Mixed Pattern Research Articles

Using rDNA ITS2 barcoding to identify kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) from the genus Mitragyna and Neolamarckia cadamba.

This study collected 80 samples of suspected kratom plant powder. A polymerase chain reaction sequence analysis was conducted using two sets of DNA barcode primers for plant ribosomal (r)DNA internal transcribed spacers (ITSs), namely, ITS3/ITS4 and ITS-p3/ITS-u4. Among the 80 samples, 40 were analyzed using the ITS3/ITS4 primer pair, and then DNA sequences were subjected to a National Center for Biotechnology Information-Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (NCBI-BLAST) comparison. Results showed that 29 samples had a 100% match (364/364) with Mitragyna speciosa (kratom), and 6 samples had a 99.73% match (363/364) with M. speciosa, whereas 5 samples had disordered and unreadable sequences. The 5 unreadable samples and an additional 40 suspected kratom samples were then analyzed using the ITS-p3/ITS-u4 primer pair, followed by an NCBI-BLAST comparison. Among these, 32 samples had a 100% match (404/404) with M. speciosa, and 11 samples had a 99.75% match (403/404) with M. speciosa. Among the samples with sequences matching M. speciosa, three distinct types were observed (no variance/404, 287M/404, and 287A/404). One sample had a 99.51% match (404/406) with Neolamarckia cadamba, and another sample had a sequencing length of 305bp, with 25 positions showing mixed base pairs, indicating a mixture of different species. Analysis of the mixed base pair pattern suggested a possible mixture of M. speciosa and N. cadamba. Actually, M. speciosa and N. cadamba have very similar external morphologies. This indicates that the ITS-p3/ITS-u4 primer pair is effective in distinguishing mixtures of M. speciosa and N. cadamba and is thus more suitable than ITS3/ITS4 for identifying and analyzing samples of suspected kratom plant powder.

The effects of postfire regeneration patterns on soil microbial metabolic limitation based on eco-enzyme stoichiometry in the boreal forest of China

Postfire regeneration is essential for maintaining the stability and functionality of forest ecosystems following wildfires. However, it is unclear whether regeneration patterns affect carbon (C), nitrogen (N), or phosphorus (P) limitations on microbial metabolism in the soil. In this study, we investigated the soil extracellular enzyme activities (EEAs) in different forest types regenerated by five patterns (Dahurian larch monocultures, Dahurian larch and birch mixed plantations, Mongolian pine monocultures, Mongolian pine and birch mixed plantations, and naturally regenerated forests). Based on the principles of ecoenzymatic stoichiometry, we elucidated the spatiotemporal variation in energy (C) and nutrient (N or P) limitations on soil microbial metabolism by collecting a total of 135 composite soil samples across three seasons in the five regeneration patterns. The regeneration pattern had a significant effect on the activities of C-, N- and P-acquiring soil extracellular enzymes (P<0.05). The P-acquiring enzyme activity was 2.71 times greater than the C-acquiring enzyme activity and 3.44 times greater than the N-acquiring enzyme activity across all forest types and seasons. The activities of microbial metabolic C-, N-, and P-acquiring enzymes showed similar seasonal dynamic patterns, with the exception of L-leucine aminopeptidase. In all forest types, the activities of enzymes responsible for acquiring C, N, and P were linearly correlated with one another according to the findings from standard major axis regression analysis (P<0.001). The values of the enzymatic vectors were greater than 45°, indicating that P rather than N was the dominant constraint on soil microbial metabolism. Forests with mixed regeneration patterns had greater P limitations than did the corresponding monoculture forests. Soil temperature was the common soil variable affecting the activities of EEAs across seasons, while the contents of soil organic carbon, dissolved carbon, ammonium nitrogen, and nitrate nitrogen were the significant driving factors of EEAs in a single season. However, forest productivity, including tree density, stand basal area, and forest stand volume had a predominant influence on microbial metabolic P limitation. This study suggests a pronounced role of P in soil microbial metabolism within boreal forests regenerated after wildfires.

