbulence. Moreover, we tentatively
realized coherent combining of two basic modules (38 lasers), which is
the largest number of elements in a fiber laser coherent beam
combination outdoors, to the best of our knowledge, with the metrics
of combined beams increased by about 29 times.
Long-period fiber grating based on inner microholes in optical fiber
Authors: Lan Falong , Wang D. N.
Published: November 2021

A new, to the best of our knowledge, type of long-period fiber grating based on inner microholes in an optical fiber core is proposed and demonstrated. The device is fabricated by first using a femtosecond laser to write a series of vertical short line structures in the core of a single-mode fiber, followed by discharge of the short line areas with a fusion splicer. Owing to the high temperature generated, the line structure rapidly expands and forms an inner microhole. The device is found to have good high temperature sustainability up to 1000°C, with a sensitivity of approximately 13 pm/°C and its strain and bending sensitivities are approximately −1.57 pm/µɛ and −5.198 dB/m−1, in the ranges of 0–800 µɛ and 0–0.77 m−1, respectively. It is expected that the device can contribute to the multi-parameter sensing and detection of high temperature in harsh environments.
Protein domain-based prediction of drug/compound–target interactions and experimental validation on LIM kinases
Authors: Doğan Tunca , Akhan Güzelcan Ece , Baumann Marcus , Koyas Altay , Atas Heval , Baxendale Ian R. , Martin Maria , Cetin-Atalay Rengul
Published: November 2021

Predictive approaches such as virtual screening have been used in drug discovery with the objective of reducing developmental time and costs. Current machine learning and network-based approaches have issues related to generalization, usability, or model interpretability, especially due to the complexity of target proteins’ structure/function, and bias in system training datasets. Here, we propose a new method “DRUIDom” (DRUg Interacting Domain prediction) to identify bio-interactions between drug candidate compounds and targets by utilizing the domain modularity of proteins, to overcome problems associated with current approaches. DRUIDom is composed of two methodological steps. First, ligands/compounds are statistically mapped to structural domains of their target proteins, with the aim of identifying their interactions. As such, other proteins containing the same mapped domain or domain pair become new candidate targets for the corresponding compounds. Next, a million-scale dataset of small molecule compounds, including those mapped to domains in the previous step, are clustered based on their molecular similarities, and their domain associations are propagated to other compounds within the same clusters. Experimentally verified bioactivity data points, obtained from public databases, are meticulously filtered to construct datasets of active/interacting and inactive/non-interacting drug/compound–target pairs (~2.9M data points), and used as training data for calculating parameters of compound–domain mappings, which led to 27,032 high-confidence associations between 250 domains and 8,165 compounds, and a finalized output of ~5 million new compound–protein interactions. DRUIDom is experimentally validated by syntheses and bioactivity analyses of compounds predicted to target LIM-kinase proteins, which play critical roles in the regulation of cell motility, cell cycle progression, and differentiation through actin filament dynamics. We showed that LIMK-inhibitor-2 and its derivatives significantly block the cancer cell migration through inhibition of LIMK phosphorylation and the downstream protein cofilin. One of the derivative compounds (LIMKi-2d) was identified as a promising candidate due to its action on resistant Mahlavu liver cancer cells. The results demonstrated that DRUIDom can be exploited to identify drug candidate compounds for intended targets and to predict new target proteins based on the defined compound–domain relationships. Datasets, results, and the source code of DRUIDom are fully-available at:https://github.com/cansyl/DRUIDom.
Evaluation of facial cleanliness and environmental improvement activities: Lessons learned from Malawi, Tanzania, and Uganda
Authors: Sanders Angelia M. , Dixon Ruth , Stuck Logan , Kelly Michaela , Woods Geordie , Muheki Edridah M. , Baayenda Gilbert , Masika Michael , Kafanikhale Holystone , Mwingira Upendo , Wohlgemuth Leah
Published: November 2021

The World Health Organization promotes the SAFE (Surgery, Antibiotics, Facial cleanliness, and Environmental improvements) strategy for trachoma control and prevention. The F&E components of the strategy focus on promotion of healthy hygiene and sanitation behaviors. In order to monitor F&E activities implemented across villages and schools in Malawi, Tanzania, and Uganda, an F&E Monitoring and Evaluation (FEME) framework was developed to track quarterly program outputs and to provide the basis for a pre and post evaluation of the activities. Results showed an increase in knowledge at the school and household levels, and in some cases, an increase in presence of hand/face washing stations. However, this did not always result in a change in trachoma prevention behaviors such as facial cleanliness or keeping compounds free of human feces. The results highlight that the F&E programs were effective in increasing awareness of trachoma prevention but not able to translate that knowledge into changes in behavior during the time between pre and post-surveys. This study also indicates the potential to improve the data collection and survey design and notes that the period of intervention was not long enough to measure significant changes.
Littoral macroinvertebrate communities of alpine lakes along an elevational gradient (Hohe Tauern National Park, Austria)
Authors: Bartels Anne , Berninger Ulrike G. , Hohenberger Florian , Wickham Stephen , Petermann Jana S.
Published: November 2021

