bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A copula-based set-variant association test for bivariate continuous, binary or mixed phenotypes
Authors: St-Pierre Julien , Oualkacha Karim
Published: October 2022

In genome wide association studies (GWAS), researchers are often dealing with dichotomous and non-normally distributed traits, or a mixture of discrete-continuous traits. However, most of the current region-based methods rely on multivariate linear mixed models (mvLMMs) and assume a multivariate normal distribution for the phenotypes of interest. Hence, these methods are not applicable to disease or non-normally distributed traits. Therefore, there is a need to develop unified and flexible methods to study association between a set of (possibly rare) genetic variants and non-normal multivariate phenotypes. Copulas are multivariate distribution functions with uniform margins on the [0, 1] interval and they provide suitable models to deal with non-normality of errors in multivariate association studies. We propose a novel unified and flexible copula-based multivariate association test (CBMAT) for discovering association between a genetic region and a bivariate continuous, binary or mixed phenotype. We also derive a data-driven analytic p-value procedure of the proposed region-based score-type test. Through simulation studies, we demonstrate that CBMAT has well controlled type I error rates and higher power to detect associations compared with other existing methods, for discrete and non-normally distributed traits. At last, we apply CBMAT to detect the association between two genes located on chromosome 11 and several lipid levels measured on 1477 subjects from the ASLPAC study.
Characterization of japonica rice aroma profiles during in vitro mastication by gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (GC-IMS) and electronic nose technology
Authors: Asimi Sailimuhan , Xin Ren , Min Zhang , Tuersuntuoheti Tuohetisayipu , Sixuan Li , Zhenhua Wang , Shan Liang , Ziyuan Wang
Published: October 2022

By simulating the aroma changes during in vitro mastication, we can better understand the aroma changes during rice eating, which is helpful in studying people’s sensory preferences. To investigate the rice aroma released during the in vitro mastication, the present study analyzed rice bolus’s odor fingerprints in vitro mastication using electronic nose and gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (GC-IMS). The electronic nose analysis results showed significant differences in the flavor of japonica rice in vitro mastication. In addition, GC-IMS determined 30 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during rice in vitro mastication. Among these compounds, the most important content was aldehydes, followed by ketones and alcohols. Although the concentration of various chemicals was relatively high in cooked rice, most compounds decreased after mastication. The concentration of propan-2-ol, ethanol, and methanol increased after mastication. Multivariate data analysis showed that isoamyl sovalerate, pentanal, hexanal, acetone, hexanal, and limonene were the main VOCs of japonica rice during in vitro mastication. GC-IMS and e-nose analyses are complementary and recommended for using the two techniques to achieve the VOCs’ rapid and comprehensive detection during in vitro mastication. Results from this study allowed us to understand rice flavor during oral processing.
Effect of drying methods on physico-chemical and bioactive compounds of mandarin (citrus reticulata) peel
Authors: Kumar Ankit , Rout Rahul Kumar , Rao Pavuluri Srinivasa
Published: October 2022

Mandarin peel, an agro waste has an immense potential for bio utilization. The present study highlights the effect of drying on the physicochemical and biochemical properties of dried mandarin peel. Microwave drying and forced air drying accomplished at three different power levels (180, 360 and 540 W) and temperatures (30, 50 and 70 °C), respectively, while freeze drying was carried out at shelf temperature of –35 °C. The results revealed highest recovery of bioactive compounds from microwave drying at 540 W viz total phenolic (43.61 mg GAE/g), flavonoid (8.08 mg QE/g), tannin (8.73 mg GAE/g), saponin (159.91 mg EE/g−1), as well as, gallic acid antioxidant activity (3.58 mg GAEAC/g) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (50.61 mg TE/g−1). Furthermore, results from HPLC and UV–vis spectroscopy revealed presence of major polyphenols in dried peel. Microwave drying can be concluded as an industrial method for the bio utilization of mandarin peel.
Zheng Zhegu and Performances in Early Chinese Film
Authors: Jia Binwu
Published: October 2022

The actor Zheng Zhegu is a long-forgotten pioneer in Chinese film. He is perhaps best known for playing the part of Carpenter Zheng in China’s earliest surviving film, Labourer’s Love. Both professionals in the film industry and audiences of the time recognized him as achieving new heights in acting. Starting with Zheng Zhegu’s personal story, this article explores the history of performances in early Chinese film. It emphasizes the transition from “new play-oriented” screen acting to interiors performances, placing this shift in the transformation of Chinese cinema from a “cinema of attractions” to narrative films.
A critical discourse account of the process of ideological expressions in the Ẹdo (Bini) guilds
Authors: Aigbẹdo William Ighasere
Published: October 2022

The study examines how language, peculiar to members of the guilds in Ẹdo, is used to express their cultural ideology. This is expected to provide the necessary insight and comprehension of the nature of the guilds’ socio-cultural activities resulting in the distinct ideology expressed by them. Data were purposively collected through the indepth interview of key informants (individuals with knowledge of the activities of the guilds examined) and direct observation of the interaction between the members of the different guilds. The collected data were subjected to discursive analysis. The language used by the guilds in interaction among members is a marker of the guilds ideological orientation as this serves to bring members together while at the same time separates those that are not members of the respective guilds. The choice of language use by these groups therefore is determined by the ideological orientation of the guilds which seeks to maintain the relevance and supremacy of the group in the larger Ẹdo (Bini) society.
Novel fiber-tip micro flowmeter based on optofluidic microcavity filled with silver nanoparticles solutions
Authors: Li Jinjian , Qu Jian , Liu Yi , Li Yan , Qu Shiliang
Published: October 2022