Non-profit and hybrid organizations as multi-sided platforms: insights from the analysis of sustainability models

PurposeThis study investigates the sustainability models of non-profit and hybrid organizations, which aim to balance economic, social and environmental objectives. The research introduces the Sustainability Model Canvas to analyze these organizations and identify common patterns, unique characteristics and managerial insights to balance the triple bottom line.Design/methodology/approachThe research utilizes the Sustainability Model Canvas to examine the sustainability models of 200 non-profit and hybrid organizations. Data were collected from secondary sources, including articles, reports and websites. The analysis was conducted using the activity system theoretical framework, which helped to identify design elements and themes within the business models of the studied organizations.FindingsThe study reveals four primary sustainability model patterns: donated income, earned income, public income and auto-generated income. An additional mixed approach pattern is identified, combining elements from the four primary patterns. The research highlights the parallels between these sustainability models and multi-sided platform business models, offering managerial suggestions for leveraging these patterns to achieve sustainability.Research limitations/implicationsThe study is based on secondary data, which may limit the depth of insights compared to primary data collection. At the same time, the chance to consider hybrid organization through multi-sided platform lenses provides relevant contributions to both the literature streams.Practical implicationsThe identified sustainability model patterns and managerial suggestions can serve as blueprints for non-profit and hybrid organizations aiming to design or innovate their sustainability models. The Sustainability Model Canvas offers a practical tool for organizations to visualize and balance their triple bottom line objectives.Social implicationsThe research underscores the importance of integrating social and environmental considerations into business models, promoting a holistic approach to sustainability that can lead to broader social and environmental benefits.Originality/valueThis research contributes to the business model literature by extending the focus beyond traditional profit-oriented organizations to include non-profit and hybrid organizations. The introduction of the Sustainability Model Canvas provides a new tool for designing and analyzing sustainability-oriented business models. The study also suggests considering sustainability models as multi-sided platforms, offering new insights for both academic and practical applications.

Long-term lung function follow-up of preterm infants less than 32 weeks of gestational age.

Preterm infants, particularly those with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), are at risk of lung development problems. Over the last decades, lung protective strategies have been used, decreasing the risk of chronic lung disease. To evaluate the pulmonary function test (PFT) of preterm infants born after the introduction of lung protective strategies and to assess perinatal determinants of impaired lung function in this population. A prospective, observational, single-center study was conducted in the neonatal unit of a high-complexity hospital. The study included newborns withless than 32 weeks gestational age born between 2012 and 2014, who were followed up until they reach school age. For the main outcome, two groups were stablished: no BPD or grade 1 BPD (no BPD/1) and grade 2 or 3 BPD (BPD 2/3). Out of 327 patients, 116 were included. BPD was diagnosed in 49.1% (47), with 50.9% (29) classified as grade 1, 35.1% (20) as grade 2, and 14.0% (8) as grade 3. Mean age at PFT was 8.59 years (SD 0.90). Mean FEV1% was 95.36% (SD 13.21) and FEV1 z-score -0.36 (SD 1.12); FVC% 97.53% (SD 12.59) and FVC z-score -0.20 (SD 1.06); FEV1/FVC ratio 85.84% (SD 8.34) and z-score -0.24 (SD 1.34). When comparing patients with no BPD/1 and BPD 2/3, we observed differences in all pulmonary function parameters, which persisted after adjusting for gestational age. No differences in PFT were observed between patients without BPD and those with grade 1 BPD. Most patients (76.7%, 89) had normal spirometry pattern, with obstructive pattern observed in 12.9% (15), restrictive pattern in 9.5% (11), and mixed pattern in 0.9% (1) of patients. Preterm infants with BPD 2/3 showed a decrease in all pulmonary function parameters compared to preterm infants with no BPD/1; an effect that was independent of gestational age. Among patients with BPD who had an altered PFT pattern, the most common pattern was obstructive, followed by restrictive and then, mixed.

