bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The levels of pattern-triggered immunity in the root and stembase of tomato cultivars positively correlate with the resistance to Ralstonia solanacearum
Authors: Ku Chiao-Yu , Guo Li-Ren , Cheng Feng-Chi , Kuo Chun-You , Karim Andre Fortunatus , Hardiansyah Muhammad Yusril , Chang Yu-Chuan , Chen Yi-Fan , Chung Ya-Yi , Cheng Chiu-Ping
Published: November 2024

Background

Bacterial wilt (BW), caused by Ralstonia solanacearum (Rs), is one of the most destructive diseases impacting a wide range of crops globally. The infection process is complex involving intricate interactions between the plant and Rs. Managing BW is challenging, and crop breeding remains the most effective strategy for disease control. Resistance to BW in crops is primarily associated with quantitative trait loci (QTLs), which are believed to correlate with the simultaneous activation of multiple defense mechanisms against pathogens. This study aimed to clarify the nature of BW resistance and determine whether pattern-triggered immunity (PTI) plays a role in this resistance.

Results

PTI can be triggered in tomato roots and stembases by an Rs hrpG− mutant and by the cell wall extract (PiCWE) from the root-infected beneficial fungus Piriformospora indica (Pi). Among tomato plants with varying resistance levels to Rs, BW-resistant (BWR) and moderate-resistant (BWMR) cultivars exhibited higher levels of root and stembase PTI in response to Rs hrpG− inoculation and PiCWE treatment than in BW-susceptible (BWS) cultivars. Additionally, BWR and BWMR cultivars showed enhanced leaf PTI after inoculation with a Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato (Pst) hrcC− mutant. The BWR cultivar Hawaii 7996 (H7996) also demonstrated high tolerance to several leaf pathogens.

Conclusions

Efficient systems for the analyses of PTI responses in tomato roots, stembases and leaves in response to patterns derived from root-infected pathogenic and beneficial microorganisms have been established. The levels of PTI in roots, stembases, and leaves are positively correlated with BW resistance in tomato plants. The BWR cultivar H7996 also shows tolerance to various leaf pathogens. This study reveals a significant correlation between tomato PTI and resistance to Rs, provides valuable insights into the nature of BW resistance, and offers critical information for tomato breeding.
Target-controlled dialysis for antibiotics (TCD-ABx)
Authors: Dejaco Alexander , Dorn Christoph , Lier Constantin , Fleischmann Daniel , Kratzer Alexander , Habler Katharina , Paal Michael , Gruber Michael , Rosenberger Johanna , Kees Martin G.
Published: November 2024

Background

Effective antimicrobial therapy is an essential part of intensive care medicine and renal replacement therapy is an important and common intervention which significantly affects the pharmacokinetics of many antimicrobials. This is especially critical for substances with a narrow therapeutic range, creating a dilemma of weighing the risk of toxicity from increased drug exposure against risk of ineffective treatment and promotion of antimicrobial resistance. To address this problem, we investigate a target-controlled dialysis by in vitro experiments — a novel technique in which drug is spiked into the dialysis solution to make use of the physicochemical properties of renal replacement therapy for solute transport, with the goal to reduce the risk of inadequate drug exposure.

Methods

Five antibiotics (ceftazidime, meropenem, piperacillin/tazobactam, vancomycin, flucloxacillin) were dialyzed in an in vitro model of continuous veno-venous hemodialysis using 1 L of bovine serum albumin solution as simulated patient plasma compartment. This was done with and without antibiotics in target concentrations added to the dialysis solution, mimicking three clinically relevant scenarios: (i) target-controlled dialysis in a subject with sub-therapeutic drug levels, (ii) target-controlled dialysis in a subject with supra-therapeutic drug levels, and (iii) traditional dialysis of drugs starting at the target concentration. Drug levels were quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography. Additionally, the stability over 24 h of all antibiotics in two typical dialysis solutions was assessed.

Results

Our data shows that with target-controlled dialysis, antibiotic concentrations will change in the desired direction towards the target concentration, depending on the patients’ unbound drug levels in relation to the concentration in the dialysis solution. The desired target concentrations can be induced and maintained, regardless of the initial concentration. Furthermore, the stability tests revealed only a minor and clinically irrelevant loss in drug concentration (all < 10.2%) after 12 h.

Conclusions

We outlined the mechanistic plausibility and provided experimental evidence of the feasibility of the target-controlled dialysis concept, which could help to maintain therapeutic concentrations of many time-dependent antibiotics in critically ill patients under renal replacement therapy. The required stability in dialysis solutions was shown for a set of important antibiotics. The next step will be the prudent application of this concept to patients in clinical trials.
High-Risk Credit Borrowing Patterns: A Comparison of Cancer With Major Chronic Diseases
Authors: Hussaini S.M. Qasim , Pisu Maria , Rocque Gabrielle B. , Nicholas Lauren Hersch
Published: November 2024

PURPOSE

Although financial toxicity from cancer care is well documented, how cancer and other high-mortality chronic diseases affect credit overuse and high-risk borrowing remains unknown.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed households in the 2012-2018 Health and Retirement Study. Outcomes included nonhousing financial debt and credit card debt. For homeowning households, outcomes also included access to a home equity line of credit (HELOC) and a loan against HELOC. Linear probability regression models compared changes in financial outcomes among households with new cancer diagnosis or major chronic diseases (diabetes, stroke, or heart disease) with those without health shocks. Analyses were stratified by wealth.

