bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relation of Serum Micronutrients to Growth and Nutritional Habits of School-Aged Children in Egypt
Authors: El-Shaheed Azza Abd , N. Mahfouz Nermine , Abushady Mones M , El-Alameey Inas R
Published: July 2022

Proper growth of children depends on several micronutrients. A fundamental role of Zinc and vitamins as A, B12 and D is crucial to prevent a failure to thrive. To study the relationship between Egyptian school aged children growth, nutritional habits and micronutrients deficiencies. Materials and methods: A case control research involved 60 school aged children (age ranged from 6 to 12 years). Group 1 (malnourished) compared with group II (apparently healthy children of matched peers). Serum concentrations of Zinc, Copper, and vitamins as A, B12, and D were measured using ELISA kits. Compared to controls, the cases showed significantly lower serum concentrations of Zinc, vitamin A, B12, and D (P<0.000 in all), while serum concentration of Copper was significantly higher. In the patient's group, serum vitamin B12, and Zinc concentrations showed significant positive correlation with height for age z- score, while serum Copper concentration showed significant negative correlation with BMI for age z- score. Serum Zinc, vitamin B12, and D concentrations were significantly correlated positively with serum vitamin A. Multiple logistic regression showed statistically significant association of high serum Copper and weekly consumption of sweetened beverages among the studied patients (P < 0.01). Vitamins and Zinc deficiencies showed high prevalence among the school children. Serum vitamin B12 and Zinc concentrations showed significant positive correlation with height. The significant association between high serum Copper and sugary beverages among the studied patients may be due to contained preservatives.
Academic Performance Improves with Emotional Intelligence Awareness and Physical Exercise among Medical Students
Authors: Karkada Ivan Rolland , D'souza Urban John Arnold , Mustapha Zainal Arifin bin , Mohanraj Jaiprakash
Published: July 2022

Background and objective: The importance of exercise and knowledge of emotional intelligence (EI) is gaining pace in academia, which is a positive development. Only a few single-blind research studies on the benefits of exercise and Emotional intelligence have indicated their effects on educational attainment among primary school children, but there are very few reports from young adult students. This longitudinal study aims to develop an intervention protocol to investigate the differential association between induced moderate physical exercise combined with emotional intelligence awareness on academic performance among 18-24-year-old private medical university students. Methods: Students are voluntarily enrolled in two groups: TEST (n = 180) and CONTROL (n = 180) based on inclusion criteria along with applicable consent’s and ethical clearance. The groups' baseline data mapping was completed in three phases. For the TEST group, baseline data was obtained in three stages during Phase-1; -, which is the pre-intervention phase: Anthropometric data, haemoglobin concentration, and cardiorespiratory measurements were all measured in Stage 1. (Lab-based data). Stage 2: two questionnaires were used, one to measure EI awareness and the other to assess learning styles (VARK). Stage 3 entailed the simultaneous recording of pre-intervention academic grades, of a said end block examination for both TEST and CONTROL groups. Phase 2: This is the intervention phase, which included only two components for the TEST group: the first was a moderate exercise regime (BRISK WALKING) of 2-3 sessions per week for about 30 minutes per session, and the second was addressing EI awareness. Which refers to knowing the current status of EI level, and fostering EI knowledge through various teaching-learning methods. Following the end of Phase -1 baseline data mapping, the two intervention components for the TEST group run concurrently for about 6months/24weeks, for the TEST group. Phase-3: is the post-intervention phase which included repeating of Phase-1; Stages 1, 2, and 3 for the TEST group, as well as a concurrent record and analysis of post-intervention academic grades, of the final professional examination for both TEST and CONTROL groups was done after Phase-2. The outcomes of Phase-1 and Phase-3 differential association compared. Results: The Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) Version 21.0 software was used to analyse all data from phases 1 and 3. A statistically significant correlation was found between the TEST group (p = 0.0001) and the CONTROL group (p = 0.406) when the pre-intervention period of multifactorial components subjected to intervention was compared to the post-intervention period. Conclusion: Intervention protocol with combined effect of emotional intelligence awareness and induced moderate physical exercise (BRISK WALKING) has shown significant improvement in academic grades.
Global use of Ethnomedicinal Plants to Treat Toothache
Authors: Vásquez José Luis Álvarez- , Solano Nathaly Fernanda Parra- , Saavedra-Cornejo Gabriela Elizabeth , Espinosa-Vásquez Ximena Elizabeth
Published: July 2022