Antinuclear antibody staining patterns by indirect immunofluorescence assay observed in patients from a tertiary health center in Latin America

Introduction/ObjectiveThis study aimed to describe the frequency of antinuclear antibody (ANA) staining patterns by indirect immunofluorescence assay observed in patients from a tertiary health center in Latin America. Materials and methodsThis retrospective, descriptive, and observational study evaluated data from all patients undergoing antinuclear antibody indirect immunofluorescence assay from a single-tertiary center (University Hospital Fundación Valle del Lili, Cali-Colombia) in 2020. ResultsOne thousand and eight patients met the inclusion criteria. The median patient age was 47 (34–59.2) years, and most were female (769, 75.3%). A positive ANA immunofluorescence assay was observed in approximately two-thirds of patients (664, 65.8%). ANA test results were primarily used to exclude a suspected diagnosis in approximately half of the patients (466, 46.2%). Thirty-seven percent (250/664) of the cohort with ANA-positive titers had a systemic autoimmune rheumatic disease (SARD). The most prevalent SARDs included rheumatoid arthritis (RA) (55, 8.2%) followed by systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) (37, 5.5%). The vast majority of ANA-positive patients had a reported speckled pattern (anti-cell [AC]-2,4,5; 269; 40.5%) followed by homogenous (AC-1; 266; 40%), nucleolar (AC-8,9,10; 46; 6.9%), and centromere (AC-3; 16; 2.4%). The most frequent patterns observed among SLE patients included homogenous (AC-1) patterns in 17 (45.9%) patients, speckled (AC-2,4,5) nuclear patterns in 11 (29.7%) patients, mixed patterns in 7 (18.9%) patients, and reticular/anti-mitochondrial antibody (AMA, AC-21) cytoplasmic patterns in 2 (5.4%) patients. ConclusionThis study is the first to describe ANA patterns in a Colombian population. Speckled and homogenous patterns were predominant in patients with SARDs.

Impact of Islands on Tidally Dominated River Plumes: A High‐Resolution Modeling Study

AbstractWhen flow passes over topographic features such as headlands and islands, island wakes can arise at the lee side of the flow. Island wakes are associated with enhanced biological productivity, increased mixing, and water mass transformation. While previous studies have mainly focused on the dynamical and biological effects of island wakes in the open ocean, here we focus on a large tidally‐dominated estuary with numerous islands, aiming to investigate the impact of such wakes on the offshore transport of river plumes. To this end, we use numerical simulations with unprecedented grid resolution in the plume region and around the islands. Our study area is the Pearl River Estuary, a region where satellite images indicate that oscillating wakes occur in the lee and far downstream of the islands. We show that submesoscale island wakes are ubiquitous in the plume‐influenced region and can affect a large area around the islands as the tidal flow reverses. These strong vorticity tails correspond well with the horizontal patterns of salinity gradients and salinity mixing. Sensitivity experiments show that these flow disturbances will largely decrease after the hypothetical “removal” of the islands. Analysis based on an isohaline coordinate framework shows that the isohaline surface area is limited by the presence of islands. It is proven that this “limiting” effect of islands on the plume extension is related to the salinity mixing and the associated diahaline water exchange.

Effect of trialkoxysilane/aminosilane-containing universal adhesive on resin-ceramic microtensile bond strength and ceramic wettability: An in-vitro study

BackgroundThe dual-silane (trialkoxysilane/aminosilane) universal adhesive (UA) is claimed for its enhanced priming capacity of glass-ceramics. ObjectiveThis study evaluated the effect of organofunctional trialkoxysilane- and organofunctional trialkoxysilane/aminosilane-containing UAs on the long-term resin–ceramic microtensile bond strength (μTBS) and wettability of ceramic. MethodsHydrofluoric acid-etched lithium disilicate discs were distributed into four groups as follows: (control), no priming was performed; (MBN), primed using a silane-based primer (Monobond N); (SBU), primed using a trialkoxysilane-containing UA (Single Bond Universal Adhesive) and (SBP), primed using a trialkoxysilane/aminosilane-containing UA (Scotchbond Universal Plus Adhesive). Ceramic discs were cemented into blocks then sectioned into microbeams stored in distilled water at 37° for 1 year. The μTBS was evaluated followed by assessment of the failure modes. The contact angle of the two UAs was measured with a goniometer using the sessile drop technique. ResultsMBN significantly improved the resin-ceramic μTBS (31.71 ± 6.33 MPa) compared to the control group. The resin-ceramic μTBS obtained after priming using SBP (22.83 ± 3.42 MPa) was comparable to those of MBN. SBU showed significantly inferior resin-ceramic μTBS (16.02 ± 6.28 MPa) compared with MBN. Mixed failures mode patterns were the most frequent in the groups. The ceramic wettability of both UAs did not significantly differ. ConclusionCeramic priming using a UA with dual-silane monomers (organofunctional trialkoxysilane/aminosilane) resulted in long-term adhesion comparable to a silane-containing primer. Incorporating aminosilane monomer in UA formulation did not affect the wetting of characteristics of the UA solution and enhanced its glass-ceramic priming capacity. Clinical significanceThe use of UA with optimized silane content as a primer for glass-ceramics simplifies clinical adhesive procedures including resin cementation and repair of ceramic restorations.