RESULTS

Among 14,188 households (age 68 years, 42% male, 21% Black, 13% Hispanic), 33% had financial debt, 26% had credit card debt, and 10% of homeowners used HELOC. Below-median wealth households were more likely to be Black or Hispanic. They were less likely to be headed by a female and to have college-level education. In these households, 22% had negative financial wealth (
v
0% for above-median wealth), and new cancer was associated with a 4.9 percentage point (PPT) increase in rates of financial debt (13.1% effect size;
P
= .03; 95% CI, 0.005 to 0.094) and a 3.9 PPT increase in HELOC use (65%;
P
= .04; 95% CI, 0.002 to 0.076) compared with households with no new health changes. Households developing major chronic diseases were 3.6 PPT more likely to develop financial debt (9.6%;
P
= .015; 95% CI, 0.007 to 0.065) without affecting HELOC use. Such differences disappeared in above-median wealth households.

CONCLUSION

Below-median wealth households with cancer incurred higher financial debt and refinanced their home more often compared with those without cancer, highlighting credit overuse and borrowing even in a fully insured population.
Postoperative Blood Pressure Goals After Craniotomy for Tumor Resection: A National Survey
Authors: Kelly Patrick D. , Gauhar Fatima , Kang KiChang , Kayne Allison , Bray David P. , Evans James J.
Published: November 2024

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Acute hypertension can occur in 90% of postcraniotomy patients for tumor resection, and 60% to 90% of patients require treatment with antihypertensive agents. Postoperative intracranial hemorrhage is a major driver of morbidity and mortality after craniotomy for tumor resection, and perioperative hypertension is believed to be a risk factor. Many neurosurgeons impose postoperative blood pressure (BP) goals to mitigate this risk, but there is little evidence to guide the selection of a specific target BP, leading to a wide variation in patient care. In this article, we have conducted a national survey to report the current practices regarding postoperative BP management.

METHODS:

We conducted a cross-sectional survey of academic neurosurgical programs by distributing a 10-item questionnaire to neurosurgical residents of each accredited national neurosurgical residency training program (n = 117). Responses were collected over 3 months, from July 2023 to September 2023. Analysis was performed at the program level; for programs with multiple responding residents, the responses of the senior residents were retained.

RESULTS:

Responses were received from 66 residents at 45 institutions. Forty-two programs set postoperative BP goals using systolic blood pressure (SBP) as a parameter, and 2 used mean arterial pressure. Among programs using an SBP goal, most programs kept a goal SBP of <140 mm Hg (41%-43% depending on the tumor type), followed by SBP <160 mm Hg (36%-39%). Most programs maintained this goal until the morning of the first postoperative day. Intravenous nicardipine (n = 12, 27%) and labetalol (n = 12, 27%) were the most frequently administered medications to maintain BP goals.

CONCLUSION:

Most of the academic neurosurgical programs use a postoperative SBP goal after craniotomy for tumor resection. Programs are evenly divided between goals of SBP <140 mm Hg and SBP <160 mm Hg. The variability among programs indicates clinical equipoise between these 2 approaches in the context of a future clinical trial.
NR4A1 and NR4A2 orphan nuclear receptors regulate endothelial-to-hematopoietic transition in mouse hematopoietic stem cell specification
Authors: Sá da Bandeira Diana , Nevitt Chris D. , Segato Dezem Felipe , Marção Maycon , Liu Yutian , Kelley Zakiya , DuBose Hannah , Chabot Ashley , Hall Trent , Caprio Claire , Okhomina Victoria , Kang Guolian , Plummer Jasmine , McKinney-Freeman Shannon , Clements Wilson K. , Ganuza Miguel
Published: November 2024

Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) sustain life-long hematopoiesis and emerge during mid-gestation from hemogenic endothelial progenitors via an endothelial-to-hematopoietic transition (EHT). The full scope of molecular mechanisms governing this process remains unclear. The NR4A subfamily of orphan nuclear receptors act as tumor suppressors in myeloid leukemogenesis and have never been implicated in HSC specification. Here, we report that Nr4a1 and Nr4a2 expression is upregulated in hemogenic endothelium during EHT. Progressive genetic ablation of Nr4a gene dosage results in a gradual decrease in numbers of nascent c-Kit+ hematopoietic progenitors in developing embryos, c-Kit+ cell cluster size in the dorsal aorta, and a block in HSC maturation, revealed by an accumulation of pro-HSCs and pre-HSC-type I cells and decreased numbers of pre-HSC-type II cells. Consistent with these observations, cells isolated from embryonic day 11.5 Nr4a1−/−; Nr4a2−/− aorta-gonads-mesonephros are devoid of in vivo long-term hematopoietic repopulating potential. Molecularly, employing spatial transcriptomic analysis we determined that the genetic ablation of Nr4a1 and Nr4a2 prevents Notch signaling from being downregulated in intra-aortic clusters and thus for pro-HSCs to mature into HSCs. Interestingly, this defect is partially rescued by ex vivo culture of dissected aorta-gonads-mesonephros with SCF, IL3 and FLT3L, which may bypass Notch-dependent regulation. Overall, our data reveal a role for the NR4A family of orphan nuclear receptors in EHT.
The Value of Applying Big Data Analytics in Health Supply Chain Management
Authors: Al Nuaimi Dina , Awofeso Niyi
Published: November 2024