A novel fiber-tip micro flowmeter based on optofluidic microcavity filled with silver nanoparticles solutions (SNS) is proposed. CW fiber laser was used to heat SNS that can emit heat obviously due to the excellent optic-thermo effect. The heat generated by the silver nanoparticles would be taken away as the microfluidic flows over the fiber microcavity until thermal balance is established under different velocity. The effective refractive index (RI) of the SNS changed followed by temperature of the thermal balance. The dips of the Fabry–Perot interference spectrum shift and the flow velocity can be demodulated. Moreover, the sensor can measure the flow rate with a high sensitivity due to the superior thermal conductivity and specific heat capacity of sidewalls. The max flow rate sensitivity can reach 1.5 nm/(μL/s) in the large range of 0–5 μL/s with a detection limitation (DL) of 0.08 μL/s. The Micron scale probe-type flowmeter has strong robustness and can be used to measure flow rate in tiny space. The heating medium also has an excellent biological compatibility and is not contact with the fluidics directly. As such, we believe that the proposed fiber-tip micro flowmeter has great application potentials in haematology, oil prospecting, ocean dynamics and drug research.
Super-resolved three-dimensional near-field mapping by defocused imaging and tracking of fluorescent emitters
Authors: Son Taehwang , Moon Gwiyeong , Lee Changhun , Xi Peng , Kim Donghyun
Published: October 2022

Near-field optics is essential in many nanotechnology applications, such as implementing sensitive biosensing and imaging systems with extreme precision. Understanding optical near-fields at the nanoscale has so attracted the considerable research interest, which use a variety of analytical approaches, most notably near-field scanning microscopy. Here, we show defocused point localization mapped accumulation (DePLOMA), which can overcome many weaknesses of conventional analytical methods. DePLOMA is based on imaging fluorescence emitters at an out-of-focal plane. The acquisition, collection, and accumulation of the position and fluorescence intensity of emitters moving above nanostructures can generate three-dimensional near-field maps of light distribution. The idea enables super-resolution liquid-phase measurements, as demonstrated by reconstruction of near-field created by nanoslits with a resolution determined by emitter size. We employed fluorescent emitters with a radius of 50 and 100 nm for confirmation. The axial resolution was found to be enhanced by more than 6 times above that of diffraction-limited confocal laser scanning microscopy when DePLOMA was used.
Crystal structure of bis[benzyl(methyl)carbamodithioato-κ
2
S,S′]-di-n-butyltin(IV), C26H38N2S4Sn
Authors: Abd Aziz Nurul Amalina , Awang Normah , Chan Kok Meng , Kamaludin Nurul Farahana , Mohamad Anuar Nur Najmi , Jamaludin Nur Atiyah Nadhrah , Tan Yee Seng , Tiekink Edward R. T.
Published: October 2022

C26H38N2S4Sn, triclinic,

P

1
‾

$P\overline{1}$

(no. 2), a = 9.6272(1) Å, b = 12.1043(2) Å, c = 13.3584(2) Å, α = 82.296(1)°, β = 86.611(1)°, γ = 66.912(1)°, V = 1419.02(4) Å3, Z = 2, Rgt
(F) = 0.0235, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.0612, T = 100 K.
Forebrain development–an intricate balance decides between health and disease
Authors: Mamo Tamrat Meshka , Hammes Annette
Published: October 2022

Patients carrying pathogenic gene variants encoding factors linked to the sonic hedgehog (SHH) pathway suffer from severe congenital brain malformations including holoprosencephaly (HPE). A poorly understood feature of these common anomalies is the highly variable penetrance, even amongst family members, carrying the same mutation. Modifier genes–genetic variants that can affect the phenotypic outcome of the primary disease-causing gene–contribute to this variability within pedigrees. Modifier genes can confer resilience or susceptibility to a disease, but are difficult to identify in humans. Studying the complex genetic interactions in mouse models of human congenital disorders can be instrumental in the identification of genes, that powerfully modulate SHH signaling pathway capacity and ultimately the penetrance of genetic disturbances. Understanding the underlying complex molecular mechanisms of disease aetiology and can support directing future genetic linkage studies in humans.
Recent reports on vanadium based coordination polymers and MOFs
Authors: Gupta Samik
Published: October 2022

Coordination polymers (CP) and metal-organic frameworks (MOF) have become a topic of immense interest in this century primarily because of the structural diversity that they offer. This structural diversity results in their multifaceted utility in various fields of science and technology such as catalysis, medicine, gas storage or separation, conductivity and magnetism. Their utility inspires a large variety of scientists to engage with them in their scientific pursuit thus creating a buzz around them in the scientific community. Metals capable of forming CPs and MOFs are primarily transition metals. Among them vanadium-based CPs and MOFs demand detailed discussion because of the unique nature of vanadium which makes it stable in many oxidation states and coordination number. Vanadium’s versatility imparts additional structural marvel and usefulness to these CPs and MOFs.
Research on new integral squeeze film damper vibration control of micro turbojet engine at high speed
Authors: Wang Wenhao , He Lidong , Sun Yang , Wang Zijian , Zhang Hua , Bao Qiaoqiao , Jia Xingyun , Dong Huaiyu
Published: October 2022