The clinical and predictive value of 18F-FDG PET/CT metabolic patterns in a clinical Chinese cohort with autoimmune encephalitis.

To investigate the diagnostic and predictive role of 18F-FDG PET/CT in patients with autoimmune encephalitis (AE) as a whole group. Thrty-five patients (20 females and 15 males) with AE were recruited. A voxel-to-voxel semi-quantitative analysis based on SPM12 was used to analyze 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging data compared to healthy controls. Further comparison was made in different prognostic groups categorized by modified Rankin Scale (mRS). In total, 24 patients (68.6%) were tested positive neuronal antibodies in serum and/or CSF. Psychiatric symptoms and seizure attacks were major clinical symptoms. In the acute stage, 13 patients (37.1%) demonstrated abnormal brain MRI results, while 33 (94.3%) presented abnormal metabolism patterns. 18F-FDG PET/CT was more sensitive than MRI (p < 0.05). Patients with AE mainly presented mixed metabolism patterns compared to the matched controls, demonstrating hypermetabolism mainly in the cerebellum, BG, MTL, brainstem, insula, middle frontal gyrus, and relatively hypometabolism in the frontal cortex, occipital cortex, temporal gyrus, right parietal gyrus, left cingulate gyrus (p < 0.05, FWE corrected). After a median follow-up of 26 months, the multivariable analysis identified a decreased level of consciousness as an independent risk factor associated with poor outcome of AE (HR = 3.591, p = 0.016). Meanwhile, decreased metabolism of right superior frontal gyrus along with increased metabolism of the middle and upper brainstem was more evident in patients with poor outcome (p < 0.001, uncorrected). 18F-FDG PET/CT was more sensitive than MRI to detect neuroimaging abnormalities of AE. A mixed metabolic pattern, characterized by large areas of cortical hypometabolism with focal hypermetabolism was a general metabolic pattern. Decreased metabolism of right superior frontal gyrus with increased metabolism of the middle and upper brainstem may predict poor long-term prognosis of AE.

Nutritional safety and status following a 12-week strict low FODMAP diet in patients with irritable bowel syndrome.

A low FODMAP diet (LFD) is an established dietary treatment for patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). However, knowledge on the extended effects of the restriction phase regarding nutrient intake, symptom severity, and quality of life (QoL) is sparse. Therefore, our objectives were to evaluate the safety of a dietitian-led 12-week strict LFD on measures of blood biochemistry, nutritional status, symptom severity, and QoL. In this open-label dietitian-led 12-week strict LFD intervention for IBS patients with predominantly diarrhea or mixed stool pattern (IBS-D/-M), we collected data on diet intake (3-day dietary record), overnight fasting routine blood samples, body weight, IBS symptoms (IBS Severity Scoring System (IBS-SSS)), and IBS-related QoL (IBS-QoL) at baseline and after 12 weeks. Thirty-six participants completed the 12-week follow-up (mean age: 37 years, 67% women, IBS-SSS: 242 (101)). All blood parameters measured were within established reference values at both time points. We found no change in intake of macro- or micronutrients, but several micronutrients were below the recommendations both before and after 12 weeks. BMI slightly decreased, primarily driven by participants with BMI >25 (p < 0.005). QoL improved among most subdomains (p ≤ 0.002), except food avoidance and social reaction. An extended dietitian-guided LFD (12 weeks) is not inferior to the participants' baseline diet, since no clinically meaningful changes in nutritionally related blood samples and no changes in macro- or micronutrient intake were observed. However, the intake of several nutrients was below the recommendations at both time points indicating low diet quality.