This study aims to evaluate the impact of big data analytics (BDA) on the performance of healthcare supply chain management (HCSCMP) by examining both overall efficiency improvements and identifying critical success factors for effective implementation. Through a systematic literature review, the research investigates how BDA enhances real-time decision-making within healthcare supply chains (HCSCs) and identifies the key enablers required for successful BDA adoption. A comprehensive search strategy was employed to analyze 65 papers, resulting in the inclusion of 39 studies published between 2016 and 2023. The review revealed a preference for literature reviews and questionnaires as the primary research methods. The findings indicate that BDA significantly improves HCSCs’ efficiency, particularly in real-time decision-making and operational management. However, successful BDA implementation depends on addressing critical enablers and overcoming associated challenges.
New National Childhood Measurement Programme data shows continued higher obesity prevalence in deprived areas
Authors: Lepkowska Dorothy
Published: November 2024

NHS Digital released its latest set of National Childhood Measurement Programme data this month, which shows that levels of obesity in children in deprived areas continue to be higher than more affluent areas. Dorothy Lepkowska explains
Human Rights in the Message of John Paul II – Right to Life and Right to ReligiousFreedom
Authors: Sitarz Mirosław
Published: November 2024

Human rights are inscribed in the essence of human nature and their source is the inherent and inalienable dignity of every human being. The article undertakes a synthetic characterisation of two fundamental - according to John Paul II - human rights, i.e. the right to life and the right to religious freedom. The right to life encompasses every stage of human existence - from conception to natural death. The right to religious freedom, on the other hand, is understood in its positive aspect as freedom ‘to’ and in its negative aspect as freedom ‘from’.
Social sustainability – the functioning of communities, opportunities for cooperation
Authors: Laki Ildiko
Published: November 2024

The present study aims to be a brief summary of the sustainability of contemporary society, the functioning of its communities and the possibilities for cooperation Sustainable progress refers to development that is sustainable in time and space, but there are a number of definitions/concepts associated with it that make it even more diverse and often unintelligible. The definition is essential as it provides a guideline for the adoption of regulations and different mechanisms. Community interaction in this form of sustainability becomes essential, whether live or virtual. The focus is on the process of collaboration. It is clear that social sustainability lies in the formation of collectivities, in the spirit of thinking together.
Ways of using the phenomenon of crisis in the music industry to model underage audiences
Authors: Budniak Mikołaj
Published: November 2024

The author of the article shows that the natural phenomenon of crisis, which appears in the course of human development, is intentionally used by the music industry to model teenage audiences. The article discusses the psychological peculiarity of music, as well as the main methods of manipulation using music. The author presents the reader with the results of various research, including his own, on music and its impact on its recipient. At the end of the article, an original ,,tool” is presented that helps diagnose what content a minor recipient encounters when listening to his or her favorite music.
Personal freedom as a fundamental right in a democratic state
Authors: Sarzała Bartłomiej
Published: November 2024

The system of a democratic state is characterized by a specific system of relations between law, authority and citizens, which includes the need to comply with existing law and limit arbitrariness. The democratic nature of the state system is determined primarily by the fact that its sovereign is the nation. Therefore, in a democratic constitutional state, the norms that form the basis of the social and political order are established in accordance with the will of the majority of citizens. However, the government is obliged to respect the law it has created, which is literally above the state, and to respect the rights and personal freedoms of citizens.
In this study, personal freedom is presented as one of the fundamental rights in a democratic state. For this aim, the dogmatic-legal method was used. Therefore, it was based on the analysis of literature and interpretation of national and international legal acts relating to the issues taken.
Magnetic trapping of an ultracold 39K-40K mixture with a versatile potassium laser system
Authors: Bocheński Mateusz , Dobosz Jakub , Semczuk Mariusz
Published: November 2024

We present a dual isotope magneto-optical trap (MOT), simultaneous sub-Doppler laser cooling, and magnetic trapping of a spin-polarized 39K-40K Bose-Fermi mixture realized in a single-chamber setup with an unenriched potassium dispenser as the source of atoms. We are able to magnetically confine more than 2.2 × 105 fermions (F = 9/2 , m
F
 = 9/2) and 1.4 × 107 bosons (F = 2 , m
F
 = 2) with a lifetime exceeding 1.2 s. For this work, we have developed a versatile laser tailored for sub-Doppler cooling of all naturally occurring potassium isotopes and their mixtures. This laser system incorporates innovative features, such as the capability to select an isotope by activating or deactivating specific acousto-optic modulators that control the light seeding tapered amplifiers. Switching between isotopes takes ∼1 µs without any mechanical adjustment of the components.
Experimental and analytical study of light uniformity in the double-incidence powersphere based on ellipsoidal reflection within a cavity
Authors: He Tiefeng , Wu Qingyang , Li Chunbo , Xu Zikun , Zhang Wenwei , Huang Haixuan , Lv Zhijian , Nian Muxin , Zheng Guoliang , Yang Zhaokun
Published: November 2024