Toothache is one of the most common global health problems, and medicinal plants are widely used to relieve the associated pain and inflammation. Several studies have been conducted on the use of plants to treat toothache, but no study has comprehensively assessed the types of plants and the mechanisms of action of the phytochemical compounds involved in their analgesic effect. This review aims to bridge this gap. This is the first review to collect a large volume of data on the global use of medicinal plants used in the treatment of toothache. It presents the relevant information for dentists, researchers, and academics on using medicinal plants to treat toothache. We found that preclinical studies and state-of-the-art technology hold promise for furthering our knowledge of this important topic. In total, 21 species of medicinal plants used to treat toothache were found in America, 29 in Europe, 192 in Africa, 112 in Asia, and 10 in Oceania. The most common species were Allium sativum, Allium cepa, Acmella oleracea, Jatropha curcas, Jatropha gossypiifolia, and Syzygium aromaticum. The most commonly found family of medicinal plants was Asteraceae, followed by Solanaceae, Fabaceae, Lamiaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Rutaceae, and Myrtaceae. The most common phytochemicals found were flavonoids, terpenes, polyphenols, and alkaloids. The reported mechanisms of action involved in toothache analgesia were antioxidant effects, effects mediated by transient receptor potential channels, the γ-aminobutyric acid mechanism, and the cyclooxygenase/lipoxygenase anti-inflammatory mechanism.
Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Stadium IB3, IIA2 and IIB Cervical Cancer a Narrative Review
Authors: Winata I Gde Sastra , Budiana I Nyoman Gede , Jawi I Made , Suwiyoga Ketut
Published: July 2022

This study aimed to describe Paclitaxel-Carboplatin chemotherapy as neoadjuvant chemotherapy in stage IB3, IIA2 and IIB cervical cancer. The review was conducted by collecting journals from previous studies discussing neoadjuvant chemotherapy in cervical cancer stages IB3, IIA2, and IIB and in this case specifically discussing Paclitaxel-Carboplatin chemotherapy. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy refers to systemic therapy intended to reduce the size of the tumour before the definitive operation. Several studies have shown that neoadjuvant chemotherapy has greater advantages than surgery alone for early stage cancers (IB3, IIA2, and IIB). Paclitaxel and Carboplatin are known chemotherapeutic agents that can be used as neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy regimen Paclitaxel Carboplatin is one of the options in performing therapy for early stage cervical cancer which can be very helpful in healing and cancer-free patient condition. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by radical surgery has significant benefits that have been described in several previous studies. Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy regimen Paclitaxel Carboplatin may be used as therapy regimen for early stage cervical cancer with all advantage compared to only surgery. Thus, this type of regimen can be used to decrease mortality and morbidity in patient with stadium IB3, IIA2 and IIB cervical cancer.
In Vitro Antioxidant, Cytotoxic, Thrombolytic Activities and Phytochemical Evaluation of Methanol Extract of the Ampelocissus Barbata (Wall.) Leaves
Authors: Nur Manik Md. Imran , Ali Md. Hazrat , Islam Md. Monirul , Zobayed Abu , Saadullah Saadullah , Khan Alam , Tabassum Fatema , Noor Furhatun-
Published: July 2022

Context: Oxidative stress and pertaining counterbalance mechanism are actively working in the living organisms. The overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the ongoing equipoising process requires to be compensated by strong antioxidants. Plants as a rich source of antioxidants not only reduce oxidative stress but also possess cytotoxic, thrombolytic and phytochemical potentials. Aims: To find out the antioxidant, cytotoxic, thrombolytic and phytochemical capabilities of the methanolic extracts of Ampelocissus barbata (Wall.) leaves. Methods and Material: Assessment of the in vitro antioxidant activity of extract was carried out using DPPH radical scavenging assay, determination of reducing power capacity and total phenolic content. The thrombolytic activity was assessed by disintegration of clot and prospective phytochemical activities were by standard qualitative analysis such as Mayer’s, Dragendroff’s Wagner’s and Hager’s Reagent test for alkaloids; Libermann-Burchared and Salkowski Reagent tests for steroid and terpenoids; Molish Reagent, Benedict’s Reagent, Fehling’s Solution A & B reagent test for carbohydrates; Ferric Chloride (5%) Solution, Potassium Dichromate (10%) Solution tests for tannins; Shinoda test and Alkaline reagent test for Flavonoids; Froth tests & Haemolysis test for Saponins. Statistical analysis used: The statistical analysis was carried out using GraphPad Prism and Microsoft excel Results: Appreciable DPPH radical scavenging activity of the extract was observed with the IC50 value of 107.47±1.46 µg/ml. A significant correlation was found between the standard ascorbic acid (AA) and the plant extracts at the p˂0.05 for the reducing power assay where, the activity increased with the concentration of the extracts and the highest absorbance value was 3.025±0.15 and 1.826±0.006 for the AA and the extracts respectively. The plant also accommodates a considerable amount of polyphenols, reflected in the value of gallic acid equivalent 277.397±0.419 mg/ml. Finally, the percentage (%) of clot lysis for the thrombolytic activity was revealed to be 7.031±0.697, 35.297±1.307, and 75.083±0.599 for the water (negative control), extract, and the standard Streptokinase respectively. The study revealed the presence of phytochemicals namely alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins and glycosides. Conclusions: The study disclosed the promising in vitro activity of the plant, which necessitates the further analysis for the isolation and evaluation of the active principles.
Pharmacognostic Evaluation and Phytochemical Screening of an Unexplored Herb: Thalictrum Foliolosumdc
Authors: Bainsal Neeraj , Bora Kundan Singh , Singh Jitender
Published: July 2022