Paper 46: Modern Hip Arthroscopy for FAIS Delays the Natural History of Osteoarthritis in a Fourth of Patients: A 12-Year Follow-Up Analysis

Objectives: Little is known about the impact of modern hip arthroscopy on the natural history of femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) with respect to joint preservation. The purpose of this investigation was to (1) characterize the natural history of FAIS and (2) understand the impact of modern hip arthroscopy by radiographically comparing the hips of patients who underwent only unilateral primary hip arthroscopy with a minimum follow-up of ten years. Methods: Between 2010-2012, 619 consecutive patients were reviewed from the practice of a single fellowship-trained hip arthroscopist. Inclusion criteria were FAIS, primary unilateral hip arthroscopy (labral repair, femoroplasty, capsular closure), and minimum ten-year follow-up. The preoperative and minimum ten-year postoperative radiographs of patients were evaluated at each timepoint. Both operative and nonoperative hips were graded using the Tönnis classification or the presence of hip arthroplasty by two independent reviewers. Subgroup analyses were performed. Results: A total of 200 hips from 100 patients were available with 74% follow-up at a mean of 12.0 years were evaluated. The nonoperative hip advanced to a worse Tönnis grade in 48% (48/100) of cases compared to 28% (28/100) among operative hips (Table 1). At follow-up, Tönnis grades between hips were equal in 70% (70/100) of the cases, the operative hip had a better grade 25% (25/100) of the time, and the nonoperative hip had a better grade 5% (5/100) of the time (Table 2). Modern hip arthroscopy conferred a relative risk reduction of 42% in osteoarthritis progression. Borderline dysplasia, age, preoperative Tönnis grade, and alpha angle &gt; 65° were key risk factors in the radiographic progression of osteoarthritis. Conclusions: While the majority of patients (70%) undergoing hip arthroscopy for FAIS did not experience differences between operative and nonoperative hips in terms of the radiographic progression of osteoarthritis, the natural history was favorably altered in a quarter of patients after arthroscopic correction (Figure 1). Modern hip arthroscopy indications and techniques represent a valid joint preservation procedure conferring a relative risk reduction of 42% in the progression of osteoarthritis. Mixed patterns of impingement and instability that underwent arthroscopy were the fastest to degenerate.

Drug-induced Liver Injury Caused by Levetiracetam

Levetiracetam, known as Keppra, is an antiepileptic drug that is commonly used due to its rare side effects, particularly on the liver. It is mainly excreted by the kidneys with minimal hepatic metabolism. Drug-induced liver injury associated with Levetiracetam is extremely rare. Few cases of Levetiracetam-induced liver toxicity and failure were declared. Until now, there are no previously reported cases of mixed pattern liver injury related to this drug. We report a case of a patient taking Levetiracetam, that was found to have mixed pattern liver injury. Our patient experienced important rapid improvement of hepatocellular injury and a delayed improvement of cholestatic pattern after Levetiracetam discontinuation, suggesting the mentioned association. This case report is the first to establish both hepatocellular and cholestatic injury associated with Levetiracetam. We would like to highlight this side effect, though rare, of this frequently used drug in medical practice.

Changes in the Functional Classification of Spirometry Using the New Interpretation Standard 2022: A Multicenter Study

IntroductionPulmonary function tests are vital for diagnosing lung diseases, assessing treatment responses, and monitoring respiratory health. Recent updates to interpretive standards by the European Respiratory and American Thoracic Societies (ERS/ATS) in 2022 introduced significant changes compared to the 2005 standards. They include incorporating lung volume measurements, non-specific and mixed disorders, introducing z-scores for functional abnormality assessment, reducing severity categories from five to three, and revising criteria for positive bronchodilator responses. MethodsWe conducted a retrospective, multi-center study across four centers using spirometric data spanning from 2002 to 2022. We categorized spirometry results using both the 2005 and 2022 ATS/ERS standards and calculated predicted values following the GLI 2012 equation (Caucasian subset). ResultsAmong 79,039 subjects, we observed that 23% shifted from an obstructive diagnosis under the 2005 standard to a mixed pattern diagnosis under the 2022 standard, necessitating lung volume assessments. In the evaluation of bronchodilator responses among 59,203 tests, 12.3% of those initially classified as responders were reclassified as non-responders with the new standards. We found variations in severity categorization across age groups, with older patients tending to receive milder severity classifications and younger individuals receiving greater severity classifications under the 2022 standards. ConclusionsThe 2022 document emphasizes early lung volume assessment, potentially leading to increased utilization of more complex tests. Furthermore, the bronchodilator response was predominant in extreme age groups and among individuals with milder spirometric impairments. This shift may impact treatment decisions, potentially initiating medication in milder cases and de-escalating treatment in more severe cases.

