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Freshwater is considered an essential natural resource that must be monitored effectively. The Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) satellite mission scheduled for launch in December 2022 will enable river discharge estimation from surface water extents, elevations, and slopes. However, the SWOT-based discharges will be inconsistent due to infrequent temporal sampling (TS) of SWOT orbit. This study explores the potential of unique TS of SWOT to determine whether it influences the calibration of hydrological model. The Weather Research and Forecast Hydrological system (WRF-Hydro) has been used to simulate river discharge. Further WRF-Hydro model has been calibrated using proxy SWOT data based on a dynamically dimensioned search algorithm. Results show that more than 90% of parameter iterations have KGE values with less than 20% absolute percent difference when only SWOT TS alone has been considered. The results suggest that model calibration using SWOT-based discharge performs similarly to daily in-situ discharge.

Purpose: To compare the surgical outcomes of twin-site phacotrabeculectomy with Mitomycin C (MMC) in primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) versus primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG). Methods: Prospective, comparative, observational study. Patients with visually significant cataract and primary glaucoma were divided into two groups: POAG and PACG. They underwent twin-site phacotrabeculectomy with MMC and followed up on days 1, 15, 1 month, 6 months, and 12 months. Baseline and follow-up visits were compared to find the differences in intraocular pressure (IOP), antiglaucoma medications (AGM), success rates, anterior chamber depth (ACD), and axial length (AXL). Results: There were 50 eyes each in POAG and PACG groups. Mean IOP reduction from baseline to 12 months (21.22 ± 6.0 to 11.40 ± 2.8—POAG group vs 24.16 ± 7.6 to 12.42 ± 3.2—PACG group) was statistically significant in both groups (P < 0.001), but no significant difference between groups (P = 0.095). There was a statistically significant decline in the number of AGM in POAG [1.66 (0.7) to 0.38 (0.7), P < 0.001] and PACG [2.10 (0.7) to 0.70 (0.8), P < 0.001]; the decline was more in POAG (P = 0.012) at last visit. Probability of overall (complete and qualified) success at 12 months postop was 72.0% [95% confidence interval (CI): 57.4–82.4] in PACG and 84.0% (95% CI: 70.5–91.7) in POAG group. There was a significant increase in ACD and a decrease in AXL in both groups (P < 0.001). More interventions were required in the PACG group (38, P = 0.012). Conclusion: Phacotrabeculectomy with MMC causes a significant reduction in IOP and improvement in biometric parameters in both POAG and PACG. Patients with PACG required more postoperative interventions, while a lesser number of antiglaucoma medications were needed in POAG patients.

BackgroundVaccine and sufficient food availability are key factors for reducing pneumonia outbreaks in sub-Saharan Africa.MethodsIn this study, the 10-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (Synflorix® or PCV10) was administered to a child cohort (5–7 years old, n = 237) in Msambweni, Kenya, to determine relationships between dietary intake, nutritional/socioeconomic status of mothers/caregivers, and vaccine response. 7-day food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), dietary diversity score (DDS) and single 24-h dietary recall were used to address participants' dietary assessment and nutritional status. Individual food varieties were recorded and divided into 9 food groups as recommended by Food and Agriculture Organization. Anthropometric measurements, nasopharyngeal swabs and vaccine administration were performed at the initial visit. Participants were followed 4–8 weeks with a blood draw for pneumococcal IgG titers assessed by Luminex assay.FindingsChronic malnutrition was prevalent in the cohort (15% stunting, 16% underweight). Unbalanced dietary intake was observed, with mean energy intake 14% below Recommended Dietary Allowances (1,822 Kcal) for 5–7 years age range. 72% of the daily energy was derived from carbohydrates, 18% from fats and only 10% from proteins. Poor anthropometric status (stunting/underweight) was associated with low socioeconomic/educational status and younger mother/caregiver age (p < 0.002). Limited intake of essential micronutrients (vitamins A, E, K) and minerals (calcium, potassium) associated with low consumption of fresh fruits, vegetables, and animal source foods (dairy, meat) was observed and correlated with poor vaccine response (p < 0.001). In contrast, children who consumed higher amounts of dietary fiber, vitamin B1, zinc, iron, and magnesium had adequate vaccine response (p < 0.05). Correlation between higher dietary diversity score (DDS), higher Vitamin E, K, Zinc intake and adequate vaccine response was also observed (p < 0.03).InterpretationOverall, this study highlights ongoing food scarcity and malnutrition in Kenya and demonstrates the links between adequate socioeconomic conditions, adequate nutrient intake, and vaccine efficacy.