Alpine lakes support unique communities which may respond with great sensitivity to climate change. Thus, an understanding of the drivers of the structure of communities inhabiting alpine lakes is important to predict potential changes in the future. To this end, we sampled benthic macroinvertebrate communities and measured environmental variables (water temperature, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, pH, nitrate, turbidity, blue-green algal phycocyanin, chlorophyll-a) as well as structural parameters (habitat type, lake size, maximum depth) in 28 lakes within Hohe Tauern National Park, Austria, between altitudes of 2,000 and 2,700 m a.s.l. The most abundant macroinvertebrate taxa that we found wereChironomidaeandOligochaeta. Individuals ofColeoptera,Diptera,Hemiptera,Plecoptera,Trichoptera,Tricladida,Trombidiformes,Veneroidawere found across the lakes and determined to family level.Oligochaetawere not determined further. Generalized linear modeling and permanova were used to identify the impact of measured parameters on macroinvertebrate communities. We found that where rocky habitats dominated the lake littoral, total macroinvertebrate abundance and family richness were lower while the ratio ofEphemeroptera,PlecopteraandTrichoptera(EPT) was higher. Zoo- and phytoplankton densities were measured in a subset of lakes but were not closely associated with macroinvertebrate abundance or family richness. With increasing elevation, macroinvertebrate abundances in small and medium-sized lakes increased while they decreased in large lakes, with a clear shift in community composition (based on families). Our results show that habitat parameters (lake size, habitat type) have a major influence on benthic macroinvertebrate community structure whereas elevation itself did not show any significant effects on communities. However, even habitat parameters are likely to change under climate change scenarios (e.g. via increased erosion) and this may affect alpine lake macroinvertebrates.
Multi-level intersectional stigma reduction intervention to increase HIV testing among men who have sex with men in Ghana: Protocol for a cluster randomized controlled trial
Authors: Nelson LaRon E. , Nyblade Laura , Torpey Kwasi , Logie Carmen H. , Qian Han-Zhu , Manu Adom , Gyamerah Emma , Boakye Francis , Appiah Patrick , Turner DeAnne , Stockton Melissa , Abubakari Gamji M. , Vlahov David
Published: November 2021

Background

Men with have sex with men (MSM) in Africa face high levels of stigma due to elevated HIV exposure (actual or perceived), same-sex practices, and gender non-conformity. These stigmas are documented barriers to HIV prevention and treatment. Most stigma-reduction interventions have focused on single-level targets (e.g., health care facility level [HCF]) and addressed one type of stigma (e.g., HIV), without engaging the multiple intersecting stigmas that MSM encounter. Determining the feasibility and acceptability of multi-level intervention of reducing intersectional stigma and estimating its efficacy on increasing HIV testing are needed.

Methods

We proposed a mixed method study among MSM in Ghana. First, we will develop the intervention protocol using the Convergence Framework, which combines three interventions that were previously implemented separately in Ghana for reducing stigma at the HCF-level, increasing HIV testing at the peer group-level, and increasing peer social support at the individual-level. Then, we will conduct a cluster randomized controlled trial with four pairs of HCFs matched on staff size. HCFs within each pair are randomized to the HCF-level stigma-reduction intervention or control arm. MSM (n = 216) will be randomized to receive the group-level and individual-level interventions or standard of care control arm. MSM will be assigned to receive HIV testing at one of the HCFs that match their study assignment (intervention or control facility). The frequency of HIV testing between MSM in the study arms at 3 and 6 months will be compared, and the predictors of HIV testing uptake at the HCF, peer group and individual-levels will be assessed using multi-level regression models.

Discussion

These findings from this study will provide important evidence to inform a hybrid implementation-effectiveness trial of a public health intervention strategy for increasing HIV case detection among key populations in sub-Saharan African communities. Accurate information on HIV prevalence can facilitate epidemic control through more precise deployment of public health measures aimed at HIV treatment and viral load suppression, which eliminates risk of transmission.

Trial registration

This study was prospectively registered on ClinicalTrials.gov, Identifier: NCT04108078, on September 27, 2019.
Real-time profilometry by bicolor grating video projection
Authors: Zhang Yujiao , Cao Yiping , Wu Haitao , An Haihua , Huang Xiuzhang
Published: November 2021