The Relationship of Dietary Pattern and Sarcopenia in Type II Diabetes Mellitus Patients

Diet plays an important role in managing mass, and muscle strength and preventing diseases related to malnutrition. A dietary pattern that contains several nutrients has a role in improving muscle performance and reducing the incidence of sarcopenia. This study aims to determine the relationship between dietary patterns and the incidence of sarcopenia in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus. This study was a cross-sectional study conducted on 150 subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus aged 40 years or older. Multivariate logistic regression tests were conducted to measure the effect of adherence to each dietary pattern on the possibility of sarcopenia. Three dietary patterns were identified through analysis of major components. After adjusting for confounding variables, subjects with healthy dietary patterns on the highest tertile had a lower odds ratio for developing sarcopenia (OR 0.584; 95% CI 0.070-4.865; p=0.000). In contrast, adherence to unhealthy dietary patterns was not associated with sarcopenia (OR 1.508; 95% CI 0.305-7.452; p=0.612). Similarly, adherence to a mixed dietary pattern did not affect the likelihood of sarcopenia (OR 1.297; 95% Cl 0.341-4.931; P=0.704). This study shows that adherence to a healthy dietary pattern is associated with a lower chance of developing sarcopenia in people with type II diabetes mellitus.

Effectiveness of 5a’s Instructional Module in Teaching Grade 12 Physics: An Experimental Study

The study aimed to investigate the impact of the 5A's instructional module on students' Physics knowledge and application of knowledge in Physics. The research included understanding the pre-test and post-test profiles of the participants, comparing the students' levels of Physics knowledge and application of knowledge between the experimental and control groups, and assessing their perceptions of the 5A's instructional module. The study used a quasi-experimental design with a time-series design, employing mean, standard deviation, and paired-sample t-tests to examine the data statistically. The participants were Senior High School STEM students from Cagdianao National High School, Dinagat Islands Province. Four instruments were used: the 5A’s instructional module, physics knowledge test, application of knowledge test, and Likert scale assessment on the 5A's instructional module. The results showed varied performance across physics topics under the conventional approach, with a mixed pattern of improvement observed in Newton’s Law of Motion and Application, having a pre-test mean score of 21.27 and a post-test mean score of 23.47. The 5A's instructional approach demonstrated significant improvement patterns across the three topics, particularly notable in enhancing application of knowledge, with a mean pre-test score of around 10.13 and 18.63 in the posttest of topic B, Kinematics. The paired-sample t-tests revealed significant improvements in post-test scores across all topics with the experimental approach, indicating its efficacy in enhancing understanding and performance. Positive perceptions regarding content quality, instructional quality, and overall impact on learning were observed with the 5A's instructional module. Additionally, continuous refinement based on student feedback is crucial to achieving educational objectives and improving learning experiences.

Wireless Mouth Motion Recognition System Based on EEG-EMG Sensors for Severe Speech Impairments.

This study aims to demonstrate the feasibility of using a new wireless electroencephalography (EEG)-electromyography (EMG) wearable approach to generate characteristic EEG-EMG mixed patterns with mouth movements in order to detect distinct movement patterns for severe speech impairments. This paper describes a method for detecting mouth movement based on a new signal processing technology suitable for sensor integration and machine learning applications. This paper examines the relationship between the mouth motion and the brainwave in an effort to develop nonverbal interfacing for people who have lost the ability to communicate, such as people with paralysis. A set of experiments were conducted to assess the efficacy of the proposed method for feature selection. It was determined that the classification of mouth movements was meaningful. EEG-EMG signals were also collected during silent mouthing of phonemes. A few-shot neural network was trained to classify the phonemes from the EEG-EMG signals, yielding classification accuracy of 95%. This technique in data collection and processing bioelectrical signals for phoneme recognition proves a promising avenue for future communication aids.

Comprehensive profiling of social mixing patterns in resource poor countries: A mixed methods research protocol.