The powersphere is an enclosed spherical photovoltaic receiver designed to achieve light uniformity through multiple reflections. However, in practical applications, the high absorption rate of the laser cells causes a significant difference in irradiance between direct and reflected light, preventing optimal light uniformity. This results in power loss and reduces both the conversion efficiency and output power in laser wireless power transmission. To address this, we propose a method that uses dual laser incidence and employs an ellipsoid for light reflection within the powersphere. A mathematical model of the powersphere, based on elliptical reflections inside the cavity, was developed and theoretically validated. Using this model, this study designed a system with symmetrical laser incidence from both ends of the powersphere and elliptical reflection within its cavity. Simulation analysis demonstrated improved light uniformity and intensity on the inner surface. An experimental platform based on dual-beam incidence and ellipsoid reflection was constructed, with results showing improved voltage uniformity from 0.09 to 0.86, current uniformity from 0.25 to 0.96, and a 26% increase in output power. These theoretical, simulation, and experimental findings confirm that dual-beam incidence and ellipsoid reflection effectively enhance both uniformity and output power in the powersphere.
Achromatizing photolithographically patterned metasurfaces with arbitrary, variable unit cell size
Authors: Palatnick Skyler , Millar-Blanchaer Maxwell A. , Wallace J. Kent , John Demis D. , Moore Anjali , Wenger Tobias
Published: November 2024

In recent years, across many fields, a large emphasis has been placed on the development of optical materials that can realize arbitrary control over the phase, transmission, and polarization of light, particularly across a broad wavelength range. Metasurface optics, or arrays of subwavelength structures with highly tailorable geometry and composition on a thin substrate, have emerged as a promising contender to fulfill these needs. Several methods for the achromatization of metasurfaces have been demonstrated, including the use of amorphous nanopost shapes as well as multiple, simple nanopost shapes. We present what we believe to be a novel technique that can be used separately or in conjunction with these techniques to provide achromatic phase control: arbitrary aperiodicity. By varying the period, or spacing between adjacent nanoposts, metasurfaces can be demonstrated that achieve desirable phase behavior and high transmission over a relatively large bandwidth. We detail the design and fabrication of such a device, in the form of a 1 cm diameter polarization insensitive metasurface with a vortex phase profile that exhibits achromatic behavior over a ∼12% bandwidth centered at 1650 nm. We demonstrate simulated phase residuals below 0.4 rad and transmission above 85% for this bandwidth, as well as measured phase residuals below 0.6 rad and transmission above 88% for this bandwidth. By showing that we can create such a device with deep-UV photolithographic fabrication techniques, we make clear the fidelity of our aperiodic technique in realizing mass-manufactureable, large-area achromatic metasurfaces for the near-infrared.
Broadband visible absorber with enhanced infrared emissivity for infrared scene generation
Authors: Liu Wei-Jie , Li Ren-Jie , Wang Chao-Feng , Yue Zhu-Fei , Zhang Xiao-Wei , Yang Yang , Li Zhuo , Gao Yan-Ze
Published: November 2024

An Al-Cr alloy absorber is proposed for light absorption in the visible and infrared bands. The absorber was fabricated on a 3-inch silicon wafer and quartz glass using magnetron sputtering and wet-etching techniques. Owing to its disordered nanocone structure, the absorber achieves an average absorption of up to 98.45% in the 400-1100 nm band. When the wavelengths are broadened to 3-5 µm and 8-12 µm, the average absorptions still reach 81.8% and 69.4%, respectively. Compared to a plain Al-Cr film without nanostructures, the absorption increases by approximately 70%. The infrared emission spectrum of the Al-Cr absorber is fully controllable, and an effective 3D FEM model is proposed to predict the peaks and valleys of its infrared spectrum with a prediction deviation of less than 7%. Al-Cr alloy absorbers offer advantages such as low cost, no requirement for photolithography, scalability in preparation, and controllable infrared emissivity. These advantages make the Al-Cr absorber a promising candidate for efficient infrared scene generation devices.
Enhanced and directional fluorescence emission regulated by dual resonant surface modes
Authors: Li Shuaichao , Huang Hongjie , Wen Xiaolei , Wang Pei , Lu Yonghua
Published: November 2024

Fluorescence emission regulation is of great interest for its promising applications in various fields such as microscopy, chemical analysis, encryption, and sensing. Most studies focus on the regulation of the fluorescence emission process. However, the spectral separation of excitation and emission of fluorophores requires careful design of resonances to cover both emission and excitation wavelengths, which is a better choice to enhance fluorescence intensity. In this Letter, we engineer an efficient dielectric concentric ring grating on a dielectric multilayer film with two resonate modes to enhance the excitation and emission processes. By careful design of the structure, the two resonate modes occupy similar in-plane wave vector and overlap in the fluorescence area. Experimentally, fluorescence intensity enhancement about five times and the divergence of fluorescence into free space compressed to less than 5° are achieved. Our work provides what we believe to be a new strategy for the realization of high directional on-chip light emitter at room temperature.
Reconfigurable holographic polymer dispersed liquid crystal grating template for waveguide display
Authors: Diao Zhihui , Fan Weifang , Liu Yonggang , Peng Zenghui , Li Dayu , Yang Chengliang , Mu Quanquan
Published: November 2024