A novel real-time 2+1 three-dimensional(3D) measuring method based on bicolor grating video projection is proposed. Firstly, only two frames of bicolor gratings, in which the red channels are two sinusoidal fringes with a shifting phase of π/2 and the blue channels are the same background light equivalent to the DC component of the two sinusoidal fringes are encoded and arranged alternatively to synthesize into a repetitive bicolor grating video, While this video is projected onto the measured object, the real-time bicolor deformed pattern video can be recorded by using a color CMOS camera, and the bicolor deformed pattern sequence at different moments can be extracted by computer processing, so that the 2+1 algorithm can be used to accomplish real-time 3D measurement of moving object. Before measuring, we used the same method to design two sinusoidal fringes with a difference of π in their red channels, respectively, to calibrate the sensitivity ratio between the red and blue channels of the CMOS camera, which can effectively eliminate the chromaticity imbalance between R and B channels and reduce the color crosstalk. Experimental results and analysis confirm the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method. Because the proposed method needs a repetitive bicolor grating video synthesized with only two-frame bicolor gratings to be projected, the 3D measurement acquisition speed and real-time accuracy will be improved compared with the traditional 2+1 3D measuring method.
“It’s extremely hard but it’s not a burden”: A qualitative study of family caregiving for people living with dementia in Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Huong , Nguyen Trang , Tran Duyen , Hinton Ladson
Published: November 2021

Background

Vietnam is one of the fastest-aging countries in the world with a rising number of people with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD). Families in Vietnam provide most of the care for persons living with dementia, yet our understanding of their experiences and needs is limited. This study examined the family caregiving experience in a semi-rural region outside of central Hanoi from the perspectives of family caregivers and other key informants.

Materials

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 21 key stakeholders (12 family caregivers and 9 healthcare providers and community leaders). A descriptive, thematic analysis was conducted.

Results

Qualitative data analysis revealed four themes related to the family caregiving experience: 1) perceptions of dementia symptoms as a normal part of aging rather than a disease, 2) caregiving as a moral and expected familial obligation, 3) patterns of caregiving that are heavily influenced by both gender and sibling order, and 4) multiple challenges or hardships, including time constraints, loss of income, increased social isolation, a toll on their perceived physical health, and emotional distress. Caregivers rejected the notion that caregiving was a “burden” and expressed their distress through terms such as frustration, sadness, and exhaustion.

Conclusions

In this low-resource setting, the stress of family caregiving may be amplified by lack of community resources, cultural stigma discouraging outside help-seeking, and economic impact of care provision. The study highlights the vulnerability and predicament of Vietnamese women who often face multiple challenges in their caregiving role as well as the urgent need for the development of community-based programs and supports.
Medical image encryption algorithm based on a new five-dimensional three-leaf chaotic system and genetic operation
Authors: Liang Zhongyue , Qin Qiuxia , Zhou Changjun , Wang Ning , Xu Yi , Zhou Wenshu
Published: November 2021

Current image encryption methods have many shortcomings for the medical image encryption with high resolution, strong correlation and large storage space, and it is difficult to obtain reliable clinically applicable medical images. Therefore, this paper proposes a medical image encryption algorithm based on a new five-dimensional three-leaf chaotic system and genetic operation. And the dynamic analysis of the phase diagram and bifurcation diagram of the five-dimensional three-leaf chaotic system selected in this paper is carried out, and NIST is used to test the randomness of its chaotic sequence. This algorithm follows the diffusion-scrambling framework, especially using the principle of DNA recombination combined with the five-dimensional three-leaf chaotic system to generate a chaotic matrix that participates in the operation. The bit-level DNA mutation operation is introduced in the diffusion, and the scrambling and diffusion effects have been further improved. Algorithm security and randomness have been enhanced. This paper evaluates the efficiency of this algorithm for medical image encryption in terms of security analysis and time performance. Security analysis is carried out from key space, information entropy, histogram, similarity between decrypted image and original image, PSNR, correlation, sensitivity, noise attack, cropping attack and so on. Perform time efficiency analysis from the perspective of time performance. The comparison between this algorithm and the experimental results obtained by some of the latest medical image encryption algorithms shows that this algorithm is superior to the existing medical image encryption algorithms to a certain extent in terms of security and time efficiency.
Polling India via regression and post-stratification of non-probability online samples
Authors: Cerina Roberto , Duch Raymond
Published: November 2021

Recent technological advances have facilitated the collection of large-scale administrative data and the online surveying of the Indian population. Building on these we propose a strategy for more robust, frequent and transparent projections of the Indian vote during the campaign. We execute a modified MrP model of Indian vote preferences that proposes innovations to each of its three core components: stratification frame, training data, and a learner. For the post-stratification frame we propose a novel Data Integration approach that allows the simultaneous estimation of counts from multiple complementary sources, such as census tables and auxiliary surveys. For the training data we assemble panels of respondents from two unorthodox online populations: Amazon Mechanical Turks workers and Facebook users. And as a modeling tool, we replace the Bayesian multilevel regression learner with Random Forests. Our 2019 pre-election forecasts for the two largest Lok Sahba coalitions were very close to actual outcomes: we predicted 41.8% for the NDA, against an observed value of 45.0% and 30.8% for the UPA against an observed vote share of just under 31.3%. Our uniform-swing seat projection outperforms other pollsters—we had the lowest absolute error of 89 seats (along with a poll from ‘Jan Ki Baat’); the lowest error on the NDA-UPA lead (a mere 8 seats), and we are the only pollster that can capture real-time preference shifts due to salient campaign events.
Causes of early postpartum complications that result in visits to the emergency department
Authors: Hundal Prabhpreet , Valani Rahim , Quan Cassandra , Assaie-Ardakany Shayan , Sharma Tanmay , Abou-Seido Maher , Salehi Leila , Amin Qamar , Luca Simina
Published: November 2021

Objective

This study aimed to review the reasons why postpartum women present to the emergency department (ED) over a short term (≤10 days post-delivery) and to identify the risk factors associated with early visits to the ED.