In view of the problem that the vibration of the centrifugal impeller of the compressor exceeds the standard when a micro turbojet engine crosses the first-order critical speed, this research proposes a vibration control technology for the engine rotor system based on the new integral squeeze film damper (NISFD) according to the unique structure and assembly characteristics of the rotor bearing seat of the micro turbojet engine. Through numerical analysis and experimental research, the dynamic characteristics of NISFD are analyzed, and the vibration reduction mechanism of NISFD is revealed. The engine test verification based on NISFD is carried out. The results show that NISFD has good damping characteristics, which can improve the bending stress and strain energy distribution of the rotor. The engine test proves that NISFD can well solve the problem of excessive vibration of the engine when passing through the first-order critical speed, greatly reduce the vibration level within the working speed range, and significantly improve the reliability of the engine during operation. It provides a solid theoretical basis for the design of aeroengine, and provides a reference for the practical engineering application of NISFD in aeroengine.
Control of subsonic jets using vanes as vortex generators
Authors: Gandhinathan Balamani , Subramanian Thanigaiarasu
Published: October 2022

The passive control of jets using vanes as vortex generators is studied by numerical simulation in this paper. The vanes are positioned inside the nozzle near the exit, inclined to the flow with the longitudinal direction of the jet. Two configurations namely, straight vanes (k = 0 mm−1) and curved vanes (k = 0.05 mm−1) are considered. Curvature k is defined as the reciprocal of the radius of the vanes. The blockage due to the presence of the vanes is 0.5%. The total pressure variation along the jet centreline and along the radial distance is determined from nozzle exit at a Mach number of 0.4, 0.6 and 0.8. It is found that the vanes cause faster decay of the jet, both in the near field and far field compared to the base nozzle (plain circular nozzle) and the curved vanes perform better than the straight vanes in promoting the jet mixing. A maximum of 54% reduction in jet potential core length is achieved by the curved vanes and the jet becomes asymmetrical due to the presence of the vanes inside the nozzle, as observed in the radial pressure decay plots and Mach number contours.
A Cyclic True Triaxial with Rigid-Rigid-Flexible Boundary for Determination of Cross-Anisotropic Nature of Geomaterials
Authors: Aydin Ceren , Hatipoglu Mustafa , Cetin Bora , Ceylan Halil
Published: October 2022

This paper describes a custom-designed Soil Poly-Axial Test System, SPAX-3000, developed to investigate the cross-anisotropic material properties of geomaterials under varying loading conditions. SPAX-3000, a mixed-boundary type of large-scale cyclic true triaxial apparatus (CTTA), is capable of applying a wide range of principal stress combinations on prismatic specimens of dimensions 152 × 152 × 304 mm. Two vertical and two horizontal load actuators on two opposite faces apply principal major (σ1) and intermediate (σ2) stresses independently to evaluate the performance of pavement structures under anisotropic stress states through resilient modulus (MR) testing. SPAX-3000 is controlled through software (CATS Software, provided by the manufacturer to provide advanced digital servo control of stresses and deformations). In this study, SPAX-3000 capabilities were evaluated through MR testing of both isotropic (urethane rubber) and cross-anisotropic materials (base, subbase, and subgrade) for the development of stress histories. The test results showed that SPAX-3000 is capable of determining MR independently of the anisotropy characteristics of the tested materials. Stress-hardening and stress-softening behaviors were observed for the coarse- and fine-grained geomaterials under different loading conditions. Anisotropy ratios (ratio of horizontal MR [MhR] to the vertical MR [MvR]) were determined for the base, subbase, and subgrade materials. MR test results showed that higher MvR results were obtained than that of MhR regardless of the loading conditions. The anisotropy ratios ranged from 0.08 to 0.21, 0.38 to 0.87, and 0.05 to 0.50 for the base, subbase, and subgrade materials, respectively. The highest MvR values (200–590 MPa) were obtained for the base material, whereas subbase material yielded the highest MhR (35–169 MPa). In general, stress-hardening behavior was observed for the geomaterials tested in both directions except for the stiffness of subgrade and subbase materials in the vertical direction.
Influence of Particle Size on the Long-Term Resistivity of NaCl-Polluted Sandy Soil
Authors: Sun Funan , Wen Wang , Han Pengju , Bai Xiaohong , He Bin
Published: October 2022