In this Letter, a reconfigurable holographic polymer dispersed liquid crystal (HPDLC) grating template is presented that is obtained by removing the liquid crystal from a formed HPDLC grating. The diffraction characteristics of the HPDLC grating template are studied theoretically and experimentally. Compared to the typical HPDLC grating, the HPDLC grating template possesses higher diffraction efficiency with lower polarization dependency. The diffraction efficiency of the HPDLC grating template can be dynamically reconfigured by refilling organic solution with a different refractive index. Moreover, a waveguide display system based on the HPDLC grating template is constructed. The merits of the ease of fabrication, high diffraction efficiency, low polarization dependency, and reconfigurable characteristics shown by the HPDLC grating template will benefit the waveguide display to obtain higher light efficiency and better exit pupil expansion.
One-shot pre-equalization scheme based on frequency pilot tones for bandwidth-limited IM/DD DCI transmission
Authors: Wang Chen , Long Jianyu , Sang Bohan , Wang Kaihui , Zhou Wen , Yang Xiongwei , Zhang Long , Zhao Feng , Yu Jianjun
Published: November 2024

O-band intensity modulation and direct detection (IM/DD) transmission offers a promising solution for high-speed data center interconnects (DCIs). Additionally, the introduction of bismuth-doped fiber amplifiers (BDFAs) results in less nonlinear impact and a higher link budget compared with semiconductor optical amplifiers (SOAs). However, with these key issues resolved, the system bandwidth limitation emerges as the next critical bottleneck for high-speed O-band DCI transmission that limits overall performance. In this letter, we propose an efficient pre-equalization (pre-Eq) method based on the frequency pilot tones (FPTs), utilizing detectors for both magnitude and phase responses. With a single-shot characterization, the FPT-based pre-Eq method can effectively compensate for high-frequency fading caused by bandwidth limitation. We successfully demonstrate the O-band transmission of a 100-GBaud PAM-4 signal over 40-km standard single-mode fiber (SSMF) under a 10-dB bandwidth limitation of around 30 GHz. Our results show that the FPT-based pre-Eq significantly outperforms the constant modulus algorithm (CMA)-based pre-Eq.
Photonic-frequency-interleaving-enabled broadband receiver with high reconfigurability and scalability
Authors: Liu Jianwei , Wang Ruixuan , Yang Jiyao , Ma Weichao , Zeng Henan , Liu Chenyu , Jiang Wen , Zhang Xiangpeng , Xie Qinyu , Li Wangzhe
Published: November 2024

The photonic frequency-interleaving (PFI) technique has shown great potential for broadband signal acquisition, effectively overcoming the challenges of clock jitter and channel mismatch in the conventional time-interleaving paradigm. However, current comb-based PFI schemes have complex system architectures and face challenges in achieving large bandwidth, dense channelization, and flexible reconfigurability simultaneously, which impedes practical applications. In this work, we propose and demonstrate a broadband PFI scheme with high reconfigurability and scalability by exploiting multiple free-running lasers for dense spectral slicing with high crosstalk suppression. A dedicated system model is developed through a comprehensive analysis of the system non-idealities, and a cross-channel signal reconstruction algorithm is developed for distortion-free signal reconstruction, based on precise calibrations of intra- and inter-channel impairments. The system performance is validated through the reception of multi-format broadband signals, both digital and analog, with a detailed evaluation of signal reconstruction quality, achieving inter-channel phase differences of less than 2°. The reconfigurability and scalability of the scheme are demonstrated through a dual-band radar imaging experiment and a three-channel interleaving implementation with a maximum acquisition bandwidth of 4 GHz. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of a practical radio-frequency (RF) application enabled by PFI. Our work provides an innovative solution for next-generation software-defined broadband RF receivers.
All-optically linearized silicon modulator with ultrahigh SFDR of 131  dB · Hz6/7
Authors: Zhang Qiang , Huang Qikai , Xia Penghui , Li Yan , Jiang Xingyi , Zhang Shuyue , Fang Shengyu , Yang Jianyi , Yu Hui
Published: November 2024

Integrated high-linearity modulators are crucial for high dynamic-range microwave photonic (MWP) systems. Conventional linearization schemes usually involve the fine tuning of radio-frequency (RF) power distribution, which is rather inconvenient for practical applications and can hardly be implemented on the integrated photonics chip. In this paper, we propose an elegant scheme to linearize a silicon-based modulator in which the active tuning of RF power is eliminated. The device consists of two carrier-depletion-based Mach–Zehnder modulators (MZMs), which are connected in series by a 1×2 thermal optical switch (OS). The OS is used to adjust the ratio between the modulation depths of the two sub-MZMs. Under a proper ratio, the complementary third-order intermodulation distortion (IMD3) of the two sub-MZMs can effectively cancel each other out. The measured spurious-free dynamic ranges for IMD3 are 131, 127, 118, 110, and 109  dB·Hz6/7 at frequencies of 1, 10, 20, 30, and 40 GHz, respectively, which represent the highest linearities ever reached by the integrated modulator chips on all available material platforms.
Contact-dependent growth inhibition (CDI) systems deploy a large family of polymorphic ionophoric toxins for inter-bacterial competition
Authors: Halvorsen Tiffany M. , Schroeder Kaitlin A. , Jones Allison M. , Hammarlöf Disa , Low David A. , Koskiniemi Sanna , Hayes Christopher S.
Published: November 2024