Methods

This retrospective chart review included all women who delivered at a regional health system (William Osler Health System, WOHS) in 2018 and presented to the WOHS ED within 10 days after delivery. Baseline descriptive statistics were used to examine the patient demographics and identify the timing of the postpartum visit. Univariate tests were used to identify significant predictors for admission. A multivariate model was developed based on backward selection from these significant factors to identify admission predictors.

Results

There were 381 visits identified, and the average age of the patients was 31.22 years (SD: 4.83), with median gravidity of 2 (IQR: 1–3). Most patients delivered via spontaneous vaginal delivery (53.0%). The median time of presentation to the ED was 5.0 days, with the following most common reasons: abdominal pain (21.5%), wound-related issues (12.6%), and urinary issues (9.7%). Delivery during the weekend (OR 1.91, 95% CI 1.00–3.65, P = 0.05) was predictive of admission while Group B Streptococcus positive patients were less likely to be admitted (OR 0.22, CI 0.05–0.97, P<0.05)

Conclusions

This was the first study in a busy community setting that examined ED visits over a short postpartum period. Patient education on pain management and wound care can reduce the rate of early postpartum ED visits.
The effect of bio-banding on the anthropometric, physical fitness and functional movement characteristics of academy soccer players
Authors: MacMaster Calum , Portas Matt , Parkin Guy , Cumming Sean , Wilcox Chris , Towlson Christopher
Published: November 2021

The study examined if maturity status bio-banding reduces within-group variance in anthropometric, physical fitness and functional movement characteristics of 319, under-14 and under-15 players from 19 UK professional soccer academies. Bio-banding reduced the within-bio-banded group variance for anthropometric values, when compared to an aggregated chronological banded group (chronological: 5.1–16.7%CV; bio-banded: 3.0–17.3%CV). Differences between these bio-banded groups ranged from moderate to very large (ES = 0.97 to 2.88). Physical performance variance (chronological: 4.8–24.9%CV; bio-banded: 3.8–26.5%CV) was also reduced with bio-banding compared to chronological aged grouping. However, not to the same extent as anthropometric values with only 68.3% of values reduced across banding methods compared to 92.6% for anthropometric data. Differences between the bio-banded groups physical qualities ranged from trivial to very large (ES = 0.00 to 3.00). The number of functional movement metrics and %CV reduced by bio-banding was lowest within the ‘circa-PHV’ groups (11.1–44.4%). The proportion of players achieving the threshold value score of ≥ 14 for the FMS™ was highest within the ‘post-PHV’ group (50.0–53.7%). The use of maturity status bio-banding can create more homogenous groups which may encourage greater competitive equity. However, findings here support a bio-banding maturity effect hypothesis, whereby maturity status bio-banding has a heightened effect on controlling for characteristics which have a stronger association to biological growth.
Community detection in large scale congested urban road networks
Authors: Haghbayan Seyed Arman , Geroliminis Nikolas , Akbarzadeh Meisam
Published: November 2021

Traffic congestion in large urban networks may take different shapes and propagates non-uniformly variations from day to day. Given the fact that congestion on a road segment is spatially correlated to adjacent roads and propagates spatiotemporally with finite speed, it is essential to describe the main pockets of congestion in a city with a small number of clusters. For example, the perimeter control with macroscopic fundamental diagrams is one of the effective traffic management tools. Perimeter control adjusts the inflow to pre-specified regions of a city through signal timing on the border of a region in order to optimize the traffic condition within the region. The precision of macroscopic fundamental diagrams depends on the homogeneity of traffic condition on road segments of the region. Hence, previous studies have defined the boundaries of the region under perimeter control subjected to the regional homogeneity. In this study, a cost-effective method is proposed for the mentioned problem that simultaneously considers homogeneity, contiguity and compactness of clusters and has a shorter computational time. Since it is necessary to control the cost and complexity of perimeter control in terms of the number of traffic signals, sparse parts of the network could be potential candidates for boundaries. Therefore, a community detection method (Infomap) is initially adopted and then those clusters are improved by refining the communities in relation to roads with the highest heterogeneity. The proposed method is applied to Shenzhen, China and San Francisco, USA and the outcomes are compared to previous studies. The results of comparison reveal that the proposed method is as effective as the best previous methods in detecting homogenous communities, but it outperforms them in contiguity. It is worth noting that this is the first method that guarantees the connectedness of clusters, which is a prerequisite of perimeter control.
The dietary intake of chronic kidney disease according to stages: Findings from the Korean National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey
Authors: Kim Seon-Mi , Kim Min-ho , Ryu Dong-Ryeol , Oh Hyung Jung
Published: November 2021