Low-and-middle-income countries (LMICs) bear a disproportionate burden of communicable diseases. Social interaction data inform infectious disease models and disease prevention strategies. The variations in demographics and contact patterns across ages, cultures, and locations significantly impact infectious disease dynamics and pathogen transmission. LMICs lack sufficient social interaction data for infectious disease modeling. To address this gap, we will collect qualitative and quantitative data from eight study sites (encompassing both rural and urban settings) across Guatemala, India, Pakistan, and Mozambique. We will conduct focus group discussions and cognitive interviews to assess the feasibility and acceptability of our data collection tools at each site. Thematic and rapid analyses will help to identify key themes and categories through coding, guiding the design of quantitative data collection tools (enrollment survey, contact diaries, exit survey, and wearable proximity sensors) and the implementation of study procedures. We will create three age-specific contact matrices (physical, nonphysical, and both) at each study site using data from standardized contact diaries to characterize the patterns of social mixing. Regression analysis will be conducted to identify key drivers of contacts. We will comprehensively profile the frequency, duration, and intensity of infants' interactions with household members using high resolution data from the proximity sensors and calculating infants' proximity score (fraction of time spent by each household member in proximity with the infant, over the total infant contact time) for each household member. Our qualitative data yielded insights into the perceptions and acceptability of contact diaries and wearable proximity sensors for collecting social mixing data in LMICs. The quantitative data will allow a more accurate representation of human interactions that lead to the transmission of pathogens through close contact in LMICs. Our findings will provide more appropriate social mixing data for parameterizing mathematical models of LMIC populations. Our study tools could be adapted for other studies.

Differentiating dilatons from the axions by their mixing with photons

The quanta of scalar fields like the dilaton (ϕ\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\phi $$\\end{document}) of scale symmetry origin and those of pseudoscalar fields like the axion (ϕ′\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\phi '$$\\end{document}) of Peccei–Quinn symmetry origin couple to di-photons through dimension-5 operators. In a magnetized medium (MM), they in principle can interact with the two transverse (A‖,⊥\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$A_{\\parallel ,\\perp }$$\\end{document}) and one longitudinal (AL\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$A_{L}$$\\end{document}) degree of freedom of photons (γ\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\gamma $$\\end{document}) as long as the total spin is conserved. However, of ϕ\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\phi $$\\end{document} and ϕ′\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\phi '$$\\end{document}, only one interacts with AL\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$A_{L}$$\\end{document}. We found that the ambient external magnetic field B and media break the intrinsic Lorentz symmetry of the system affecting the dispersion relation of the propagating modes. The boost and the rotational symmetry along and around B are however the ones that are preserved. Invoking C, P, and T symmetries, we analyze the mixing dynamics of ϕγ\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\phi \\gamma $$\\end{document} and ϕ′γ\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\phi '\\gamma $$\\end{document} systems and the structural difference in their mixing pattern. It is noted that while the ϕγ\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\phi \\gamma $$\\end{document} mixing matrix is 3×3\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$3\ imes 3$$\\end{document}, the ϕ′γ\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\phi ^{\\prime }\\gamma $$\\end{document} is governed by a 4×4\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$4\ imes 4$$\\end{document} mixing matrix. Using the exact solutions of both systems in MM, we estimate the strength of the electromagnetic (EM) signals available due to these interactions, which are found to be different in strength. We conclude by commenting on (a) the possibility of detecting this difference in polarimetric observables of the EM signal, (b) the implications of these different mixing patterns with respect to the minimum detectable signal for astrophysical observations, and (c) the variation in the energy of the dispersed photons of different polarization with the variation in B.

Diel and seasonal mixing patterns and water quality dynamics in a multipurpose tropical semiarid reservoir.