Contact-dependent growth inhibition (CDI) is a widespread form of inter-bacterial competition mediated by CdiA effector proteins. CdiA is presented on the inhibitor cell surface and delivers its toxic C-terminal region (CdiA-CT) into neighboring bacteria upon contact. Inhibitor cells also produce CdiI immunity proteins, which neutralize CdiA-CT toxins to prevent auto-inhibition. Here, we describe a diverse group of CDI ionophore toxins that dissipate the transmembrane potential in target bacteria. These CdiA-CT toxins are composed of two distinct domains based on AlphaFold2 modeling. The C-terminal ionophore domains are all predicted to form five-helix bundles capable of spanning the cell membrane. The N-terminal "entry" domains are variable in structure and appear to hijack different integral membrane proteins to promote toxin assembly into the lipid bilayer. The CDI ionophores deployed by E. coli isolates partition into six major groups based on their entry domain structures. Comparative sequence analyses led to the identification of receptor proteins for ionophore toxins from groups 1 & 3 (AcrB), group 2 (SecY) and groups 4 (YciB). Using forward genetic approaches, we identify novel receptors for the group 5 and 6 ionophores. Group 5 exploits homologous putrescine import proteins encoded by puuP and plaP, and group 6 toxins recognize di/tripeptide transporters encoded by paralogous dtpA and dtpB genes. Finally, we find that the ionophore domains exhibit significant intra-group sequence variation, particularly at positions that are predicted to interact with CdiI. Accordingly, the corresponding immunity proteins are also highly polymorphic, typically sharing only ~30% sequence identity with members of the same group. Competition experiments confirm that the immunity proteins are specific for their cognate ionophores and provide no protection against other toxins from the same group. The specificity of this protein interaction network provides a mechanism for self/nonself discrimination between E. coli isolates.
Patients’ experience of suffering a distal radius fracture with long-lasting impairment—a qualitative study
Authors: Südow Hanna , Navarro Cecilia Mellstrand , Ponzer Sari , Olsson Caroline
Published: November 2024

Background

Every year a large number of people suffer a distal radius fracture and some of them never regain their activity level. The correlation between radiographic features and outcome explains some but not all the disability perceived after fracture healing and rehabilitation. Little is known of the persons reporting persistent upper limb dysfunction. The aim of this study was to improve the understanding of the experience of persistent impairment, treatment, and recovery process after a distal radius fracture, with a focus on patients with benign radiographic and injury features but without full restoration of function.

Materials and methods

This is a qualitative study performed through semi structured interviews analyzed with content analysis. The participants had previously been treated at Södersjukhuset hospital, Stockholm, Sweden for a distal radius fracture and reported that they had not regained their previous function. The sampling was purposeful and participants who were assumed to carry a lot of information were selected to participate. All 17 interviews were recorded, transcribed, and coded. Codes were grouped and categories formed.

Results

Three main categories were inductively identified from the data. 1. Limitations in life due to persistent impairment–the description of what was not regained, physically, mentally, and activity-wise. 2. Being a patient–the participants’ description of experiences and feelings when assuming the role as a patient. 3. The last main category identified was personal circumstances such as having to care for children, being alone or having a partner, having a demanding employer or the person’s inherent personality and attitude.

Conclusion

Patients suffer from impairment difficult to measure after a distal radius fracture. During the treatment and recovery process their experience as being patients, their perceived level of knowledge and their personal circumstances all play important roles in understanding how the participants experienced their recovery.
Asymmetric polarization by vaccination status identification during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Jungkunz Sebastian
Published: November 2024

COVID-19 prevention measures and vaccine policies have led to substantial polarization across the world. I investigate whether and how vaccination status and vaccination status identification affect the sympathy and prejudice for vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals. Drawing on a preregistered vignette survey experiment in a large representative sample from Germany (n = 6,100) in December 2021, I show that prejudice was greater among the vaccinated towards the unvaccinated than vice versa. Furthermore, I find that differences in sympathy ratings are strongly subject to vaccination status identification. If individuals do not identify with their vaccination status, there are no differences in the evaluation of the in- and outgroups. Stronger vaccination status identification is, however, associated with greater prejudice among the vaccinated towards the unvaccinated but not for the unvaccinated towards the vaccinated. The results therefore show a stronger polarization on the side of the vaccinated that increases with the identification of one’s vaccination status.
Clinical effects of dexamethasone among patients with sickle cell disease hospitalized with COVID-19: Outcomes from a single academic health system
Authors: Garneau William M. , Lankiewicz Matthew J. , Lesko Catherine R. , Lauriello Ashley P. , Gebo Kelly A. , Lanzkron Sophie M.
Published: November 2024

Background

Dexamethasone is a steroid used in the treatment of hospitalized patients with severe COVID-19. However, the effect of dexamethasone in patients with SCD remains unclear given that steroids may precipitate vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC) in patients with SCD.