Appropriate dietary adjustment in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is important, and nutritional guidelines recommend different dietary management depending on the CKD stage. However, there is no study, to our knowledge, of the characteristics of dietary intake according to CKD stages. We tried to assess the comparison of nutritional intake according to CKD stages. A cross-sectional study was conducted to reveal the characteristics of dietary intake among patients with CKD based on the Korean National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey between 2011 and 2014. Of 16,878 participants, we classified non-CKD (n = 14,952) and CKD (n = 1,926), which was stratified into five groups (I, II, IIIa, IIIb, and IV–V). We investigated the characteristics of dietary intake, such as energy, water, protein, fat, carbohydrate, sodium, potassium, calcium, and phosphorus, according to stage of CKD. We also explored nutritional intake according to CKD stage among patients with early CKD (stage I and II) and advanced CKD (stage IIIa, IIIb, and IV–V). Intake of majority of nutrients and energy tended to be decreased as CKD progressed. In early CKD stage, intake of energy, water, protein, fat, carbohydrate, potassium, calcium and phosphorus seemed to be statistically significant decreased as CKD progressed. In advanced CKD stage, intake of potassium and calcium seemed to be decreased as CKD progressed, but the intake of energy was about to be lower limit. Appropriate dietary education and CKD recognition are needed to improve nutritional intake depending on the CKD stage.
Evaluation of external stabilization of type II odontoid fractures in geriatric patients—An experimental study on a newly developed cadaveric trauma model
Authors: Jung Matthias K. , von Ehrlich-Treuenstätt Gregor V. R. , Jung Andreas L. , Keil Holger , Grützner Paul A. , Schneider Niko R. E. , Kreinest Michael
Published: November 2021

Background

Along with the growing geriatric population, the number of odontoid fractures is steadily increasing. However, the effectiveness of immobilizing geriatric odontoid fractures using a cervical collar has been questioned. The aim of the present study is to analyze the physiological and pathological motion in odontoid fractures and to assess limitation of motion in the cervical spine when applying a cervical collar.

Methods

Motion analysis was performed with wireless motion tracker on unfixed geriatric human cadavers. First, a new geriatric type II odontoid fracture model was developed. In this model, the type II odontoid fracture is operated via a transoral approach. The physiological and pathological flexion and lateral bending of the cervical spine resulting from this procedure was measured. The resulting motion after external stabilization using a cervical collar was analyzed.

Results

The new geriatric type II odontoid fracture model was successfully established using seven unfixed human cadavers. The pathological flexion of the cervical spine was significantly increased compared to the physiological flexion (p = 0.027). Furthermore, the flexion was significantly reduced when a cervical collar was applied. In case of flexion the mean remaining motion was significantly reduced (p = 0.0017) from 41° to 14°. For lateral bending the mean remaining motion was significantly reduced (p = 0.0137) from 48° to 18°.

Conclusions

In case of type II odontoid fracture, flexion and lateral bending of the cervical spine are increased due to spinal instability. Thus, if an odontoid fracture is suspected in geriatric patients, the application of a cervical collar should always be considered since external stabilization can significantly reduce flexion and lateral bending.
Development and characterization of an oral microbiome transplant among Australians for the treatment of dental caries and periodontal disease: A study protocol
Authors: Nath Sonia , Zilm Peter , Jamieson Lisa , Kapellas Kostas , Goswami Nirmal , Ketagoda Kevin , Weyrich Laura S.
Published: November 2021

Background

Oral microbiome transplantation (OMT) is a novel concept of introducing health-associated oral microbiota into the oral cavity of a diseased patient. The premise is to reverse the state of oral dysbiosis, and restore the ecological balance to maintain a stable homeostasis with the host immune system. This study will assess the effectiveness, feasibility, and safety of OMT using an interdisciplinary approach.

Methods/Design

To find donors suitable for microbial transplantation, supragingival plaque samples will be collected from 600 healthy participants. Each sample (200μL) will subsequently be examined in two ways: 1) 100μL of the sample will undergo high-throughput 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and shotgun sequencing to identify the composition and characterisation of a healthy supragingival microbiome, 2) the remaining 100μL of the plaque sample will be mixed with 25% artificial saliva medium and inoculated into a specialised in-vitro flow cell model containing a hydroxyapatite disk. To obtain sufficient donor plaque, the samples would be grown for 14 days and further analysed microscopically and sequenced to examine and confirm the growth and survival of the microbiota. Samples with the healthiest microbiota would then be incorporated in a hydrogel delivery vehicle to enable transplantation of the donor oral microbiota. The third step would be to test the effectiveness of OMT in caries and periodontitis animal models for efficacy and safety for the treatment of oral diseases.