The size of soil particles can change the conducting channels through which an electrolyte solution flows in a soil mass, which has an influence on the tortuosity of pores in soil mass, thus further changing the conductivity of the soil mass. By carrying out laboratory tests, the influences of moisture and particle size of sandy soil on the resistivity of sandy soil polluted with sodium chloride were evaluated. Furthermore, the models for analyzing relationships linking the resistivity of sandy soil polluted with sodium chloride with moisture and particle size of sandy soil under experimental conditions were separately established. The test results showed that the resistivity of sandy soil polluted with sodium chloride at different moisture contents linearly decreases with increasing particle size. Based on the Archie resistivity model, the influence of particle size on the resistivity of polluted sandy soil was explored by carrying out laboratory tests. On this basis, the formula (ρ = [(3 − 2ω)(3ω − 35)][(ω + 3) + g]) for predicting the resistivity of polluted sandy soil with changes in moisture content and the particle size of the system of sandy soil is established, where ω, g, and ρ separately refer to the moisture content, particle size, and resistivity of the system, respectively. Finally, by analyzing the influence of particle size on tortuosity, a resistivity model (ρ=Aρωτe(θ)θ) for analyzing the influence of tortuosity on the resistivity of sandy soil is established, where τe(θ), θ, and ρω separately refer to tortuosity, porosity, and resistivity of pore water, respectively.
Gynecological co-morbidity, chronic illnesses and infectious diseases among black African women with primary or secondary infertility: should we be worried about hepatitis?
Authors: M Afolabi Bamgboye , Ayodeji Olamijulo Joseph , Agboeze Joseph
Published: October 2022

Introduction: Female infertility may not occur alone but could be associated with other health conditions. Overlooking these health conditions during clinical assessment of women who present with primary or secondary infertility may not bring desired results of achieved pregnancy. Objective: To determine the frequency and relative risks of certain chronic illnesses such as hypertension and diabetes, infectious diseases such as hepatitis and other gynecological diseases such as uterine fibroid and endometriosis in women with primary and secondary infertility taking into consideration their age groups and body mass index. Study design: This was a retrospective study carried out at a tertiary health care facility in Lagos Nigeria. Methods: Records of patients who consulted for the management of infertility were retrieved for analysis. Result: The overall prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, cancer and asthma in all patients were 9.6%, 6.8%, 0.8% and 0.4% respectively. Among the infectious diseases, hepatitis B occurred most frequently at 19.1%, more among women with SI (28.0%) than PI (13.9%). The most prevalent gynecological diseases as co-morbidity were uterine fibroid (32.7%) and endometriosis (11.2%). Pooled analysis showed that there was a significant variation in the distribution of Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) (Pearson’s χ²=10.14, P-value=0.02) relative to age, no significant distribution of any disease relative to body mass index (BMI) in Kg/m2, significant distribution of intrauterine adhesion relative to age (years) and BMI among those with PI (Pearson’s χ²=9.80, P-value=0.04) but not in SI. Significant correlations were observed between infertility and hepatitis (r=0.17, P-value=0.006, 95% CI= 0.06, 0.36) and between infertility and fibroid (r=0.1868, P-value=0.003, 95% CI=0.07, 0.32). Conclusion: Through this study it is concluded that women with history of primary infertility are more at risk of diabetes, endometriosis and PCOS more than those with SI; conversely, those with SI are more at risk of hypertension, hepatitis, fibroid and adenomyosis. Gynecologists and fertility experts in sub-Saharan Africa should probe for these diseases in each patient who presents with infertility, after excluding male factor as contributing to female infertility. Early diagnosis of these diseases and others among infertile or sub-fertile women can minimize pain and reduce cost of hospitalization and also minimize the number of patients with unexplained infertility.
Satisfaction status and its associated factors on delivery service provided among women who gave birth at hawassa university comprehensive specialized hospital in southern Ethiopia 2022
Authors: Geta Temesgen , Mekine Merid , Kasa Nebiyat
Published: October 2022

Background: Despite the Ethiopian federal ministry of health implementing compassionate, respectful, and caring as one of the health sector transformation agendas to increase health service utilization, the level of maternal satisfaction with institutional delivery is still low and varies from region to region. In addition, no previous study was conducted in this study area. Therefore, the main objective of the study was to assess the level of women's satisfaction with institutional delivery services and associated factors among mothers who gave birth at Hawassa University's comprehensive specialized Hospital. Methods and Materials: Institutional based quantitative cross-sectional study was employed from April to May 2022 at Hawassa University's comprehensive specialized hospital. A total of 265 women who came to delivery service were included in the study and systematic sampling techniques was used to select study participant. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data. The data was entered into EPI Data 3.1 version and transported to SPSS version 25 for data analysis. Binary and multi-regression were done for predictor variables associated at p-value <0.05 with the dependent variable. Result: A total of 265 mothers fully responded, making a response rate of 95.3%. This study found that 63% of study participants were satisfied and 37% of them were unsatisfied with the delivery and labor service. Participants' occupation, last pregnancy wanted, health conditions of the mother during and after delivery, media exposure to institutional delivery, total duration of labor, a surgical procedure done for women, the provider gives periodic updates on the progress of labor and explained what is being done and that to be expected were statistically associated with satisfaction status. Conclusion: The study showed that the overall satisfaction of the women with the delivery service provided by health care providers in the study area was relatively low. Therefore, all stakeholders should take immediate and appropriate action on those identified factors.
Importance of differential diagnosis of pulmonary and oral infections in times of COVID 19: a clinical case report
Authors: Rodrigues Giovani Antonio , Aranha Watanabe Plauto Christopher
Published: October 2022