Context: Ethnomedicinally, the roots of Thalictrum foliolosum DC has long been used traditionally in opthalmia as a collyrium, improves eye-vision, relieves toothache, in diarrhea, cure piles to god extent, nail troubles, and also in discoloration of the skin. Because of lack of proper identification of plants, standardization of crude drugs becomes difficult. So, to ensure efficacy, safety and purity of T. foliolosum, there is a requirement to create quality control parameters by using pharmacognostical and phytochemical screening. Aim: To perform evaluation of pharmacognostical parametrs including organoleptic, microscopical and physico-chemical and phytochemical screening of T. foliolosum roots. Methods: organoleptic and microscopical characters of dried sample of root were observed. Physico-chemical parameters performed by applying WHO guidelines, fluorescence analysis and phytochemical screening of root sample were also completed for standardization and identification of root of T. foliolosum. Results: Macroscopical characters like color, odor, shape, texture, size, fracture were observed from root and powdered root material of T. foilolosum. Microscopical characters of root showed the presence of parenchymatous cells, cork cells along with pitted and sclariform vessels.Phytochemical evaluation specified the presence of various secondary plant metabolites like alkaloids, steroids, saponins, proteins, tannins, flavonoids and triterpenoids. Physico-chemical parameters such as extractive value, Moisture content, ash value, florescence behavior of root powder was performed. These all evaluated parameters help to distinguish the powdered drug material. Conclusion: This current study will help in standardization and identification along with carrying out further research in herbal medicinal system.
Stochastic nonlinear model of the dynamics of actively Q-switched lasers
Authors: Tarra Lukas , Deutschmann-Olek Andreas , Stummer Vinzenz , Flöry Tobias , Baltuska Anrius , Kugi Andreas
Published: July 2022

In this paper, we present a novel stochastic and spatially lumped multi-mode model to describe the nonlinear dynamics of actively Q-switched lasers and random perturbations due to amplified spontaneous emission. This model will serve as a basis for the design of (nonlinear) control and estimation strategies and thus a high value is set on its computational efficiency. Therefore, a common traveling-wave model is chosen as a starting point and a number of model-order reduction steps are performed. As a result, a set of nonlinear ordinary differential equations for the dynamic behavior of the laser during a switching cycle is obtained. A semi-analytic solution of these differential equations yields expressions for the population inversion after a switching cycle and for the output energy, which are then used to formulate a nonlinear discrete-time model for the pulse-to-pulse dynamics. Simulation studies including models with different levels of complexity and first experimental results demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed approach.
Diffraction-optimized aperiodic surface structures for enhanced current density in organic solar cells
Authors: Merkel M. , Imbrock J. , Denz C.
Published: July 2022

Novel diffractive surface structures are designed, evaluated, and optimized to achieve a significant increase in current density in organic solar cells. The surface relief phase gratings are patterned based on concentric rings, a Fermat’s spiral, and an Archimedean spiral, respectively, and thus diffract incident light independent of its azimuthal angle, as they all exhibit circularly symmetric diffraction patterns. The grating pillars are arranged on the rings or spirals according to periodic or deterministic aperiodic Thue-Morse and Rudin-Shapiro sequences, tailoring the desired diffraction patterns. After evaluating the surface patterns against each other and further parameter optimization, a final current density enhancement of 5 % is achieved for one of the most promising patterns, the Thue-Morse sequence on an Archimedean spiral.
Suppression of mid-spatial-frequency waviness by a universal random tree-shaped path in robotic bonnet polishing
Authors: Wang Chong , Han Yanjun , Zhang Haiyang , Liu Chenlong , Jiang Liang , Qian Linmao
Published: July 2022

Mid-spatial-frequency (MSF) errors seriously damages the imaging performance of optical components. Path pattern is an important factor that affects the generation of MSF waviness in polishing. This paper proposes a versatile pseudo random tree-shaped path (RTSP) generation method imitating the growth rules of tree branch in nature, which can efficiently generate continuous, uniformly distributed and multi-directional paths on a specified surface. Furthermore, the effectiveness of RTSP to suppress MSF waviness is verified by numerical simulation and experimental results. Finally, the RTSP is applied to the polishing of Ti-6Al-4V titanium alloy mirror. Results indicate that grinding marks have been significantly removed, while no obvious MSF waviness is introduced.
Comprehensive study of 3D printing materials over the terahertz regime: absorption coefficient and refractive index characterizations
Authors: Brodie C. Harrison , Spotts Isaac , Reguigui Hajer , Leclerc Camille A. , Mitchell Michael E. , Holzman Jonathan F. , Collier Christopher M.
Published: July 2022