Discussion

If OMTs are found to be successful, it can form a new treatment method for common oral diseases such as dental caries and periodontitis. OMTs may have the potential to modulate the oral microbiota and shift the ecological imbalances to a healthier state.
Genetic diversity and population structure of the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum surface protein Pfs47 in isolates from the lowlands in Western Kenya
Authors: Onyango Shirley A. , Ochwedo Kevin O. , Machani Maxwell G. , Omondi Collince J. , Debrah Isaiah , Ogolla Sidney O. , Lee Ming-Chieh , Zhou Guofa , Kokwaro Elizabeth , Kazura James W. , Afrane Yaw A. , Githeko Andrew K. , Zhong Daibin , Yan Guiyun
Published: November 2021

Plasmodium falciparum parasites have evolved genetic adaptations to overcome immune responses mounted by diverse Anopheles vectors hindering malaria control efforts. Plasmodium falciparum surface protein Pfs47 is critical in the parasite’s survival by manipulating the vector’s immune system hence a promising target for blocking transmission in the mosquito. This study aimed to examine the genetic diversity, haplotype distribution, and population structure of Pfs47 and its implications on malaria infections in endemic lowlands in Western Kenya. Cross-sectional mass blood screening was conducted in malaria endemic regions in the lowlands of Western Kenya: Homa Bay, Kombewa, and Chulaimbo. Dried blood spots and slide smears were simultaneously collected in 2018 and 2019. DNA was extracted using Chelex method from microscopic Plasmodium falciparum positive samples and used to genotype Pfs47 using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA sequencing. Thirteen observed haplotypes of the Pfs47 gene were circulating in Western Kenya. Population-wise, haplotype diversity ranged from 0.69 to 0.77 and the nucleotide diversity 0.10 to 0.12 across all sites. All the study sites displayed negative Tajima’s D values although not significant. However, the negative and significant Fu’s Fs statistical values were observed across all the study sites, suggesting population expansion or positive selection. Overall genetic differentiation index was not significant (FST = -0.00891, P > 0.05) among parasite populations. All Nm values revealed a considerable gene flow in these populations. These results could have important implications for the persistence of high levels of malaria transmission and should be considered when designing potential targeted control interventions.
Small airway dysfunction on impulse oscillometry and pathological signs on lung ultrasound are frequent in post-COVID-19 patients with persistent respiratory symptoms
Authors: Lopes Agnaldo José , Litrento Patrícia Frascari , Provenzano Bruna Cuoco , Carneiro Alícia Sales , Monnerat Laura Braga , da Cal Mariana Soares , Ghetti Angelo Thomaz Abalada , Mafort Thiago Thomaz
Published: November 2021

Background

Thousands of people worldwide are suffering the consequences of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), and impulse oscillometry (IOS) and lung ultrasound (LUS) might be important tools for the follow-up of this population. Our objective was to prospectively evaluate abnormalities detected using these two methods in a cohort of COVID-19 survivors with respiratory symptoms.

Methods

In this follow-up study, 59 patients underwent clinical evaluations, spirometry, IOS and LUS in the 2nd (M1) and 5th (M2) months after diagnostic confirmation of COVID-19 by real-time reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction. Aeration scores were obtained from the LUS exams based on the following findings: B-lines >2, coalescent B-lines, and subpleural consolidations.

Results

Fifty-nine (100%) participants had cough and/or dyspnea at M1, which decreased to 38 (64.4%) at M2 (p = 0.0001). Spirometry was abnormal in 26 (44.1%) and 20 (33.9%) participants at M1 and M2, respectively, although without statistical significance (p = 0.10). Normal examination, restrictive patterns, and obstructive patterns were observed in 33 (55.9%), 18 (30.5%), and 8 (13.6%) participants, respectively, at M1 and in 39 (66.1%), 13 (22%), and 7 (11.9%) participants at M2 (p = 0.14). Regarding IOS, considering changes in resistive and reactive parameters, abnormal exams were detected in 52 (88.1%) and 42 (71.2%) participants at M1 and M2, respectively (p = 0.002). Heterogeneity of resistance between 4 and 20 Hz >20% was observed in 38 (64.4%) and 33 (55.9%) participants at M1 and M2, respectively (p = 0.30). Abnormal LUS was observed in 46 (78%) and 36 (61%) participants at M1 and M2, respectively (p = 0.002), with a reduction in aeration scores between M1 and M2 [5 (2–8) vs. 3 (0–6) points, p<0.0001].