Diseases that affect the lungs and the oral cavity can have similar clinical manifestations and require a thorough clinical examination for a correct diagnosis. Currently, the coronavirus pandemic has caused doctors to increase their chances of diagnosis, since SARS-COV-2 also affects the lungs. This work presents the case of a 58-year-old black man with the human immunodeficiency virus who was diagnosed with paracoccidioidomycosis through the aid of oral lesions after the hypothesis of COVID-19 and tuberculosis being ruled out by clinical and laboratory tests. Thus, this case report seeks to draw the attention of clinicians, both doctors and dentists who work in oral diagnosis to the other possibilities and hypotheses of diagnosing injuries that affect the upper airways and may have clinical manifestations similar to SARS- COV-2.
Blood donation and sero-positive of syphilis at North Darfur State- Sudan 2018
Authors: Ibrahim Ahmed Mohammed Ahmed , Abdelrahman Nassreldeen Khalid , Mohammed Abdelrahman Nahla Ahmed , Mohammed Abdelrahman Marawa Ahmed
Published: October 2022

Objective: To determine the prevalence of syphilis sero-positivity among blood donors, as well as the interaction between syphilis and age as well as demographic details. Methods: In North Darfur State, Western Sudan, a retrospective analysis of consecutive blood donation records from January to December 2018 was implemented. The quantitative descriptive is computed using percentages. Chi-square was used to analyze trends, and the p-value was used to determine the statistical significance of the parameter. Results: There were 4969 men between the ages of 15 to 55 who were eligible to donate blood, were screened for syphilis, 646 (13.0% ) had biomarker evidence of syphilis, while the rest (87%) were negative. A strong association has been reported between residential and biomarker evidence of syphilis infection in the study (P = 0.001). The occurrence of transfusion-transmissible infections was disproportionate to age (P = 0.63).As compared to the other age groups, the (15-25) and (26-35) year age groups has a higher prevalence: 243 (4.8%) and 276 (5.5%) were positive, accordingly. Conclusion: There seems to be an increasing proportion of sero-positive VDRL in blood donations in North Darfur State. An association between syphilis infection and residency was realized, as well as a high prevalence within a particular age demographic without a statistically meaningful correlation.
Prevalence of cutaneous leishmaniasis in patients admitted to the Labcore computer system of the clinical laboratory of Dr. Tomás Casas Casajús Hospital from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2019
Authors: Varela Calvo Ronald
Published: October 2022

Leishmaniasis is à disease caused by a protozoan of the genus Leishmania, with biological cycles in which humans can be a reservoir. It can manifest as visceral or localized cutaneous, which is what occur in Costa Rica. The diagnosis has many techniques, but the most used for speed, price and availability is the direct smear with Giemsa stain in Costa Rica and the HTCC (CCSS), where the amastigote is sought. Objective: to determine rates and prevalence percentages of cutaneous leishmaniasis in the Hospital Dr. Tomás Casas Casajús de Osa (CCSS) from 2015 to 2019, classified by year, age and sex. Materials and methods: Data were collected by analyzing the Labcore computer system, downloading files in TXT text format and converting them to Excel. The analysis is performed by simple calculations of rates and percentages, and reporting in tables and graphs. Results: Of the 250 records from 2015 to 2019, 39 are positive for 15.6% and 169 are negative for 67.6%. Of the positives, the prevalence per 100,000 inhabitants per year, 2017 recorded the lowest value with 9.8 and 2019 the highest with 42.0. According to age, those 29 and under are 59% and those 30 and over are 41%. There are no significant differences in terms of gender, with 44% female and 56% male. Conclusions: A good diagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasis should be made. This starts from the physician's assessment to the report of the result. The laboratory technique must be good, from sample collection to microscopic analysis, and there must be traceability. This favors the patient for a good treatment and avoids new infections. Cutaneous leishmaniasis infection does not have age and sex patterns; It will depend on the environnent and human behavior, in work and recreational activities and in the place of residence.
Long-term evolution of Plasmodium falciparum gametocytes index during a village scale malaria vector control program comparing durable lining, long-lasting treated net and indoor residual spraying in Angola
Authors: P Carnevale , N Carnevale , JC Toto , V Foumane , F Martineaud , S Manguin
Published: October 2022