Generation of terahertz (THz) radiation has become increasingly accessible over time. The research and development of THz applications is ongoing, often requiring the use of THz compatible optical components. At the same time, rapid prototyping three-dimensional (3D) printing systems are now commercially accessible and are capable of printing resolutions on the order of the THz wavelengths. Thus, 3D printing systems can be leveraged for use in creating novel THz optical components in varied experiments and applications. The filament material used in 3D printing systems dictates the absorptive and refractive properties of the 3D printed THz optical component. The commercial release of filament materials is continuous, year after year, inducing a need for literature to stay current with characterizing these filament materials over the THz gap. We use terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) to characterize the absorptive and refractive properties of 3D printing materials over the THz gap. We present a consolidative and comprehensive aggregation of THz-TDS measurements of twenty-three 3D printing materials. A comparison of THz-TDS measurements for thick and thin samples provides verification of measurement accuracy. The measured THz bandwidth of these samples is extended by up to 1.2 THz. Furthermore, to the authors’ best knowledge, the proposed work puts forward the first THz-TDS measurements of polyvinyl butyral, polyetherimide, and low temperature polycaprolactone filament materials. This work primarily focuses on fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printed materials, rather than stereolithography (SLA) 3D printed materials.
Injection locking and breathing soliton microcomb generation dynamics of a nonlinear optical microcavity-laser diode butt-coupled system with pump power much higher than the parametric oscillation threshold
Authors: Chen Kairong , Chen Shaowu , Li Wei , Li Yudong , Feng Liangsen
Published: July 2022

This paper mainly analyzes the injection locking mechanism of pump laser diode and the breathing microcavity optical frequency comb (microcomb) generation dynamics of the nonlinear optical Kerr microcavity-laser diode butt-coupled system with resonant Rayleigh backscattering feedback. The nonlinear dynamics is especially studied under the condition of the laser diode pump power much higher than the parametric oscillation threshold of the four-wave mixing microcomb in nonlinear Kerr microcavity. Further, we find that under the condition of high-power pumping, the exact mechanism for the system to produce the breathing microcomb is not due to the self-injection locking of the lasing frequency of the laser diode main pump mode, but a newly discovered microcavity resonant excitation mechanism through the pump mode modulation sideband (caused by microcavity Rayleigh backscattering feedback), which is closely related to the breathing characteristics of the generated soliton microcomb.
Overcoming the trade-off between the static sensitivity and resonant frequency of an FBG accelerometer
Authors: Li Yuqing , Tian Juan , Li Kuo
Published: July 2022

Although the method to overcome the tradeoff between the static sensitivity and resonant frequency of an FBG (fiber Bragg grating) accelerometer was reported, by narrowing the distance between the two fixed ends of the FBG, an explicit mathematical explanation has never been revealed until now. Besides the revelation, a novel mechanical structure is also proposed to effectively shorten the distance by moving the inertial object below the two fixed ends and hanging it on the FBG to apply forces. The crest-to-trough sensitivity 1.79 nm/g at 5 Hz and the resonant frequency 90 Hz are experimentally demonstrated.
Single-cell network biology characterizes cell type gene regulation for drug repurposing and phenotype prediction in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Gupta Chirag , Xu Jielin , Jin Ting , Khullar Saniya , Liu Xiaoyu , Alatkar Sayali , Cheng Feixiong , Wang Daifeng
Published: July 2022

Dysregulation of gene expression in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) remains elusive, especially at the cell type level. Gene regulatory network, a key molecular mechanism linking transcription factors (TFs) and regulatory elements to govern gene expression, can change across cell types in the human brain and thus serve as a model for studying gene dysregulation in AD. However, AD-induced regulatory changes across brain cell types remains uncharted. To address this, we integrated single-cell multi-omics datasets to predict the gene regulatory networks of four major cell types, excitatory and inhibitory neurons, microglia and oligodendrocytes, in control and AD brains. Importantly, we analyzed and compared the structural and topological features of networks across cell types and examined changes in AD. Our analysis shows that hub TFs are largely common across cell types and AD-related changes are relatively more prominent in some cell types (e.g., microglia). The regulatory logics of enriched network motifs (e.g., feed-forward loops) further uncover cell type-specific TF-TF cooperativities in gene regulation. The cell type networks are also highly modular and several network modules with cell-type-specific expression changes in AD pathology are enriched with AD-risk genes. The further disease-module-drug association analysis suggests cell-type candidate drugs and their potential target genes. Finally, our network-based machine learning analysis systematically prioritized cell type risk genes likely involved in AD. Our strategy is validated using an independent dataset which showed that top ranked genes can predict clinical phenotypes (e.g., cognitive impairment) of AD with reasonable accuracy. Overall, this single-cell network biology analysis provides a comprehensive map linking genes, regulatory networks, cell types and drug targets and reveals cell-type gene dysregulation in AD.
Estimation of causal effects of a time-varying exposure at multiple time points through multivariable mendelian randomization
Authors: Sanderson Eleanor , Richardson Tom G. , Morris Tim T. , Tilling Kate , Davey Smith George
Published: July 2022