Purpose: To present a case of posterior lenticular surface neovascularization in the absence of any ocular or systemic pathology. Observations: A 29-year-old asymptomatic male was detected with the right eye (OD) posterior lenticular surface neovascularization extending for six-clock hours in the temporal portion along with the presence of mild posterior capsular haze. His best-corrected visual acuity was 20/25 in OD and 20/20 in the left eye (OS). No additional abnormality was identified in the remainder of the OD anterior segment and the fundus respectively. OS evaluation was unremarkable. OD imaging including B-scan ultrasonography and ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) were essentially normal. The anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) thickened lens capsule with a dense hyperreflective layer adhered to its posterior surface and separating from the capsule in the periphery. Few hyperreflective dots were visible posterior to the ciliary body although no CB thickening was noted. No systemic abnormality was detected. The patient is being managed conservatively and has shown no signs of progression of the neovascularization over six months. Conclusions and importance: This is the first reported case of an isolated idiopathic posterior lenticular surface neovascularization occurring in an otherwise healthy patient. Although an unspecified breach in the posterior capsule or undetermined cyclitis can trigger such neovascularization, further histopathological studies of the capsular biopsy and ciliary body can provide better insight into its etiopathogenesis. Additionally, considering the asymptomatic nature of the condition, these patients can be observed and closely monitored.

Abstract Pest infestations in net-houses are not sometimes different from that under open-field conditions, necessitating usage of pesticides. To examine the hypothesis that bioagents may have more potential under restricted plant growing conditions, the predatory potential of green lace wing, Chrysoperla zastrowi sillemi Esben-Peterson (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) was evaluated against the sucking pests of tomato under screen-house conditions. The rates of release were fixed as 4, 5, and 6 s instar grubs plant−1 and a total of 3 releases were made at 7 days interval, with first release at appearance of the aphid, Myzus persicae (Sulzer) and whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius). The pooled data for the years 2018 and 2019 revealed that, the release rates 4, 5, and 6 grubs plant−1 were not statistically different in reducing the population of these pests. The factorial analysis based on the release rate and time of these releases suggested that single release of C. zastrowi sillemi at 4 grubs plant−1 was effective against sucking pests in tomato grown under screen-house conditions.

This paper presents two new designs of MIMO dual band coplanar waveguide (CPW)-fed-slot antennas operating in the 5G frequency band (28 and 38 GHz). The first antenna is an XX MIMO antenna and the second antenna is an XY MIMO antenna. Simulated results for the S-parameters are presented for the two antennas using HFSS. Measured results are also presented for the return loss and gain with both results showing good agreement. The current distribution, group delay, envelope correlation coefficients (ECC), and diversity gain, are also presented for both antennas. The two antennas are fabricated on a substrate having dielectric constant εr = 10.7 and substrate thickness 0.635 mm. The size of the antenna is 4.4 mm x 4.1 mm x 0.635 mm.