Conclusions

IOS and LUS abnormalities are frequent in the first 5 months post-COVID-19 infection; however, when prospectively evaluated, significant improvement is evident in the parameters measured by these two methods.
An atypical Phytophthora sojae RxLR effector manipulates host vesicle trafficking to promote infection
Authors: Wang Haonan , Guo Baodian , Yang Bo , Li Haiyang , Xu Yuanpeng , Zhu Jinyi , Wang Yan , Ye Wenwu , Duan Kaixuan , Zheng Xiaobo , Wang Yuanchao
Published: November 2021

In plants, the apoplast is a critical battlefield for plant-microbe interactions. Plants secrete defense-related proteins into the apoplast to ward off the invasion of pathogens. How microbial pathogens overcome plant apoplastic immunity remains largely unknown. In this study, we reported that an atypical RxLR effector PsAvh181 secreted by Phytophthora sojae, inhibits the secretion of plant defense-related apoplastic proteins. PsAvh181 localizes to plant plasma membrane and essential for P. sojae infection. By co-immunoprecipitation assay followed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analyses, we identified the soybean GmSNAP-1 as a candidate host target of PsAvh181. GmSNAP-1 encodes a soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor (NSF) attachment protein, which associates with GmNSF of the SNARE complex functioning in vesicle trafficking. PsAvh181 binds to GmSNAP-1 in vivo and in vitro. PsAvh181 interferes with the interaction between GmSNAP-1 and GmNSF, and blocks the secretion of apoplastic defense-related proteins, such as pathogenesis-related protein PR-1 and apoplastic proteases. Taken together, these data show that an atypical P. sojae RxLR effector suppresses host apoplastic immunity by manipulating the host SNARE complex to interfere with host vesicle trafficking pathway.
Beyond allowing ventilation: How to connect the social-emotional and the cognitive in teachers’ handling of controversial political issues (CPI)?
Authors: Erlich-Ron Rakefet , Gindi Shahar
Published: November 2021

Twenty-first century teachers are expected to have a holistic approach to teaching including addressing students’ self-determination, interpersonal awareness, cultural sensitivity, empathy and self-regulation. Discussions of controversial political issues (CPI) provide opportunities to examine the interplay between emotional and cognitive components, the former having rarely been studied. As part of a larger study, teachers were asked to provide a description of a CPI discussion in class. The 387 valid responses were analysed qualitatively, and the model that emerged connected triggers, motivations, responses and outcomes. The students and teachers were found to have different motivations and needs: while students were concerned with emotional needs, teachers had educational goals in mind. Teachers wanted to quell the emotional unease, to prevent racist remarks, to keep control of the classroom, and to tie the discussions to the curriculum. Teachers mainly used cognitive responses and somewhat allowed students to ventilate, or used moderating responses, all of which produced partial results. Some teachers avoided the discussion altogether, which was the least useful. The smallest proportion used a mixture of responses, which met both educational and emotional needs. Implications to teacher training, including the importance of training in social-emotional aspects of teaching, are discussed.
Education, neurosis and exception: What really matters in education during/beyond the pandemic?
Authors: Menezes Pedro , Menezes Isabel , Ribeiro Norberto
Published: November 2021

This study examines newspaper articles about education published in a reference daily newspaper in Portugal during the measure taken to close schools as a way of containing the COVID-19 epidemic. During this three-month period, a total of 105 news items were collected involving several
educational and political actors: government representatives from the areas of education, health and work, parents, teachers, school principals, union representatives and, on rare occasions, even students. A qualitative analysis of these news items based on thematic analysis revealed themes
that appear at the core of schools ‐ i.e. that are essential and should be resumed as soon as possible. Amid the ‘state of exception’, ‘neurotic citizenship’ is reinforced and managed by the government. Within this context, participation and inclusion seem to
disappear from the discourse of education and are captured by work and economic issues that go beyond education itself.
La vida académica de las mujeres: sin pasión no hay investigación
Authors: Rodriguez Navia Alizon
Published: November 2021

El presente trabajo pretende analizar y reflexionar en torno al campo de la vida académica de las ganadoras del premio L’Oreal Perú develando el rol que cumple la visibilidad, el reconocimiento y la objetividad en la labor científica desde un enfoque de género.
Lo académico, por tradición siempre se encontró revestido de buenas formas y del deber ser. En apariencia, el sentido de lo objetivo y meritocrático reglamenta el fluir de las relaciones en su interior, sin embargo no es así, ya que se trata de un espacio de lucha por el poder a través del ejercicio de la legitimidad del saber, el mismo que se conforma como una construcción social institucionalizada e instaurada dentro de una comunidad académica. Entonces, ¿de qué depende dicha legitimidad y en qué se fundamenta? Son algunas de las interrogantes que pretendemos dilucidar en el presente artículo.
Los resultados de la presente investigación evidencian que el campo de la vida académica de las mujeres, constituye un espacio altamente complejo por el conjunto de relaciones y disputas de poder que se entretejen en su interior. En dicho escenario, mandatos tales como la competencia por la visibilidad y el reconocimiento constituye el eje central de esta disputa.
Valores y motivaciones que guían la práctica científica en Frankenstein
Authors: Denia Elena
Published: November 2021