Rationale: Due to the serious side effect of some anti-gametocyte drugs on G6PG efficiency carriers, a special attention was given to the possible influence of vector control on the evolution of P. falciparum gametocyte index (GI) in the framework of the long-term village scale malaria vector control project implemented in 8 villages around the Balombo town (Angola). The aim of the project was to compare, in paired villages, the epidemiological efficacy of Long lasting deltamethrin Insecticide Treated Nets (δLLIN), lambdacyhalothrin Inside Residual Spraying (ʎIRS), and deltamethrin Insecticide Treated Plastic Sheeting (δITPS) applied on the indoor walls of houses, used alone, or associated with δLLIN or after the 2 rounds of λIRS. Methods: The program started in 2007 and full vector control (VC) implementation was done in December 2008 owing two years of baseline data collection in the 8 selected villages around Balombo city. Parasitological evaluation was based upon regular cross-sectional surveys (CSS) on randomized samples of population for each survey, focusing ≤ 15 years children, to compare GI before/after and here/there according to each VC method. Field made thick blood smears (TBS) were microscopically examined by the same team of the Medical Department of the Angolese Sonamet Company, which supported the trial, with 10% of randomized slides double-checked in OCEAC, Yaoundé (Cameroon). Results: 234 cross-sectional surveys were carried between 2007 and 2018. P. falciparum gametocytes were observed in 574 of the 23,822 thick blood smears examined for a GI of 2.41%. During the 3 years following the VC full implementation, the GI decreased by 71%, from 4.05% (n= 6,697) before VC to 1.17% (n= 7,667 after VC) with similar influence of each VC method. During the 5 following years GI remained at a very low level (0.23%; n=2,992). Due to the national malaria outbreak, an increase was noticed after 2015. The general CSS survey done in February 2018, 11 years after the first one (February 2007), showed in the same 5 villages a significant 80% decrease of GI, from 6.98% (n=773) to 1.42% (n=421). Conclusion: The trial showed that a long-term malaria village scale vector control program had a long lasting and significant impact on P. falciparum gametocytes and the influence of VC on GI could therefore be recommended as another relevant objective of the National Malaria Control Program.
Amon, dieu de la ville, dans le chapitre 23 du Livre des Morts
Authors: Wüthrich Annik
Published: October 2022

Book of the Dead spell 23 aimed to allow the deceased to recover the use of his mouth: therefore, the deceased invokes, among other deities, the “god of the city” as his personal god. However, some copies of the Book of the Dead from the 26th dynasty onwards replace or add to this expression the name of the god Amon. All these papyri clearly or supposedly come from Thebes based on prosopographical and onomastic criteria. This article lists hence these different attestations, seeking to explain this phenomenon, to examine if it extends to other Egyptian cities and to investigate the concept of local gods more generally.
L’expression de la filiation à la XXIe dynastie: reflet d’une réalité historique ou simple effet de mode? L’exemple du Livre des Morts
Authors: Wüthrich Annik
Published: October 2022

The study of expressions of filiation has already been the subject of several articles, which were limited to periods prior to the Third Intermediate Period. The aim of this article is to evaluate these expressions within the specific framework of the Books of the Dead from the 21st and 22nd Dynasties. These periods are marked by a significant increase in the variety of expressions employed, whereas the New Kingdom manuscripts expressed filiation according to a more uniform and rigid scheme. Similarly to what happens with titles and despite the diversity of expressions, one observes a progressive decrease in the mention of filiation which almost disappears from funerary papyri, while long genealogies on temple statues are developing. This contribution attempts to understand the motivations behind the use of these expressions and more generally to grasp their purpose in expressing the identity of the deceased.
Wildfires: A rising hazard for infrastructure resilience
Authors: Liz Varga
Published: October 2022

The latest wildfires around the globe are evidence of growing global temperatures that are a threat to infrastructure resilience. Wildfires are exacerbated by drought and parched conditions, disease, dry lightning and increased interaction between humans and forests leading to accidental as well as purposeful ignition.
Theta-Burst Stimulation over the pre-Supplementary Motor Area in Schizophrenia and comorbid substance use disorder: Preliminary clinical data
Authors: Stefano Pallanti , Michele Di Ponzio , Nikos Makris , Marek Kubicki
Published: October 2022

Schizophrenia (SZ) is a debilitating disorder, which tremendously impacts the psychological, social, and financial aspects of a patient’s life. Frequently, SZ patients present with poor insight, which can even worsen the symptomatology. Antipsychotic medications frequently result in suboptimal outcomes, especially the ones concerning negative and cognitive symptoms. Accordingly, new therapeutic options are warranted. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) has been adopted in SZ with promising results. Continuous Theta burst stimulation (cTBS) is a particular brief and effective form of TMS. It has been successfully applied in patients with poor cognitive control (e.g., gambling disorder patients) targeting the pre-Supplementary Motor Area (pre-SMA). Given that poor cognitive control has been regarded as a core deficit in SZ, 11 patients with SZ were included in this study and treated with cTBS for a total of 10 sessions during a two-week period. Patients were divided into two groups: patients with a diagnosis of SZ in comorbidity with Substance Use Disorder (SZ + SUD) vs SZ. Patients were evaluated before and after treatment, assessing executive functions, awareness, and nicotine craving. Within-group comparisons showed a significant reduction in the Scale to assess Unawareness in Mental Disorders (SUMD) scores (p < 0.05) and in the test of Fagerstrom (to assess nicotine dependence) scores (p < 0.001) before and after treatment in the SZ + SUD group. These results showed the efficacy of cTBS for craving reduction as well as in improving awareness of the illness and of treatment. This can be considered a remarkable result since better insight has been previously associated with an improved quality of life in SZ.
New Evolutionary Model on “Autistic Spectrum Disorder” (PEMA), the severity scale (PASS), and the clinical questionnaire for the late teenage years and adults (PTAS-Qa)
Authors: Giulio Perrotta
Published: October 2022