Purpose: To compare the surgical outcomes of twin-site phacotrabeculectomy with Mitomycin C (MMC) in primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) versus primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG). Methods: Prospective, comparative, observational study. Patients with visually significant cataract and primary glaucoma were divided into two groups: POAG and PACG. They underwent twin-site phacotrabeculectomy with MMC and followed up on days 1, 15, 1 month, 6 months, and 12 months. Baseline and follow-up visits were compared to find the differences in intraocular pressure (IOP), antiglaucoma medications (AGM), success rates, anterior chamber depth (ACD), and axial length (AXL). Results: There were 50 eyes each in POAG and PACG groups. Mean IOP reduction from baseline to 12 months (21.22 ± 6.0 to 11.40 ± 2.8--POAG group vs 24.16 ± 7.6 to 12.42 ± 3.2--PACG group) was statistically significant in both groups (P < 0.001), but no significant difference between groups (P = 0.095). There was a statistically significant decline in the number of AGM in POAG [1.66 (0.7) to 0.38 (0.7), P < 0.001] and PACG [2.10 (0.7) to 0.70 (0.8), P < 0.001]; the decline was more in POAG (P = 0.012) at last visit. Probability of overall (complete and qualified) success at 12 months postop was 72.0% [95% confidence interval (CI): 57.4-82.4] in PACG and 84.0% (95% CI: 70.5-91.7) in POAG group. There was a significant increase in ACD and a decrease in AXL in both groups (P < 0.001). More interventions were required in the PACG group (38, P = 0.012). Conclusion: Phacotrabeculectomy with MMC causes a significant reduction in IOP and improvement in biometric parameters in both POAG and PACG. Patients with PACG required more postoperative interventions, while a lesser number of antiglaucoma medications were needed in POAG patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Iron deficiency may impair adaptive immunity and is common among African infants at time of vaccination. Whether iron deficiency impairs vaccine response and whether iron supplementation improves humoral vaccine response is uncertain.Methods: We performed two studies in southern coastal Kenya. In a birth cohort study, we followed infants to age 18 mo and assessed whether anemia or iron deficiency at time of vaccination predicted vaccine response to three-valent oral polio, diphtheria-tetanus-whole cell pertussis-Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine, ten-valent pneumococcal-conjugate vaccine and measles vaccine. Primary outcomes were anti-vaccine-IgG and seroconversion at age 24 wk and 18 mo. In a randomized trial cohort follow-up, children received a micronutrient powder (MNP) with 5 mg iron daily or a MNP without iron for 4 mo starting at age 7.5 mo and received measles vaccine at 9 and 18 mo; primary outcomes were anti-measles IgG, seroconversion and avidity at age 11.5 mo and 4.5 y.Findings: In the birth cohort study, 573 infants were enrolled and 303 completed the study. Controlling for sex, birthweight, anthropometric indices and maternal antibodies, hemoglobin at time of vaccination was the strongest positive predictor of: (A) anti-diphtheria and anti-pertussis-IgG at 24 wk (p = 0.0071, p = 0.0339) and 18 mo (p = 0.0182, p = 0.0360); (B) anti-pertussis filamentous hemagglutinin-IgG at 24 wk (p = 0.0423); and (C) anti-pneumococcus 19 IgG at 18 mo (p = 0.0129). Anemia and serum transferrin receptor at time of vaccination were the strongest predictors of seroconversion against diphtheria (p = 0.0484, p = 0.0439) and pneumococcus 19 at 18 mo (p = 0.0199, p = 0.0327). In the randomized trial, 155 infants were recruited, 127 and 88 were assessed at age 11.5 mo and 4.5 y. Compared to infants that did not receive iron, those who received iron at time of vaccination had higher anti-measles-IgG (p = 0.0415), seroconversion (p = 0.0531) and IgG avidity (p = 0.0425) at 11.5 mo.Interpretation: In Kenyan infants, anemia and iron deficiency at time of vaccination predict decreased response to diphtheria, pertussis and pneumococcal vaccines. Primary response to measles vaccine may be increased by iron supplementation at time of vaccination. These findings argue that correction of iron deficiency during early infancy may improve vaccine response.