Eutrophication has become a recurrent concern in reservoirs worldwide. This problem is intensified in tropical semiarid regions, where the reservoirs have high seasonal and annual variability of water level and volume. Therefore, an extensive understanding of the diel variation of water quality key-parameters can help improve management of such reservoirs. This study focuses on Castanhão reservoir with the largest multipurpose dam in the Brazilian semiarid. Its main water uses are irrigation, fish farming, and human supply. The reservoir faced a decline in water quality due to a prolonged drought period. While previous research has predominantly emphasized the seasonal dynamics of thermal and chemical stratification, our investigation provides diel assessments of multiple water quality parameters, including nutrient concentrations and phytoplankton abundance. Our primary objective is to compare seasonal and diel variations in stratification and nutrient distribution within the reservoir. Key findings reveal a diel cycle of thermal stratification, primarily during dry season, driven by higher wind speeds. This is corroborated by a significant negative correlation between wind speed and the relative water column stability index. In contrast, during the rainy season, the reservoir experiences continuous thermal stratification due to inflowing water being warmer than the reservoir's water temperature. Notably, a significant negative correlation between total phosphorus and chlorophyll-a, along with a two-fold increase of this nutrient throughout the day during the rainy season, underscores the influence of the phytoplankton community dynamics on the diel nutrient variation. Chemical stratification of dissolved oxygen occurred during dry and rainy seasons, indicating that even during the dry season, where there is no significant inflow, the internal nutrient loading can also significantly impact the water quality of a reservoir. This study advances the understanding of diel water quality dynamics in tropical semiarid reservoirs, shedding light on both climatic and anthropogenic influences on water resources.

Identification of Yeast and Yeast-Like Fungi at a Tertiary Care Center: A Retrospective Study.

Background Fungal infections pose a significant global health challenge. Despite their substantial impact, these ubiquitous fungi can become pathogenic but have not received adequate attention in public health, leading to infections that are often underestimated by the general public and healthcare professionals. Candida species and Cryptococcus species play a key role in these infections, with emerging multidrug resistance in Candida species posing considerable challenges. This study aimed to understand the prevalence of yeast and yeast-like infections, particularly in the COVID-19 era, and to assess the antifungal susceptibility pattern. Methodology A retrospective observational study was conducted at a rural tertiary care medical college in Maharashtra, India. Retrospective records of samples processed for fungal culture were analyzed in the microbiology department. Yeast identification and antifungal susceptibility were performed using the VITEK-2 automated system. Results Among 95 fungal isolates, 86 (90.52%) were yeast isolates, primarily non-albicans Candida (NAC) species. Candida albicans accounted for 41 (47.67%) yeast isolates. In 14 isolates, NAC species were not identified by the VITEK-2 system up to the species level. Isolates from urine samples contributed the highest percentage of 61% (58) of yeast isolates. C. albicans showed high sensitivity to most antifungal agents. Other Candida species, such as Candida famata, Candida parapsilosis, and Candida guilliermondii, were sensitive to all antifungal agents. Candida auris showed complete resistance to amphotericin B and fluconazole but sensitivity to other agents. Mixed sensitivity patterns were observed in Candida ciferri and Candida lusitaniae, with some resistance to voriconazole, caspofungin, and micafungin. Conclusions This study shows the increasing prevalence of yeast and yeast-like infections, particularly NAC, during the COVID-19 era. Improved yeast identification and susceptibility testing are crucial for guiding the appropriate treatment and mitigating the impact of these infections, emphasizing the need for comprehensive future studies in this area.

Identification and in silico screening of novel angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitory peptides from pacific saury: Interaction mechanism, network pharmacology, stability, Caco-2 monolayer transport

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory peptides (ACEIPs) have garnered enormous attention in maintaining blood pressure balance of humans. In this study, the amino acid sequence of Pacific saury ultrafiltration fraction was identified by Nano-LC-Q-Orbitrap-MS/MS. Through in silico screening, eight novel ACEIPs were elected to synthesize, among of which the VFPLK (IC50 value of 60.7 μΜ) exhibited the strongest ACE inhibitory ability. The interaction mechanism of VFPLK and ACE was explored. To be specific, the VFPLK was a mix pattern based on the Lineweaver–Burk plot, formed six hydrogen bonds with ACE according to the molecular docking and exhibited good affinity with ACE by molecular dynamic simulation. The core targets of VFPLK against hypertension were predicted to be ALB, AKT1, MMP9, IGF1 and NOS3 by network pharmacology. Besides, VFPLK showed good stability in temperature, pH and gastrointestinal digestion. Moreover, the apparent permeability coefficient of VFPLK was determined to be 1.09 × 10−6 cm/s, and paracellular transport via tight junctions was the primary pathway across the Caco-2 cell monolayer. Finally, the concentration 0.2–1.5 mg/mL of VFPLK disclosed no toxicity for EA.hy26. Collectively, VFPLK could be a beneficial constituent in nutraceuticals and functional foods for combating antihypertensive and related diseases.