Methods and findings

We performed a retrospective analysis of patients with SCD who were hospitalized at Johns Hopkins Health System between June 1, 2020 and June 26, 2022. We reviewed individual charts to assess severity of illness and eligibility for dexamethasone treatment. The exposure of interest was treatment with dexamethasone. Outcomes of interest included incident VTE, length of hospital stay, ICU admission, follow up-VOC and mortality. We identified 30 patients with SCD and COVID-19 who were eligible for dexamethasone treatment, 13 of whom received dexamethasone. Dexamethasone was associated with an increased risk of incident VTE (risk difference = 36%; 95% CI 8%, 66%) after adjustment for high-risk genotypes, >3 hospitalizations, and receipt of anticoagulation. There was an increase in the risk difference of ICU admission and an increased length of stay in crude and adjusted analyses however these associations were not statistically significant.

Conclusions

We analyzed outcomes among patients with SCD who were hospitalized for COVID-19 and eligible for dexamethasone. Our study suggests that in this population, treatment with dexamethasone increases the risk of incident VTE. There was a suggestion of an increased risk of ICU admission as well as increased length of hospitalization; larger studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards Human Papilloma Virus and uptake of HPV vaccine: A protocol for a systematic review
Authors: Anni Naharin Sultana , Rehman Nadia , Nyambi Agatha , Musiwa Anthony , Graham Tatyana , Dine Roseline Dzekem , Stevens-Uninsky Maya , Alvarez Elizabeth , Chagla Zain , Banfield Laura , Mbuagbaw Lawrence
Published: November 2024

Background

Despite a high burden of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)-associated diseases, HPV vaccine uptake is disparate globally. The objective of this systematic review is to summarize the existing evidence on knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding HPV and the uptake of the HPV vaccine.

Methods and analysis

We will conduct a systematic review of observational studies that report data on HPV KAP and vaccine uptake among people aged 16 and above. We will search MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase, Emcare, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Global Health, and PsycInfo. We will conduct screening, data extraction, and assessment of the methodological quality of the included studies in duplicate. A random-effects model will be used to pool data. Subgroup analysis will be done for age younger adults (≤ 26 years old) and older adults (> 26 years old), sex (men and women), income level (as per World Bank), and WHO region. This systematic review will be reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The PROSPERO registration number for the review is CRD42024532230.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval is not necessary as this study will review secondary published data. Our findings will be disseminated as part of a doctoral thesis and through peer-reviewed journal publications and conferences.
The pesticides carbofuran and picloram alter the diversity and abundance of soil microbial communities
Authors: Alves Senabio Jaqueline , Correia da Silva Rafael , Guariz Pinheiro Daniel , Gomes de Vasconcelos Leonardo , Soares Marcos Antônio
Published: November 2024

Many countries widely use pesticides to increase crop productivity in agriculture. However, their excessive and indiscriminate use contaminates soil and other environments and affects edaphic microbial communities. We aimed to examine how the pesticides carbofuran and picloram affect the structure and functionality of soil microbiota using cultivation-independent methods. Total DNA was extracted from microcosms (treated or not with pesticides) for amplification and metabarcoding sequencing for bacteria (16S gene) and fungi (28S gene) using Illumina—MiSeq platform. Data analysis resulted in 6,772,547 valid reads from the sequencing, including 3,450,815 amplicon sequences from the V3-V4 regions of the 16S gene and 3,321,732 sequences from the 28S gene. A total of 118 archaea, 6,931 bacteria, and 1,673 fungi taxonomic operating units were annotated with 97% identity in 24 soil samples. The most abundant phyla were Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Acidobacteria, Firmicutes, Chloroflexi, Euryarchaeaota, and Ascomycota. The pesticides reduced the diversity and richness and altered the composition of soil microbial communities and the ecological interactions among them. Picloram exerted the strongest influence. Metabarcoding data analysis from soil microorganisms identified metabolic functions involved in resistance and degradation of contaminants, such as glutathione S-transferase. The results provided evidence that carbofuran and picloram shaped the soil microbial community. Future investigations are required to unravel the mechanisms by which soil microorganisms degrade pesticides.
Discovery of Nanosota-9 as anti-Omicron nanobody therapeutic candidate
Authors: Ye Gang , Bu Fan , Saxena Divyasha , Turner-Hubbard Hailey , Herbst Morgan , Spiller Benjamin , Wadzinski Brian E. , Du Lanying , Liu Bin , Zheng Jian , Li Fang
Published: November 2024