Mendelian Randomisation (MR) is a powerful tool in epidemiology that can be used to estimate the causal effect of an exposure on an outcome in the presence of unobserved confounding, by utilising genetic variants as instrumental variables (IVs) for the exposure. The effect estimates obtained from MR studies are often interpreted as the lifetime effect of the exposure in question. However, the causal effects of some exposures are thought to vary throughout an individual’s lifetime with periods during which an exposure has a greater effect on a particular outcome. Multivariable MR (MVMR) is an extension of MR that allows for multiple, potentially highly related, exposures to be included in an MR estimation. MVMR estimates the direct effect of each exposure on the outcome conditional on all the other exposures included in the estimation. We explore the use of MVMR to estimate the direct effect of a single exposure at different time points in an individual’s lifetime on an outcome. We use simulations to illustrate the interpretation of the results from such analyses and the key assumptions required. We show that causal effects at different time periods can be estimated through MVMR when the association between the genetic variants used as instruments and the exposure measured at those time periods varies. However, this estimation will not necessarily identify exact time periods over which an exposure has the most effect on the outcome. Prior knowledge regarding the biological basis of exposure trajectories can help interpretation. We illustrate the method through estimation of the causal effects of childhood and adult BMI on C-Reactive protein and smoking behaviour.
Prevalence of simian malaria among macaques in Malaysia (2000–2021): A systematic review
Authors: Sam Janeeca , Shamsusah Nadia Aqilla , Ali Amatul Hamizah , Hod Rozita , Hassan Mohd Rohaizat , Agustar Hani Kartini
Published: July 2022

Background

The aim of Malaysia to eliminate malaria nationwide by 2020 seems need to be prolonged. Whilst Malaysia has successfully eliminated human malaria transmission, simian malaria parasites such as Plasmodium knowlesi, P. cynomolgi, P. inui and P. cynomolgi are the emerging cause of malaria in humans. The epidemiological study of simian malaria in primates provides useful information in identifying the risk of human-macaques Plasmodium infection.

Methodology/Principal findings

This study was performed to gather all available data in terms of simian malaria epidemiology study among macaques in Malaysia over the last two decades. This systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines to select appropriate articles as references. Data searches were performed through international databases such as Google Scholar, PubMed, CrossRef, Scopus, Web of Science and Science Direct for original articles published from 2000 until 2021. The review identified seven simian malaria epidemiology studies in Malaysia over the 20-year study period. Most studies were conducted in Peninsular Malaysia (5/7; 71%) followed by East Malaysia (2/7; 29%). All studies showed positive detection of Plasmodium parasites in macaques. The most prevalent Plasmodium species in macaques was P. inui (49.27%) and the least prevalent was P. fieldi (4.76%). The prevalence of simian malaria was higher in East Malaysia compared to Peninsular Malaysia. The mono, dual and triple infection types were the most common among macaques.

Conclusion/Significance

The non-human primates like macaques are the reservoir of simian plasmodium in Malaysia. Hence, the study of host epidemiology is an important insight to public health management as there is a high occurrence of simian malaria in Malaysia. The right measurement can be taken as well to prevent the transmission of simian malaria from macaques to humans.
Cryptogenic hepatitis patients have a higher Bartonella sp.-DNA detection in blood and skin samples than patients with non-viral hepatitis of known cause
Authors: Drummond Marina Rovani , dos Santos Luciene Silva , Fávaro Renata Soalheiro , Stucchi Raquel Silveira Bello , Boin Ilka de Fátima Santana Ferreira , Velho Paulo Eduardo Neves Ferreira
Published: July 2022

Background

This study aimed to assess the prevalence of Bartonella sp.-DNA detection in blood and skin samples from patients with non-viral end-stage liver disease awaiting liver transplantation.

Methodology/Principal findings

Blood samples and healthy skin fragments from 50 patients were tested using microbiological and molecular methods. Fifteen patients had cryptogenic hepatitis (CH) and 35 had alcoholic, drug-induced or autoimmune liver disease. DNA was extracted from whole blood and liquid culture samples, isolates, and skin fragments. Thirteen of the 50 patients (26%) had Bartonella henselae DNA detection in their blood (9/50) and/or skin (5/50) samples. Colonies were isolated in 3/50 (6%) and infection was detected in 7/50 (14%) of the 50 patients. B. henselae-DNA detection was more prevalent in patients with CH than in other patients (p = 0.040). Of 39 patients followed-up for at least two years, a higher mortality rate was observed among patients with CH infected with B. henselae (p = 0.039).

Conclusions/Significance

Further studies assessing the role of B. henselae infection in the pathogenesis of hepatitis patients must be urgently conducted.
Parasitized or non-parasitized, why? A study of factors influencing tick burden in roe deer neonates
Authors: Bariod Léa , Saïd Sonia , Calenge Clément , Chabot Stéphane , Badeau Vincent , Bourgoin Gilles
Published: July 2022