Starting from the concept of “Autism Spectrum Disorder”, as framed in the DSM-V, the present research proposes a new etiological theory (PETA) focused on the evolutionary model of the neurobiological matrix, overcoming the modest or inconsistent psychodynamic or conspiracy theses present in the international scene. Based on this assumption, therefore, a new study model (PEMA) was suggested that can focus on the presence or absence of 9 dysfunctional traits (type-deficit and type-clinical features) centered on the areas of social, emotional, and cognitive-communication and interaction, grading the impairment according to a precise 5-level severity scale (PASS), underpinning the 40-item questionnaire (Perrotta Dysfunctional Traits of the Autistic Spectrum Questionnaire for the late teenage years and Adults, PTAS-Qa) on a binary Y/N scale and based on a total score of 11/11, thus offering a more structured view of the patient’s cognitive and psychological organization, avoiding diagnostic fragmentations that might be inconsistent with the nosographic picture and therefore not perfectly framed. By exemplifying the category, it is, therefore, possible to more easily frame the patient, who would thus be analyzed from a strictly functional point of view, also facilitating the therapeutic interventions to be prepared, according to models already known in the literature (e.g. ABA).
The Treadmill-Based Tripping Perturbation v1
Authors: Shih Hui-Ting
Published: October 2022

The protocol utilized a side-by-side split-belt instrumented treadmill to simulate a trip-like perturbation. Compared to previously published methodologies, this new protocol is focused on delivering the perturbation at a precise timepoint during gait. Programmed treadmill belt acceleration profiles are triggered unilaterally at the instant the tripped leg bears 20-25% of the body weight in early stance phase. The belt acceleration profile starts from a comfortable walking speed, followed by a sudden slowdown, then an acceleration, and finally returning to the comfortable walking speed. The slowdown is meant to simulate the foot obstruction and the acceleration reproduces the leg-torso discoordination and the trunk forward thrust during a trip.
UTILITY INDIFFERENCE PRICING AND MEAN-VARIANCE APPROACH WHEN THE DEGREE OF RISK AVERSION IS SMALL
Authors: Hodoshima Jiro
Published: October 2022

We study the properties of the risk-sensitive value measure and mean-variance approach studied by Hodoshima et al. [2] when the degree of risk aversion is small. We show that the two value measures work similarly in normal mixture distributions as well as any distribution when the degree of risk aversion is small. Therefore, the advantage of the risk-sensitive value measure disappears compared to mean- variance approach in any distribution when the degree of risk aversion is small. We obtain the result by approximating the risk-sensitive value measure by Taylor series expansion.
Premature rupture of membranes in preterm pregnancy: prospects for prediction
Authors: Afanasyeva Marina Kh. , Bolotskikh Vyacheslav M. , Nikolova Tanja , Avdeyeva Ekaterina A.
Published: October 2022

One of the major issues in modern midwifery is premature birth, which is often the result of premature rupture of membranes. Currently known methods for predicting premature rupture of membranes do not have sufficient predictive value in preterm pregnancy. This article summarizes modern views on the biochemical, immunological and microbiological aspects of the etiology and pathogenesis of premature rupture of membranes and premature birth. Further ways of searching for predictors of these complications are outlined herein.
Microbiological features and perinatal outcomes in patients with preterm premature rupture of membranes and oligohydramnios
Authors: Chistyakova Olga M. , Chervinets Vyacheslav M. , Chervinets Yulia V. , Grebenshchikova Lyudmila Yu. , Radkov Oleg V.
Published: October 2022

BACKGROUND: Oligohydramnios in preterm premature rupture of membranes is the cause of increased perinatal morbidity and mortality among preterm newborns. Microbiological features in women with preterm premature rupture of membranes and oligohydramnios are probably some of the determining factors affecting the implementation of an unfavorable outcome of gestation.
AIM: The aim of this study was to determine microbiological features and perinatal outcomes in patients with preterm premature rupture of membranes and oligohydramnios.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study conducted from 2018 to 2021 included 161 pregnant women with PPROM at 24 to 33 weeks and 6 days of gestation. Of these, the main group consisted of 83 patients with signs of oligohydramnios, while the control group comprised 78 patients without oligohydramnios. Patient examination upon admission to the hospital included analysis of the amniotic fluid index, the white blood cell differential, plasma ferritin and C-reactive protein levels, and bacteriological tests of vaginal secretions by isolating and growing microbes on optimal culture media.
RESULTS: The patients with oligohydramnios had shorter latent period (р = 0.004), but the noted distinctions were a higher frequency of clinical chorioamnionitis (р = 0.025), fetal distress (р = 0.030), and earlier parturition (р = 0.040) with more frequent caesarean sections (р = 0.016) compared to the control group. Vaginal microbiota in the main group showed a higher prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus (р = 0.008), Bacteroides spp. (р = 0.030), Streptococcus spp. (р = 0.002), Micrococcus spp. (p 0.001), Bacillus subtilis (p 0.001), Bacillus megaterium (p = 0.009), Bacillus buchneri (р = 0.008), Klebsiella pneumoniae (р = 0.002), Haemophilus spp. (р = 0.005) and no Candida albicans compared to the control group. In the main group, newborns more often had a lower body weight at birth (р = 0.002) and a lower Apgar score at the fifth minute (р = 0.011). They also showed higher incidences of respiratory distress syndrome (р = 0.006), bronchopulmonary dysplasia (р = 0.036), congenital pneumonia (р = 0.011) and necrotizing enterocolitis (р = 0.022) and more often needed treatment in an intensive care unit (р = 0.034), including surfactant supplementation (р = 0.007), cardiotonic support (р = 0.004) and artificial lung ventilation (р = 0.006) compared to the control group.
CONCLUSIONS: Oligohydramnios in preterm premature rupture of membranes is associated with pronounced dysbiotic changes in the vaginal microbiota including the prevalence of Micrococcus spp., Streptococcus spp., Staphylococcus aureus and absence of Candida spp. from the isolates, as well as increased incidence of adverse perinatal outcomes.
The experience of extended in vitro human embryo cultivation in a culture medium containing endometrium cells. A pilot study
Authors: Bespalova Olesya N. , Kogan I. Yu. , Komarova Evgenia M. , Lesik Elena A. , Tolibova Gulrukhsor Kh. , Tral Tatyana G. , Zagaynova Valeria A. , Obyedkova Ksenia V. , Gzgzyan Alexandr M.
Published: October 2022