Soil moisture is a key variable that contributes for flux partitioning into sensible and latent heat components. There is a pressing need to study the impacts of shallow groundwater table dynamics on antecedent soil moisture and corresponding feedbacks to atmosphere. In this study, we evaluate WRF‐NoahMP simulated soil moisture using two experimental configurations: one with the default, free drainage approach (CTL) and with Miguez‐Macho groundwater scheme (GW). Results are presented for the study conducted over Ganga River basin, India between the years 2008 and 2014 for all the three seasons (pre‐monsoon, monsoon, post‐monsoon). It was observed that the GW model runs, improve soil moisture in topmost and bottom‐most layers. We discovered that the simulations improved temporal negative bias of seasonal accumulation during monsoon by around 91 mm. In addition, the average negative bias in latent heat flux improved by around 28 W/m2. Compared to CTL, GW was found to contribute additional atmospheric moisture content ranging between 3% and 5%. Comparison with in‐situ ground water showed that model overestimates the ground water table depth. This can be attributed to the ability of the model to only simulate natural occurring variabilities and lack of inclusion of anthropogenic factors such as ground water pumping in the model. The groundwater trend in Ganga is declining at alarming rate. In addition, if over exploitation of groundwater is not monitored properly, water and food scarcity is an imminent threat to the country's economy. To the best of authors knowledge, this is the first study of its kind to be implemented over Ganga basin, which evaluates the role of shallow ground water table on regional climate using coupled atmosphere‐land surface‐groundwater model. In summary, we highlight that the groundwater component along with WRF‐NoahMP coupled model improves soil moisture and precipitation representation over the Ganga basin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND:Globally, vaccine-preventable diseases remain a significant cause of early childhood mortality despite concerted efforts to improve vaccine coverage. One reason for impaired protection may be the influence of prenatal exposure to parasitic antigens on the developing immune system. Prior research had shown a decrease in infant vaccine response after in utero parasite exposure among a maternal cohort without aggressive preventive treatment. This study investigated the effect of maternal parasitic infections on infant vaccination in a more recent setting of active anti-parasitic therapy. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS:From 2013-2015, 576 Kenyan women were tested in pregnancy for malaria, soil-transmitted helminths, filaria, and S. haematobium, with both acute and prophylactic antiparasitic therapies given. After birth, 567 infants received 10-valent S. pneumoniae conjugate vaccine and pentavalent vaccine for hepatitis B, pertussis, tetanus, H. influenzae type B (Hib) and C. diphtheriae toxoid (Dp-t) at 6, 10, and 14 weeks. Infant serum samples from birth, 10 and 14 weeks, and every six months until age three years, were analyzed using a multiplex bead assay to quantify IgG for Hib, Dp-t, and the ten pneumococcal serotypes. Antenatal parasitic prevalence was high; 461 women (80%) had at least one and 252 (43.6%) had two or more infections during their pregnancy, with the most common being malaria (44.6%), S. haematobium (43.9%), and hookworm (29.2%). Mixed models comparing influence of infection on antibody concentration revealed no effect of prenatal infection status for most vaccine outcomes. Prevalences of protective antibody concentrations after vaccination were similar among the prenatal exposure groups. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE:These findings are in contrast with results from our prior cohort study performed when preventive anti-parasite treatment was less frequently given. The results suggest that the treatment of maternal infections in pregnancy may be able to moderate the previously observed effect of antenatal maternal infections on infant vaccine responses.

Data assimilation (DA) offers immense potential for uncertainty identification, improving the initial estimates for hydrological and atmospheric modelling. This paper reviews the studies in hydrological DA using Kalman filters. Recent applications of Kalman filters in hydrological and atmospheric DA are summarized. Existing challenges for DA studies are briefly described. In addition, three case study examples are presented highlighting the effects of: (a) soil moisture DA in the Noah land surface model; (b) variational assimilation for improving precipitation forecasts in the WRF (Weather Research Forecast) model; and (c) simulating AMSR-2 (Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer-2) radiances towards DA. Although there are many unresolved issues in DA that warrant further research, it has immense potential for predicting variables at a better lead time for hydrometeorology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]