Ixodes ricinus, the most common species of tick in Europe, is known to transmit major pathogens to animals and humans such as Babesia spp. or Borrelia spp. Its abundance and distribution have been steadily increasing in Europe during recent decades, due to global environmental changes. Indeed, as ticks spend most of their life in the environment, their activity and life cycle are highly dependent on environmental conditions and therefore, on climate or habitat changes. Simultaneously, wild ungulates have expanded their range and increased dramatically in abundance worldwide, in particular roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), allowing tick populations to grow and spread. Currently, tick infestation on newborn wild ungulates is poorly documented. However, newborn ungulates are considered more sensitive to tick bites and pathogen transmission because of their immature immune systems. Thus, improving knowledge about the factors influencing tick infestation on newborns is essential to better understand their health risks. This study was conducted at Trois-Fontaines Forest, Champagne-Ardenne, France (1992–2018). Based on a long-term monitoring of roe deer fawns, we used a novel Bayesian model of the infestation of fawns to identify which biotic or abiotic factors were likely to modify the level of infestation by ticks of 965 fawns over time. We show that tick burden increased faster during the first days of life of the fawns and became constant when fawns were five days old and more, which could be explained by the depletion of questing ticks or the turnover of ticks feeding on fawns. Moreover, despite the known positive influence of humidity on tick activity, the tick burdens were weakly related to this parameter. Our results demonstrate that tick infestation was highly variable among years, particularly between 2000–2009. We hypothesize that this results from a modification of habitat caused by Hurricane Lothar.
Exploring genotype by environment interaction on cassava yield and yield related traits using classical statistical methods
Authors: Bakare Moshood A. , Kayondo Siraj Ismail , Aghogho Cynthia I. , Wolfe Marnin D. , Parkes Elizabeth Y. , Kulakow Peter , Egesi Chiedozie , Rabbi Ismail Yusuf , Jannink Jean-Luc
Published: July 2022

Variety advancement decisions for root quality and yield-related traits in cassava are complex due to the variable patterns of genotype-by-environment interactions (GEI). Therefore, studies focused on the dissection of the existing patterns of GEI using linear-bilinear models such as Finlay-Wilkinson (FW), additive main effect and multiplicative interaction (AMMI), and genotype and genotype-by-environment (GGE) interaction models are critical in defining the target population of environments (TPEs) for future testing, selection, and advancement. This study assessed 36 elite cassava clones in 11 locations over three cropping seasons in the cassava breeding program of IITA based in Nigeria to quantify the GEI effects for root quality and yield-related traits. Genetic correlation coefficients and heritability estimates among environments found mostly intermediate to high values indicating high correlations with the major TPE. There was a differential clonal ranking among the environments indicating the existence of GEI as also revealed by the likelihood ratio test (LRT), which further confirmed the statistical model with the heterogeneity of error variances across the environments fit better. For all fitted models, we found the main effects of environment, genotype, and interaction significant for all observed traits except for dry matter content whose GEI sensitivity was marginally significant as found using the FW model. We identified TMS14F1297P0019 and TMEB419 as two topmost stable clones with a sensitivity values of 0.63 and 0.66 respectively using the FW model. However, GGE and AMMI stability value in conjunction with genotype selection index revealed that IITA-TMS-IBA000070 and TMS14F1036P0007 were the top-ranking clones combining both stability and yield performance measures. The AMMI-2 model clustered the testing environments into 6 mega-environments based on winning genotypes for fresh root yield. Alternatively, we identified 3 clusters of testing environments based on genotypic BLUPs derived from the random GEI component.
Lichen Planopilaris: The first biopsy layer microbiota inspection
Authors: Pinto Daniela , Calabrese Francesco Maria , De Angelis Maria , Celano Giuseppe , Giuliani Giammaria , Rinaldi Fabio
Published: July 2022

Lichen Planopilaris (LPP) is a lymphatic disease affecting the scalp that is characterized by a chronic and destructive inflammation process, named as ‘cicatricial alopecia’ in which the hair follicles are targeted and may involve predominantly lymphocytes or neutrophils. Scalp and biopsy layers have never been used to investigate microbial community composition and its relative taxa abundances in LPP. We sought to examine the significant taxa of this chronic relapsing inflammatory skin disease, together with inspect the existing connections with metabolic pathways featuring this microbial community. We used a multilevel analysis based on 16S rRNA marker sequencing in order to detect OTU abundances in pathologic/healthy samples, real time PCR for measuring the levels of IL-23 interleukin expression and urinary metabolomics to find out volatile organic metabolites (VOMs). By using a linear regression model, we described peculiar taxa that significantly differentiated LPP and healthy samples. We inspected taxa abundances and interleukin mRNA levels and the Microbacteriaceae family resulted negatively correlated with the IL-23 expression. Moreover, starting from 16S taxa abundances, we predicted the metabolic pathways featuring this microbial community. By inspecting microbial composition, sample richness, metabolomics profiles and the relative metabolic pathways in a cohort of LPP and healthy samples we deepened the contribution of significant taxa that are connected to inflammation maintenance and microbiota plasticity in LPP pathology.
Testing the impact of interpersonal regulatory fit on empathy, helping intentions, and prosocial behaviour
Authors: Bakhti Rinad , Woltin Karl-Andrew , Sassenberg Kai , Rae John
Published: July 2022