BACKGROUND: At present, the knowledge on initial human embryogenesis stages is limited to the period of development from zygote to blastocyst. The creation of models based on the interaction between the embryo and endometrium in vitro, which accurately imitate the in vivo processes, represents the major way for implantation and post-implantation evaluation. Currently, no reports have been made on models reflecting the both processes simultaneously: the interaction of the embryo with the substrate, which represents many aspects of normal implantation, and the early post-implantation embryo development. The creation of a relevant model would allow investigation of implantation and early post-implantation processes as a whole.
AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the vitality and developmental potential of human embryos from the day 6 blastocyst stage during their extended co-incubation with the endometrium in a culture medium specifically designed for cultivation to the blastocyst stage.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Embryos obtained in assisted reproductive technology programs were cultivated from the day 6 blastocyst stage up to 14 days of development in vitro in a culture medium designed for cultivation to the blastocyst stage, in the presence of endometrium cells. On day 14 of development, embryos and endometrial samples were first evaluated under an inverted microscope using Hoffman modulation contrast, then transferred to a special mold and impregnated with paraffin for cytoblock preparation. Obtained blocks were sliced, stained with hematoxylin and eosin and morphologically assessed.
RESULTS: The first sample visual assessment on day 14 of cultivation in a culture medium with endometrium cells revealed a viable developing embryo with no signs of degradation. During the histological examination, the endometrial sample corresponded to the secretory phase of the cycle. The morphological assessment of the conceptus detected trophoblast cells. The second sample visual assessment on the day 14 of cultivation in a culture medium with endometrium cells revealed a viable embryo with no signs of degradation, which was in direct contact with the endometrial component. A histological examination detected a secretory endometrial fragment of the surface (luminal) epithelium. During the morphological assessment of the embryo, trophoblast cells were detected.
CONCLUSIONS: The data obtained indicate the ability of the embryo to further develop from the day 6 blastocyst stage up to 14 days in a culture medium specifically designed for cultivation to the blastocyst stage, in the presence of endometrium cells. The latter can serve as an experimental model for both in vitro endometrial receptivity evaluation and intercellular interactions during implantation investigation.
Long non-coding RNA ERVK13-1 aggravates osteosarcoma through the involvement of microRNA-873-5p/KLF5 axis
Authors: Xie Han , Dai Libing , Ye Baoqing , Chen Ruixiong , Wang Bin , Zhang Nanwei , Miao Haixiong , Liang Weiguo
Published: October 2022

Objective: To explore the effect and mechanism of long noncoding RNA ERVK13-1 on osteosarcoma (OS) cell development by regulation of miR-873-5p/KLF5 axis. Methods: The expression of ERVK13-1 in the collected tissue was detected by RT-qPCR, and then the relationship between ERVK13-1 expression and clinical characteristics of OS patients was analyzed. After OS cell lines were transfected with miR-873-5p inhibitor, si-ERVK13-1, si-KLF5 or their negative controls, the expression of ERVK13-1, miR-873-5p, and KLF5 in OS cell lines were measured, followed by determination of their effects on cell proliferation, migration, and invasion abilities. Moreover, the binding relationships of ERVK13-1 and miR-873-5p, as well as miR-873-5p and KLF5, were verified by the dual-luciferase reporter gene assay. Results: Highly expressed ERVK13-1 was found in OS tissues, which was closely related to tumor size, tumor node metastasis, and distant metastasis. The overall survival of OS patients with high expression of ERVK13-1 was poorer than those with low expression of ERVK13-1. Elevated ERVK13-1 and KLF5 but suppressed miR-873-5p was observed in the OS cell lines U2OS and MG63. Transfection with miR-873-5p inhibitor enhanced the malignant potentials of OS cells, and transfection with si-ERVK13-1 or si-KLF5 reduced these abilities of OS cells. ERVK13-1 bound to miR-873-5p and KLF5 was a target gene of miR-873-5p. Conclusion: The ERVK13-1/miR-873-5p/KLF5 axis confers vital effect on the occurrence and progression of OS, thus providing possible guidance for the clinical treatment of OS.