La novela Frankenstein o El moderno Prometeo (1818) es una fuente de información abundante sobre la imagen de la ciencia en la sociedad de principios del siglo XIX que permite revelar aspectos nítidos de la dimensión social de la investigación científica de la época. El propósito de este trabajo es, tras contextualizar algunos elementos clave del entorno científico coetáneo a la obra y la educación que recibió Mary Shelley —su autora—, realizar un análisis exhaustivo del texto original para revelar características de la práctica científica del momento, en particular los valores y motivaciones que guían el ejercicio de la ciencia en la narración. El análisis revela que: (1) los valores que caracterizan la práctica científica en el universo Frankenstein son: rigor; altruismo; empeño y perseverancia; determinación; valentía; imaginación; serenidad; reconocimiento; y responsabilidad; mientras que (2) las motivaciones para emprender la actividad científica son: curiosidad e interés; pasión o entusiasmo; ambición; y voluntad. La caracterización de la labor científica a partir de la obra exhibe una conceptualización de lo que se considera buena ciencia que parece vigente en el imaginario de la ciencia actual.
¿Es necesaria la verdad? Una noción pragmática y deflacionaria de comprensión
Authors: Martín-Villuendas Mariano
Published: November 2021

La noción de comprensión ha sido sometida a un intenso análisis dentro de los estudios dedicados a la filosofía de la ciencia. En los últimos años, han surgido dos posturas claramente diferenciadas. Una primera postura, denominada veritismo, ha empleado los conceptos tradicionales de verdad y conocimiento para analizar las características básicas de la misma. La segunda postura ha considerado preciso desligar la verdad de la comprensión reseñando los componentes pragmáticos y contextuales de la misma. El objetivo del artículo será argumentar a favor de esta última postura. Para ello, se evaluará una de las principales alternativas pragmáticas que se han propuesto en los últimos años, la teoría de Henk de Regt. Se mostrará que esta postura afronta tres dificultades fundamentales que es preciso abordar a fin de justificar la postura pragmática. Con tal objetivo, se articulará una noción alternativa e innovadora de comprensión.
La perspectiva esencialista en la concepción de la tecnología
Authors: Vilouta Rando Nicolás , Pellegrini Pablo Ariel
Published: November 2021

El pesimismo tecnológico es una perspectiva que, desde mediados del siglo XX, se popularizó tanto en círculos intelectuales como en la cultura popular, convirtiéndose en una de las maneras más comunes de pensar la tecnología. En el presente trabajo caracterizaremos el estilo de pensamiento esencialista, mostrando de qué manera permea dicha perspectiva de la tecnología, dotando a esta de autonomía y considerándola una fuente intrínseca de consecuencias nefastas, tanto para la sociedad como para la naturaleza. Se hará una reconstrucción histórica de la perspectiva esencialista, caracterizando su formulación en el pensamiento filosófico de Aristóteles. A partir de allí, se indagará en el modo en que la perspectiva esencialista se despliega frente a la tecnología tanto en círculos académicos como en la cultura popular. Sobre el final, se expondrá el caso de los organismos genéticamente modificados (OGM) como un espacio de debate donde podremos ver el estilo de pensamiento esencialista movilizado.
Stay or Leave? Dinamika Lanskap Arkeologi di Sesar Semangko Provinsi Lampung
Authors:   Balai Arkeologi Jawa Barat, Rusyanti Rusyanti , Purwoarminta Ananta ,   Indonesian Institute Of Sciences, Krama Agel Vidian ,   Institut Teknologi Sumatera
Published: November 2021

Tinggalan arkeologis bukan hanya sekadar warisan yang bersifat romantisme (gabe) melainkan tugas untuk perbaikan di masa yang akan datang (aufgabe). Buku ini mengungkap kearifan lokal dari sudut pandang arkeologi lanskap dengan pendekatan geoarkeologi. Kearifan lokal yang digali dari artefak arkeologi selain merupakan kekayaan yang harus dilestarikan, juga dapat digunakan untuk membaca perubahan lingkungan dan mengenali faktor-faktor yang menjadi ancaman di masa yang akan datang. Semoga buku ini dapat menjadi pelengkap atas terbatasnya publikasi mengenai kearkeologian di wilayah Sesar Semangko, Provinsi Lampung.
PHYSICAL CULTURE AND SPORT AS A SOCIALLY-ECONOMICALLY SIGNIFICANT TYPE OF ACTIVITY
Authors: Samsonov I. I.
Published: November 2021

The article is devoted to the study of the issue of attributing physical culture and sports to socio-economically significant types of activity along with pedagogical (teaching), scientific and other creative activities. The reasons and grounds that determine the existing problems and the need for the adoption of legislative novels are stated. A list of normative legal acts was identified that prohibits a number of employees of public authorities and employees of organizations performing publicly significant functions from engaging in other paid activities in the field of physical culture and sports. Signs of mutual authenticity between activities in the field of physical culture and sports and other socially significant types of activities have been substantiated. Proposals were formulated to correct a number of normative legal acts, in terms of their addition with an optional form of prescription for engaging in other paid physical culture and sports activities. The conditions for the fulfillment of another paid physical culture and sports activity as a secondary (additional) variant of behavior have been demonstrated. The author of the article concluded that it is necessary to further study the issue of anti-established by legislation for state (municipal) employees in the field of physical culture and sports for employment in subordinate organizations.