Similarity with others in need regarding various attributes [e.g., social group membership] has been shown to increase individuals’ empathic responses, willingness to help and prosocial behaviour. We tested whether a subtle similarity, namely of observers’ and targets’ self-regulatory orientation in terms of a promotion or prevention regulatory focus [i.e., interpersonal regulatory fit], would entail similar effects. Interpersonal regulatory [mis]fit was conveyed through focus-congruent or -incongruent emotional reactions which targets, facing distressing situations, expressed. We predicted that when observer participants’ regulatory focus fits with targets’ negative emotional reaction [i.e., promotion focus—dejection or prevention focus—agitation], they would be more likely to express empathy, willingness to help, and to engage in prosocial behaviour towards this target compared to conditions of misfit. Five studies relied on observers’ chronic regulatory focus [Study 1, 3, & 4] and situationally induced regulatory focus [Study 2 & 5] and presented different distressing scenarios with targets conveying focus [in]congruent negative emotions. Inconsistent results emerged across the studies, which indicated misfit, fit and no effects. Study characteristics did not suggest a moderator explaining these inconsistent findings. An internal meta-analysis across all studies indicated that overall there was no evidence of either a fit or a misfit effect. This work sheds light on the technical challenges of exploring relations between subtle interpersonal regulatory [mis]fit and prosocial reactions. Implications for future research are discussed, including the importance of creating stronger interpersonal [mis]fit experiences by means of incorporating descriptions of distressed targets’ hindered goal pursuits as well as negative reactions.
Perspectives and experiences of Covid-19: Two Irish studies of families in disadvantaged communities
Authors: Leitão Catarina , Shumba Jefrey , Quinn Marian
Published: July 2022

The Covid-19 pandemic has been recognised to affect families’ socio-emotional well-being. Collecting the views of families in diverse socio-economic contexts can contribute to understanding their specific needs and resources in relation to the Covid-19 pandemic. The overarching objective of the current research was to explore the views and experiences of families in relation to the Covid-19 pandemic, who were living in the Republic of Ireland, including in areas designated as disadvantaged. In Study 1, the objective was to explore changes, difficulties, and concerns experienced by parents of children up to six years old during the pandemic, and related associations with socio-demographic characteristics. Data were collected from 168 parents/carers via an online questionnaire, and examined using conceptual content analysis. The most frequently identified experiences related to restrictions, social isolation, negative impacts on parents’ emotional and psychological well-being, negative impacts on children’s emotional well-being and development, concerns with physical health, uncertainty about the future, and positive changes regarding family time and activities. Associations were found with parents’ age and work situation, and family’s income and composition. In Study 2, the objective was to explore the views of children, parents, and service providers about the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on families’ life, and relevant supports. Data were collected from 50 children aged between eight and 17 years old, 17 parents, and 20 service providers through focus group discussions, and examined using thematic analysis. The participants reported experiences related to challenges with online education, uncertainty regarding children’s education, food poverty, and children’s socio-emotional health. The findings of both studies reinforced the importance of implementing measures to promote parents’ and children’s socio-emotional well-being, combat educational inequalities, and ensure economic and employment security.
Common hematological parameters reference intervals for apparently healthy pregnant and non-pregnant women of South Wollo Zone, Amhara Regional State, Northeast Ethiopia
Authors: Fiseha Mesfin , Mohammed Miftah , Ebrahim Endris , Demsiss Wondmagegn , Tarekegn Mohammed , Angelo Amanuel , Negash Mikias , Tamir Zemenu , Tilahun Mihret , Tsegaye Aster
Published: July 2022

Background

Hematological reference intervals (RIs) are affected by inherent variables like age, sex, genetic background, environment, diet and certain circumstances such as pregnancy signifying the need for population specific values. This study was designed to establish RIs for common hematological parameters of apparently healthy pregnant and non-pregnant women from Northeast Ethiopia.

Method

This community based cross-sectional study recruited 600 pregnant and non-pregnant women in South Wollo Zone, Northeast Ethiopia from June to August 2019. Complete blood count was performed for eligible participants using Mindary BC-3000 plus hematology analyzer. The mean, median, and 2.5th and 97.5th percentile reference limits with 90% CI were determined using SPSS version 23.

Result

The established selected 2.5th–97.5th percentiles RIs for pregnant women were: WBC: 4.0–13.2x109/L; RBC: 3.45–4.67x1012/L; Hgb: 10.1–13.7g/dL; HCT: 33.5–46.5%; MCV: 85-104fL; MCH: 27.5–33.0pg; MCHC: 30.3–33.7g/dL and Platelet count: 132-373x109/L. The respective values for non-pregnant women were 3.6–10.3; 4.44–5.01; 12.4–14.3; 38.4–50.1; 86–102; 27.1–32.4, 30.4–34.1, 173–456. A statistically significant difference between pregnant and non-pregnant women was noted in all hematological parameters except MCHC. The mean and median value of WBC count, MCV, MPV and PDW increased, whereas mean values of HCT and Platelet count decreased as gestational period advances.