Omicron subvariants of SARS-CoV-2 continue to pose a significant global health threat. Nanobodies, single-domain antibodies derived from camelids, are promising therapeutic tools against pandemic viruses due to their favorable properties. In this study, we identified a novel nanobody, Nanosota-9, which demonstrates high potency against a wide range of Omicron subvariants both in vitro and in a mouse model. Cryo-EM data revealed that Nanosota-9 neutralizes Omicron through a unique mechanism: two Nanosota-9 molecules crosslink two receptor-binding domains (RBDs) of the trimeric Omicron spike protein, preventing the RBDs from binding to the ACE2 receptor. This mechanism explains its strong anti-Omicron potency. Additionally, the Nanosota-9 binding epitopes on the spike protein are relatively conserved among Omicron subvariants, contributing to its broad anti-Omicron spectrum. Combined with our recently developed structure-guided in vitro evolution approach for nanobodies, Nanosota-9 has the potential to serve as the foundation for a superior anti-Omicron therapeutic.
Effects of dog cardiac orientation on vertebral heart score measurements in different thoracic types
Authors: Soeratanapant Suphat , Sutthigran Somchin , Saisawart Phasamon , Chaivoravitsakul Nardtiwa , Horoongruang Kongthit , Limpongsai Luksamee , Tantarawanich Artima , Thanaboonnipat Chutimon , Tachampa Kittipong , Choisunirachon Nan
Published: November 2024

Background and Aim: Computed tomographic (CT) images can elucidate the variations of cardiac orientation that this information among dog breeds has never been reported. This study aimed to explore the heart orientations of dogs with different thoracic types and study their effects on vertebral heart score (VHS) measurements using CT images.

Materials and Methods: Thoracic CT images of 115 mature dogs without thoracic abnormalities were retrospectively examined. The dogs were classified into four groups: Normal Broad, Abnormal Broad, Normal, and Deep. All dogs were also classified based on their heart deviations. The VHSs were evaluated using lateral VHS, dorsal VHS, and adjusted VHS, and all were compared.

Results: In the normal broad and abnormal broad groups, the lateral VHS and lateral long-axis dimensions were significantly lower than those obtained from the dorsal and adjusted VHSs. In addition, heart deviations were mostly observed in the normal broad and abnormal broad groups. Nevertheless, little evidence was found in the normal and deep groups. The lateral VHS and lateral long-axis dimensions were significantly reduced by heart deviation more than the dorsal and adjusted VHSs.

Conclusion: Cardiac orientations among dog breeds can affect VHSs of lateral projection, especially in the broad thoracic group. Clinical evaluation of the VHS in the broad thoracic dogs should be performed on the dorsal view for more accurate measurement of heart size.

Keywords: cardiac dimension, computed tomography, dog, heart orientation, thoracic cage.
Desarrollo socioemocional en niños y adolescentes con déficit auditivo: una revisión sistemática
Authors: Mateus-Gómez Sandra , Niño-Rincón Nicolás , Navarro-Roldán Claudia Patricia
Published: November 2024

Introducción: El desarrollo socioemocional de niños, niñas y adolescentes con déficit auditivo es asociado con diferencias en el desarrollo lingüístico y su impacto sobre las interacciones con pares. Sin embargo, la evidencia empírica muestra inconsistencias sobre los factores que explican la variabilidad del desarrollo socioemocional en esta población. El objetivo de esta revisión sistemática es examinar la evidencia sobre los factores individuales y contextuales involucrados
en el desarrollo socioemocional en población infantojuvenil con déficit auditivo. Método: Para su desarrollo se usan la guía de Ítems de información preferidos para revisiones sistemáticas y metaanálisis (Prisma, por sus siglas en inglés), la herramienta de búsqueda Spider y una ecuación de búsqueda basada en operadores booleanos y palabras clave. Se realiza una búsqueda en las bases de datos Scopus, Dialnet, Scielo y Redalyc. Resultados: Un total de 26 artículos cumplen los criterios de elegibilidad. Los resultados muestran que los factores individuales asociados el desarrollo socioemocional en la población estudiada son las competencias lingüísticas/comunicativas, el uso de implante coclear, la edad y el tiempo de implantación. A nivel contextual, los factores son la dinámica y estructura familiar, así como la participación en actividades extracurriculares. Conclusiones: La adquisición temprana de una lengua y los contextos de interacción social cotidianos con los pares o los padres pueden marcar una diferencia positiva en el desarrollo socioemocional de esta población.
K-means Clustering assisted ATR-FTIR study for rapid quality evaluation of arrowroot starch
Authors: Patel Rinkal , Vegad Kunjal , Gagat Sarita , Joshi Shailvi , Patel Nikunj
Published: November 2024

To solve the issues, arise in quality evaluation of arrowroot starch due to substitution and adulteration, rapid and robust k means assisted Attenuated Total Reflectance -Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR) method is developed. Arrowroot starch, locally known as “Aerukka” or “Hulankeeriya” is the rhizomes of plants, Curcuma angustifolia Roxb. (Zingiberaceae) and Maranta arundinacea Linn. (Marantaceae). Here, ATR-FTIR technique was used to assess the arrowroot starch samples. All the samples were first analyzed in transmittance mode and the spectrum of respective samples was recorded. Resultant unique fingerprint region data was then treated with K-means clustering of machine learning. Coding for K-means clustering was executed in python. K-means is the fastest unsupervised machine learning algorithm to break down data points into groups even when very little information is available and it effectively organizing and extracting insights from complex datasets. The results showcase the effectiveness of K-means clustering as a valuable tool in analytical procedures, aiding in data-driven decision-making, and facilitating meaningful data interpretations which has distinguished all the samples in three different groups. This rapid method can be used as a routine tool to differentiate samples of arrowroot starch from its adulterants and substitutes for their quality assessment.