Conclusion

The observed difference from other studies signify the necessity for using trimester specific RIs and separate RI for pregnant and non-pregnant women. Thus, we recommend the health facilities in the study area to utilize the currently established RIs for pregnant and non-pregnant women for better care.
A groupwise registration and tractography framework for cardiac myofiber architecture description by diffusion MRI: An application to the ventricular junctions
Authors: Magat Julie , Yon Maxime , Bihan-Poudec Yann , Ozenne Valéry
Published: July 2022

Background

Knowledge of the normal myocardial–myocyte orientation could theoretically allow the definition of relevant quantitative biomarkers in clinical routine to diagnose heart pathologies. A whole heart diffusion tensor template representative of the global myofiber organization over species is therefore crucial for comparisons across populations. In this study, we developed a groupwise registration and tractography framework to resolve the global myofiber arrangement of large mammalian sheep hearts. To demonstrate the potential application of the proposed method, a novel description of sub-regions in the intraventricular septum is presented.

Methods

Three explanted sheep (ovine) hearts (size ~12×8×6 cm3, heart weight ~ 150 g) were perfused with contrast agent and fixative and imaged in a 9.4T magnet. A group-wise registration of high-resolution anatomical and diffusion-weighted images were performed to generate anatomical and diffusion tensor templates. Diffusion tensor metrics (eigenvalues, eigenvectors, fractional anisotropy …) were computed to provide a quantitative and spatially-resolved analysis of cardiac microstructure. Then tractography was performed using deterministic and probabilistic algorithms and used for different purposes: i) Visualization of myofiber architecture, ii) Segmentation of sub-area depicting the same fiber organization, iii) Seeding and Tract Editing. Finally, dissection was performed to confirm the existence of macroscopic structures identified in the diffusion tensor template.

Results

The template creation takes advantage of high-resolution anatomical and diffusion-weighted images obtained at an isotropic resolution of 150 μm and 600 μm respectively, covering ventricles and atria and providing information on the normal myocardial architecture. The diffusion metric distributions from the template were found close to the one of the individual samples validating the registration procedure. Small new sub-regions exhibiting spatially sharp variations in fiber orientation close to the junctions of the septum and ventricles were identified. Each substructure was defined and represented using streamlines. The existence of a fiber-bundles in the posterior junction was validated by anatomical dissection. A complex structural organization of the anterior junction in comparison to the posterior junction was evidenced by the high-resolution acquisition.

Conclusions

A new framework combining cardiac template generation and tractography was applied on the whole sheep heart. The framework can be used for anatomical investigation, characterization of microstructure and visualization of myofiber orientation across samples. Finally, a novel description of the ventricular junction in large mammalian sheep hearts was proposed.
Indirect COVID-19 health effects and potential mitigating interventions: Cost-effectiveness framework
Authors: Maya Sigal , Kahn James G. , Lin Tracy K. , Jacobs Laurie M. , Schmidt Laura A. , Burrough William B. , Ghasemzadeh Rezvaneh , Mousli Leyla , Allan Matthew , Donovan Maya , Barker Erin , Horvath Hacsi , Spetz Joanne , Brindis Claire D. , Malekinejad Mohsen
Published: July 2022

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic led to important indirect health and social harms in addition to deaths and morbidity due to SARS-CoV-2 infection. These indirect impacts, such as increased depression and substance abuse, can have persistent effects over the life course. Estimated health and cost outcomes of such conditions and mitigation strategies may guide public health responses.

Methods

We developed a cost-effectiveness framework to evaluate societal costs and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) lost due to six health-related indirect effects of COVID-19 in California. Short- and long-term outcomes were evaluated for the adult population. We identified one evidence-based mitigation strategy for each condition and estimated QALYs gained, intervention costs, and savings from averted health-related harms. Model data were derived from literature review, public data, and expert opinion.

Results

Pandemic-associated increases in prevalence across these six conditions were estimated to lead to over 192,000 QALYs lost and to approach $7 billion in societal costs per million population over the life course of adults. The greatest costs and QALYs lost per million adults were due to adult depression. All mitigation strategies assessed saved both QALYs and costs, with five strategies achieving savings within one year. The greatest net savings over 10 years would be achieved by addressing depression ($242 million) and excessive alcohol use ($107 million).

Discussion

The COVID-19 pandemic is leading to significant human suffering and societal costs due to its indirect effects. Policymakers have an opportunity to reduce societal costs and health harms by implementing mitigation strategies.
Modeling a session of subject-system interaction in a wireless communication infrastructure with a mixed resource
Authors: Kovtun Viacheslav , Izonin Ivan , Gregus Michal
Published: July 2022

The article examines the subject-system interaction session, where the system is understood as a base station, and the subject is understood as a mobile communication device. The peculiarity of the study is taking into account the phenomenon relevant to modern communication infrastructures, which is that the base station supports the division of information traffic into a subspace of guaranteed personalized traffic and a subspace of general-purpose traffic. The study considers a highly critical empirical emergency when the general-purpose traffic subspace may cease to be available at any time. The presented mathematical apparatus describes the impact of such an emergency on the active communication sessions supported by the system in receiving new incoming requests of increasing intensity. To characterize this emergency situation, expressions adapted for practical application are presented to calculate such qualitative parameters as the probability of stability, the probability of failure, and unavailability.